Christmas Gifts for the Whole Family: 20 Ideas Everyone Can Share

Buying for a whole household, such as your sibling's family, the grandparents and grandkids, or your own family, can be easier with one shared gift than with five separate ones. The best Christmas gifts for the whole family bring people together, last beyond the holidays and work for every age. Here are twenty ideas.

Shared keepsakes

1. A family video ornament

The Glowmory™ Memory Ornament plays a video on a loop through a small round screen inside a glowing ornament. Load the family's favorite moment of the year and it becomes part of the tree. It needs no app or Wi-Fi, holds 4 GB, and you can change the clip every year. It's a perfect gift for a family that lives far away, too.

2. A family photo book of the year

Twelve months of moments, printed and bound.

3. A personalized family sign or print

Names, a family motto or the year they moved into their home.

4. A family recipe book

Collect recipes from every generation.

5. A "family time capsule" kit

A box to fill with letters, photos and objects, to open in five or ten years.

Games and play

6. A big family board game

Pick one that works across ages: cooperative games are great when kids are young.

7. A giant puzzle

1,000 pieces, on the table all through the holidays.

8. Outdoor games

Croquet, a giant stacking-blocks game, a badminton set or a frisbee for spring.

9. A card game collection

Quick to learn, easy to take to grandma's.

Learning and discovery

10. A family microscope

The Little Explorer Pocket Microscope is made for kids but loved by adults, too: 60x–120x zoom for leaves, salt, fabric and snowflakes, usable handheld, on a desk or held to a phone camera. Choose the 12-slide kit for instant results. It's recommended for ages 3+, with an adult nearby for the youngest.

11. A telescope or star map

For winter evenings looking at the sky.

12. A birdwatching kit

Binoculars, a feeder and a field guide.

13. A family cookbook and cooking night

One new recipe a week, cooked together.

Experiences

14. A day trip voucher

The zoo, an aquarium, a theme park or a science museum.

15. Family film or theater tickets

A pantomime in the UK, The Nutcracker in the US, a children's show anywhere.

16. A weekend away

Even one night in a cabin feels like an adventure.

17. A family class

Cooking, pottery or painting, something everyone tries for the first time together.

Cozy at home

18. Matching pajamas

For the Christmas morning photo.

19. A family film night basket

Blanket, popcorn, snacks and a film for every age.

20. A hot chocolate station

Mugs, cocoa, marshmallows and toppings.

Which gift for which family?

Family	Try
With young kids	Pocket microscope, cooperative game, matching pajamas
With teens	Board game, experience voucher, film night basket
Far away	Family video ornament, photo book
Three generations	Family recipe book, time capsule, video ornament
Outdoorsy	Birdwatching kit, outdoor games, day trip

Frequently asked questions

What's a good Christmas gift for a whole family?

Something everyone can share: a family video ornament, a board game, an experience voucher or a family photo book.

What's a meaningful gift for a family that lives far away?

A video keepsake of the family together, such as a Glowmory ornament loaded with a favorite clip, so they see you every day on their tree.

Is there a discount for buying several?

Yes. Both the Glowmory ornament and the Little Explorer microscope are 16% off each when you buy 2 and 25% off each when you buy 3.

How much do they cost, and when should I order?

The Glowmory ornament is $59.99 in the US and Canada or €54.99 in Europe. The Little Explorer is $52.99 (or $59.99 with the slide kit) in the US and Canada, and €47.99 (or €54.99) in Europe. Shipping is free. Order by Tuesday, December 1, 2026 for Christmas.

Give the whole family something to share. See the Glowmory Memory Ornament or read Christmas gifts for long-distance family.