The birth of a new baby in any family usually marks a time of joy and celebration. Babies are a sign of hope for parents, and most times, even the general society. They are a symbol representing an even better generation and the bright future that is coming with it.
To grandparents, the birth of a grandchild elevates them to a new status in society. They become something more than just parents. Plus, the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren can be incredibly strong, often transcending the one between the grandparents and the parents to the child.
Grandparents often relive their youth through their grandkids. The kids breathe a new lease of life into them, and they regain their enthusiasm for life. Perhaps this is why most grandparents instantly fall in love with their grandkids from the moment they lay their eyes on them.
While having grandparents around is in itself the greatest gift any grandchild could ask for, many grandparents often feel the need to shower their grandkids with gifts. The grandkids obviously cherish and treasure these gifts because they will always remind them of the love grandma or grandpa has for them.
However, this is all easier said than done. It can be quite challenging to decide what the best gift to get your grandchild should be. What is too expensive? What will they like? Is it even worth it? Well, this is exactly what this article focuses on. Here are some of the best gift ideas grandparents can get their grandkids.
Cool Toys
Toys are somewhat lazy gifts: they barely need any thought put into them, and they are almost always instant hits. They are a great gift idea for when you've run out of options and just need to get something that the grandkids will like.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with toys. Kids love them, especially younger ones. Through them, they get to flex their imagination muscles. They get to build their creativity and learn how to spend time by themselves. Independence and creativity are life skills that will come in handy for the rest of their lives.
New Clothes
Everyone loves new clothes. Revamping your wardrobe can make you feel great about yourself. This applies to everyone, whether old or young. Therefore, if you have a grandchild, spoiling them with new clothes won't hurt! If you are stumped trying to think about where to start, check out our best-seller's list for ideas and inspiration.
Sure, babies may not even notice new clothes. However, it is still great for them to have something from you that they'll always treasure. Who knows, you might be the one to kickstart their sense of style! Our baby girl and baby boy collections feature everything you need to spoil that little angel rotten!
Hobby equipment
Does your grandchild love art? Get her an art set to make her dive deep into her passions and learn to express herself. Does she enjoy reading and writing? Get her a nice journal for her to put down her thoughts. Or perhaps she enjoys music? Consider getting her a piano, guitar, violin, or flute to help nurture their talents.
When kids take up some of these hobbies from an early age, it goes a long way in nurturing their cognitive abilities, communication skills, concentration skills, and self-esteem, especially when they get it right and finally build up the confidence to share what they can do with the world.
Something for the outdoors?
If you have very young grandkids, they might not get out much. How about you fix this? Good quality strollers are a great way for babies to get from point A to point B. Plus, it will get you in good books with their parents, and the whole family will feel even warmer and closer because of it.
Shoes
In some cultures, buying shoes for someone is a sign of devotion to that person. This is a gift that is a great expression of your love as a grandparent towards your grandchild.
Or if you don't want to read too much into it, simply buy them shoes because they are cute and you know your grandkid will look even cuter in them! If you have older grandkids, they might want you to go for something that is trendy and chic. So you might have to do some research on this one because these trends change faster than you can blink!
Good Books
It's never too early for kids to start being read to. There are lots of great book options that you can get for your grandkids and have their parents read to them. If you have older grandchildren, you can also get them into the habit of reading by buying them interesting books. Often, books can leave a lasting impact on kids. At the same time, they can also help them understand life better, as well as helping them develop their vocabulary at the same time.
Tips to keep in mind when choosing gifts
What do your grandkids like?
When buying gifts, it is easy to make the mistake of buying something that you'd like instead of something that your grandkids would like. Try to put yourself in their shoes and think about what they would like. This will immediately give your gift more value and make it more cherished and appreciated. As a grandparent, you should spend some time with your grandchild and learn who they are as people. What excites them and what doesn't? You'll be surprised at how much of a better gift-giver doing this will instantly turn you into.
Is it practical?
This mostly applies to toys. Most children have short attention spans. They love new shiny toys but will lose interest in them when the next one comes into the picture. This is why there is no point in buying expensive toys: kids don't see price tags. A toy is just a toy to them.
A better approach would be to think about how practical or useful the toy can be. Get something that promotes their development and growth while being fun at the same time. Consider getting something that encourages them to move around, think, or go outside. For example, a bike or a kite is more fun outside. These two toys also encourage physical development, exercise, and adventure.
Is it good for the environment?
The world is straining due to pollution and overconsumption. We are simply putting out too much waste. This also applies to toys.
Plastic toys eventually get discarded, adding on to the pile of non-biodegradable waste and further straining the environment. So be mindful of your choices and try to go for environmentally friendly options whenever possible. Get gifts that can last long or be handed down to younger siblings, or gifts that are easily recyclable, such as wooden or bamboo toys.
Final Thoughts
The bond between grandparents and grandkids is a unique one. It is selfless, non-judgemental, and not anchored on unrealistic expectations and dreams. So whether you eventually end up getting an awesome gift or not, nothing can break this powerful bond. Besides, it is the thought that counts.
With these gift options and tips, you can no longer go wrong as a gift-giving grandparent. And your grandkids will feel closer to you for it.