Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day or Grandparent’s Day, coming up with fresh, new gift ideas for your grandparents can be a challenge.
If your grandparents compile their own wish list, it makes the gift buying process a little easier. But if they tell you to save your money because they already have everything they need, purchasing gifts becomes more of a search.
After thoughtfully considering your grandparents’ activities, hobbies and physical abilities, here are some practical gift-giving ideas that your grandparents will appreciate.
Gift Ideas For a Healthy, Active Grandparent
If your grandparents enjoy physical activity and exercise, consider accessories that support their sport of choice. A new golf hat, a heart-rate monitor, a step pedometer, sweatbands or a fanny pack with a water bottle holder could all help encourage their commitment to healthy living. If your grandparents belong to a gym, a gift card to the gym’s gift shop or food counter would be a nice addition to their gym visits.
Gift Ideas For a Tech-Savvy Grandparent (or a wanna-be)
If your grandparents are amazed by today’s gadgets and devices, an ipod loaded with their favorite songs from their generation would make an excellent gift. A prepaid cell phone, calling card or setting your grandparents up with an email account on a new netbook or small laptop would encourage them to stay in touch with you. If you do decide to delve into the technology world for your grandparents, be sure to offer your tech-support services when they need it.
Practical Gifts Ideas for Any Grandparent
If your grandparents are not marathon runners or a technology geeks, consider some good, old-fashioned, thoughtful gifts they could enjoy:
- A Grandparent’s Brag Book. A collection of pictures compiled by you that they could share with their friends.
- Home Movies. Especially for grandparents who are out of town, a video tape or CD of their grandchildren’s activities is a gift they will appreciate.
- Subscription to Netflix. If your grandparent enjoys the movies, they can have their selections delivered to them on a monthly basis.
- Personalized Calendar. These calendars can be made at most stores that develop pictures, and can include photos of their grandchildren participating in activities throughout the year.
- A Collection of All-Occasion Cards. For birthdays, anniversaries, or any event your grandparents might want to send a card for. Having a stash of cards will save them a trip to the store. Include a book of stamps, too.
- A Gift Card. Get them one to their favorite place to shop, restaurant or grocery store.
- Rolls of Quarters. To use in the laundry room, for bus fares or parking meters.
- Time Together. If you live close by, make a regularly scheduled time each month to spend with your grandparents. Whether it is sharing a meal, a cup of coffee or a walk in the park, they will enjoy and appreciate the extra time with you.
Although a gift is a thoughtful gesture, remember that the gift of time spent together is the most treasured of them all.
Laurie Zinn - Laurie Zinn is a freelance writer and Topic Editor for the seniors/grandparents section at Suite 101. After earning her ...
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