Gift-giving is an art form. It can be hard to find things that your grandchildren will like sometimes, especially if you don't plan on spending too much money. When your grandkids already own all the latest toys, you need to find something unique that they will enjoy and treasure. So if you are looking to get your grandkids something that won’t end up at the back of the closet, here are some suggestions to consider:
1. Clothes and shoes
You can never go wrong with buying clothes and/or shoes for your grandkids, especially if they are younger. Just remember to ask the parents if there is anything in particular that the kids need, and if they have any preferences for things like color and material.
You have a variety of options when it comes to choosing clothes for your grandkid, from warm winter onesies suits to stylish top and shorts sets. For shoes, you can go for high top canvas shoes, breathable mesh sandals, or cute flower shoes that come in a variety of colors.
2. A digital camera for kids
There are simple, durable, and sturdy digital cameras from brands such as Vtech and Discovery Kids that are made for kids aged 3 and above. Seeing the world from your grandkid's perspective can be quite a unique experience, and the best tool to document this is a digital camera. This is a great gift for both younger children and teenagers.
Buying a digital camera can also help to cultivate an interest in photography in them, especially if you are also interested in photography and are willing to give them tips on how to get started.
3. A hardcover photo book
A hardcover photo book can be the perfect gift to complement a digital camera. One option is to gift a photo book which they can fill with photos that they take themselves. This way, they can keep track of their work. Another option is to create a photo book using a collection of photos from different stages of your grandkid’s life.
If your grandchildren enjoy going through old photos and hearing the memories attached to them, then chances are that they would really appreciate a customized photo book.
4. Small pets such as reptiles or hamsters
Pets can become life-long companions for your grandkids. They can also help them become more responsible. The bond that can develop between your grandkid and the pet that you gift them will result in a lot of fond memories.
The pet doesn't necessarily have to be a cat or dog – you can start with small animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and small reptiles such as bearded lizards. Whether or not you should get your grandkid a pet entirely depends on what their parents think. Therefore, before getting this often controversial gift, ensure that the parents don’t mind and are willing to help out with the care of the pet.
5. A bike
Gifting your grandkid a bicycle can be a great way to get them off their gadgets and encourage them to go outside. To make this gift even more special, consider also getting a bicycle of your own so that you get to spend more time with them by going for long bike rides together.
If your grandkid doesn’t know how to ride a bike, this is a great opportunity to show them how. If your grandkids are older, consider signing them up (with their parents’ consent, of course) for charity bike rides to give them a goal to strive for. Buying your grandkid a bike and encouraging them to go out for rides will help them become more active and also help them develop a sense of adventure.
6. A gift card
Many assume that gift cards are a random gift that requires little to no thought put into it, but they are ideal if you are trying to figure out what to buy your teenage grandkid.
If you are not completely sure of what type of gift they would like, yet you still want them to feel special, it might be a good idea to get them a gift card to a store where they like to shop. If you don't know where they frequent, you can always get them Amazon, Walmart, or Visa cards that will give them a variety of options.
7. A kids' gardening toolset
One thing you might have noticed about young kids is how much they love to emulate grownups. A gardening toolset specifically made for children is a great gift to make them feel all grown up. A typical kids' gardening toolset will feature a towel, a shovel, a rake, a watering can, gardening gloves, and a bag where they can keep their tools when they are not in use.
This is a great gift to help them develop an interest in gardening, especially if you enjoy it as well. Helping them learn how to use the various tools can give you a lot of bonding time with your beloved grandkids.
8. A journal
A journal is a great gift idea for your grandkid as it will help instill the habit of documenting all sorts of things. This could end up them to become writers in the future.
Even if your grandkid doesn't become an author, keeping a paper journal provides them a great outlet through which they can express themselves and work through whatever they are going through at the moment. A journal can also be a great source of reference in case they want to relive experiences from their past.
9. A savings account
Consider gifting your grandkid a savings account that you add to regularly. This is an investment gift that they might not immediately understand the significance of having until they are older, but putting away money in an account especially dedicated to your grandchild can go a long way to improve the quality of their life in the future. The money you save up can be used to contribute to their education, travels, or any other needs they might have.
10. Shares of stock
Similar to a savings account, shares of stock are not a gift that your grandkids will initially appreciate, but it is a smart and unique gift regardless. This is because it will give them something to fall back on in the future, whether it is money to fund their first car, college studies, or even down payment on their home. It will also allow your grandkids to gain more knowledge about the stock market and how compound interest works.
Final Thoughts
If you are like most grandparents, then you probably already know just how hard it can be to find the perfect gift for your grandkids. That said, the ten gifts listed here are the perfect starting point for your gift-giving. A good gift does not have to be expensive – as long as it is thoughtful, it will undoubtedly make your grandkids happy. Good luck!