Vu Lan Gifts for Parents: 14 Thoughtful Ideas to Show Your Love

Vu Lan is a special occasion for children to express our deep gratitude and love for their parents. Selecting a meaningful Vu Lan gift for your parents is a beautiful way to convey your heartfelt thanks.

In the spirit of Vu Lan, let’s explore some thoughtful and practical gift ideas that will make this day even more memorable and warm. Continue reading to discover perfect Vu Lan gift suggestions from Chus, helping you share love and care with those who raised and nurtured you.

A Brief Introduction to Vu Lan

Vu Lan, also known as Yulan Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, is one of the most important Buddhist holidays in Vietnam. It’s a time for children to honor the immense love and sacrifices of their parents and also to pray for the souls that have yet to find peace. In 2024, Vu Lan will be observed on August 18th in the Gregorian calendar.

According to legend, a Buddhist monk Maudgalyayana had a mother suffering in hell due to her sins during her lifetime. She had become a hungry ghost, a spirit unable to eat even when food was given because it turned into flames. Maudgalyayana sought the Buddha's guidance on how to save his mother, and he was advised to gather monks to pray for her. The 15th day of the 7th lunar month was chosen as the most auspicious time to perform these rituals.

Today, Vu Lan transcends religious boundaries and has become a beautiful cultural tradition, a time for everyone to reflect on and appreciate their loved ones.

The Meaning of Giving Vu Lan Gifts to Parents

1. Expressing Filial Piety:

Of course, no gift can ever compare to the boundless love and sacrifices parents make for their children. However, choosing a Vu Lan gift is a way to express your sincere feelings and gratitude.

2. Strengthening Family Bonds:

Vu Lan gifts are symbols of unity, helping to strengthen family ties. Each gift you choose carries a message of love, creating warm and memorable moments that bring family members closer together.

3. Bringing Joy to Parents:

Even small Vu Lan gifts, when given with sincerity, can bring immense joy and happiness to your parents. You’ll see their faces light up with joy as they feel the love you’ve poured into each gift.

4. Showing Care and Concern:

Vu Lan gifts are a way to show your care and concern for your parents’ well-being. Through these gifts, you demonstrate that you are always thinking of their health and happiness, and wish to share life’s joys and challenges with them.

5. Creating Cherished Memories:

The gift you give on Vu Lan will become a part of the cherished memories that your family holds dear. These moments will be preserved forever, becoming stories that you and your family will share, remember, and treasure throughout your lives.

14 Thoughtful Vu Lan Gift Ideas for Parents

1. A Short Family Trip:

Taking your parents on a short trip is a fantastic Vu Lan gift. Organize a getaway to peaceful, cool destinations like Da Lat, Sa Pa, or Hoi An, ideal for relaxation.

You could also consider a pilgrimage to famous temples or shrines to pray for peace and good fortune for the entire family.

2. A Family Meal at a Restaurant:

Treat your parents to a meal at their favorite restaurant or try new dishes at a popular vegetarian or traditional eatery.

To make it extra special, reserve a private, cozy space where your family can gather and enjoy the meal in a comfortable and intimate setting.

3. Health Gifts:

Health-related gifts are always meaningful for Vu Lan. Consider giving health supplements, massage devices, or comprehensive health checkup packages as practical and thoughtful options.

4. Premium Bedding Set:

If you're wondering what to give for Vu Lan, a luxurious bedding set is a perfect choice. It will help your parents sleep better and more comfortably.

Chus suggests a satin bed sheet set made from silk, available in various sizes and elegant colors, perfect for any bedroom. The set comes in a gift box with a bow, making it a thoughtful and practical gift for your parents, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

5. Clothing or Fashion Accessories:

A new outfit, a comfortable pair of shoes, or a high-quality scarf can make your parents feel youthful and confident.

At Chus, you’ll find a wide range of stylish silk scarves and quality silk shawls to gift your mom this Vu Lan.

Or if you're looking for a Vu Lan gift for your dad, consider a premium handmade leather wallet. Look for wallets with multiple compartments to suit your dad's needs.

6. Books:

If your parents enjoy reading, books make an ideal Vu Lan gift. Find books on topics that interest them, such as health, psychology, cooking, gardening, novels, and more.

This gift is not only educational but also provides relaxing moments for your parents.

7. Flowers and Plants:

A small potted plant or a bouquet of fresh flowers is a great way to bring a touch of nature and freshness to your parents' home. Don’t forget to choose flowers in their favorite colors and plants that suit their taste and space.

8. Modern Kitchen Appliances:

Kitchen appliances like an air fryer, a multifunction blender, or a high-quality electric kettle make it easier and quicker for your parents to prepare delicious meals.

9. Home Exercise Equipment:

Items like a treadmill, an exercise bike, or yoga accessories help your parents maintain their health at home. These practical and meaningful Vu Lan gifts are perfect for parents who enjoy exercising.

A yoga bolster made from natural cotton, for example, is a useful tool that will make yoga practice easier for your parents. The pillow is made from real cotton, not synthetic materials, ensuring breathability and softness for your parents’ comfort.

10. Relaxing Scented Candles:

A set of scented candles with a gentle fragrance creates a cozy, relaxing atmosphere during peaceful evenings. Scented candles also add a touch of elegance to your parents’ space, making them an easy yet meaningful Vu Lan gift.

11. Premium Tea or Coffee:

If you’re still unsure of what to give for Vu Lan, why not try a premium Vietnamese tea set or specialty coffee? Savoring the rich flavors together can make Vu Lan warmer and more meaningful.

12. Spa Services:

A spa gift package, including massage, skincare, or herbal baths, is a thoughtful Vu Lan gift that helps your parents relax after stressful days. Or, you can buy spa products to use at home and personally take care of your parents, such as warming pillows or bath salts.

Warming pillows from Chus are handcrafted by artisans using soft, breathable linen instead of synthetic fibers. The pillow’s filling is made from natural grains, beans, and the scent is derived entirely from natural essential oils or herbs like dill, ensuring safety and comfort for your parents. This is a wonderful relaxation gift you can give them this Vu Lan.

With essential oil bath salts, your parents can soak their feet in warm, fragrant water. Warm feet improve blood circulation, helping them feel more comfortable and relaxed.

13. Family Photo Album: 

A photo album filled with beautiful family moments, carefully arranged, is a valuable and sentimental gift.

To make the photo album gift for your parents even more special, you can choose a handmade family photo album. This handcrafted item ensures uniqueness and carries more sentimental value than mass-produced products.

14. Useful Electronic Devices:

In an increasingly polluted environment with growing plastic contamination in water sources, electronic devices like air purifiers, water filters, or humidifiers are practical gifts for your parents.

These gifts not only help improve the air and water quality at home but also create a healthier and safer living environment, protecting your parents' health every day. This is a wonderful way to show your care during Vu Lan.

How to Choose the Perfect Vu Lan Gifts for Your Parents

Just like any other gift, Vu Lan gifts should align with your parents' preferences and needs. Below are some tips to help you choose the perfect gift for your parents during this special holiday of filial piety:

1. Understand Their Interests:

Before deciding on a Vu Lan gift, take the time to understand your parents' interests. If your father enjoys tea, select a high-quality tea; if your mother loves plants, consider a quality ceramic plant pot or seeds for her to grow.

Pay attention to your parents' words and actions, even the smallest details. Sometimes, you can ask relatives or friends of your parents to confirm their current preferences. Don’t hesitate to ask those of similar age as your parents—you might discover something interesting!

2. Age-Appropriate Gifts:

When choosing Vu Lan gifts for your parents, age is a crucial factor to consider:

• For those with elderly parents, gifts like massage gadgets, health supplements, or assistive devices are ideal choices that can improve their daily quality of life.
• If your parents are younger and more active, gifts like fashionable clothing, modern technology gadgets, or sports equipment will bring joy and suit their lifestyle.

Additionally, you might consider culturally significant gifts such as an ao dai for your mother or special feng shui items for your father, which are both elegant and considerate of their individual tastes.

3. Emotional Value:

A gift should not only be visually appealing but also carry emotional significance, creating lasting memories.

Gifts that hold sentimental value, like a family photo album capturing precious moments or a painting you’ve made yourself, will make your parents feel your sincere love and care.

This is a wonderful way to convey feelings that sometimes words can't fully express. These gifts become cherished keepsakes and symbols of your bond, making your parents feel warm and loved.

Conclusion

This Vu Lan season, selecting the right gifts for your parents is not just a way to express gratitude but also to create memorable moments. No matter what you choose, the time and effort you put into making the day special are what truly count.

And if you’re unsure about what to gift during Vu Lan, explore and shop on Chus to find the perfect gifts for your parents, showing them your genuine love and appreciation!