Grandparents Guide Archives

Grandparents have earned the reputation of pampering their grandkids. They do this in a variety of ways, but gift giving is by far the most common. Grandparents like lavishing presents on their grandkids! Without a question. They offer presents for holidays, special events, to recognize achievements, and simply for fun. However, there are certain drawbacks to giving gifts. Many grandparents describe difficulties in finding the perfect present for their grandchildren. Gift giving takes time and effort on the side of grandparents to be effective. It involves forethought and knowledge of your grandchild's interests and goals. I recently spoke with numerous grandparents about the kind of presents they give to their grandkids. Books were towards the top of the list. Some grandparents claimed they gift their grandkids books for any occasion and write a personal note in the book. They get book recommendations from their parents, a library, or their grandkids. Computer software, apparel, jewelry, toys, and DVDs are all popular presents. Subscriptions to magazines are also great presents for grandkids. Younger children like National Geographic Kids, American Girl, and Highlights, and they eagerly await their arrival in the mail. If you decide to buy a toy, examine its age appropriateness and if it will provide hours of entertainment for a long time. One grandfather told me that he started a college fund for his grandson when he was a newborn and that he contributes to it over the holiday season. He expressed amazement that his nine-year-old grandson has accepted this arrangement and is delighted to receive this present for his future. Grandparents may create customized and imaginative presents with a little ingenuity. Grandchildren are eager to learn about their parents' childhood experiences. You may offer a particular family relic from their parent's youth, such as a book or toy, or you can create a chronological picture album of their parent's growing-up years. Give your art as a present if you have creative skill. Make doll outfits, a bird home, or seasonal decorations using crochet. Handmade gift cards for a trip or event may be a special treat for both you and your grandchild. Visits to favored destinations such as the zoo, aquarium, science center, or sports event or play might be included in the gift vouchers. Gifts that entail spending time together have the additional benefit of helping to create and sustain connections. Family cookbooks and recipes may be a valued present for an older grandchild since food is such an important aspect of family life. These might be cookbooks held by elder relatives or cookbooks created by you that include your favorite family recipes. You may keep it basic with a collection of Xeroxed recipes, or you can have professional printed and bound family cookbooks. Whatever present you choose for your grandkids, provide the additional legacy of love and acceptance. When you spend time with your grandkids, listen to them, and keep in touch, you are providing the most valuable present of all - a gift that will last a lifetime.