Christmas gifts for grandma, grandpa and grandparents
The ones they keep forever come from the grandkids.
The family album: turn the pages
Keepsakes from the grandkids
- A photo calendar of the grandkids. A new picture to smile at every month of the year.
- Framed handprint or footprint art. Proof of just how small they were this Christmas.
- A digital photo frame the family can add to. New photos arrive from wherever the grandkids are.
- A letter from each grandchild. In their own writing, or drawn if they're too little to write.
- A “tell me your story” journal. Prompts for Grandma or Grandpa to fill in. It comes back a family treasure.
- An ornament with the grandkids' names. Out of the box every December, for years.
Cozy by the fire
- A soft throw blanket. For the armchair, the porch swing or the nap after dinner.
- Warm slippers with grippy soles. Cozy feet, and steadier steps on hard floors.
- A plush robe. A small luxury for slow winter mornings.
- A photo mug and their favorite tea or cocoa. The grandkids' faces, every morning.
- A warm hat and gloves. For winter walks, or watching the grandkids in the snow.
Things they'll reach for
- A jigsaw puzzle or puzzle book. Quiet afternoons, and something to do with visiting grandkids.
- A bird feeder by the window. Something new to watch every morning with coffee.
- An e-reader with adjustable text size. Bigger print, easier on tired eyes.
- An indoor herb garden. A little gardening that keeps going through winter.
- A good reading lamp. Bright, even light for books, crosswords and knitting.
Time together
- A standing video call date. Same time every week, wherever everyone lives.
- A baking day with the grandkids. Flour everywhere, cookies to share, a memory for everyone.
- Tickets to a show or concert. A night out together, with dinner on the way.
- A day out: lunch and a walk. Simple, unhurried time is often what they want most.
- Helper coupons from the grandkids. Raking leaves, shoveling snow or setting the table. Redeemable any time.
Page 1 of 4: Keepsakes from the grandkids
The gift that costs a stamp
Help the grandkids write a short letter about their favorite times with Grandma and Grandpa. Tuck it in with the gift, or mail it on its own if they live far away.
Stuck for words? Find the right words.
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
My favorite thing this year was making pancakes at your house. Grandpa flipped one onto the ceiling. Can we do it again?
Love, Maya (age 7)
From Grandma's recipe box
Questions families ask, with tried and true answers.
What do you get a grandma who says she doesn't want anything?
Give time and memories: a photo book of the year, a letter from each grandchild, or a planned day out together. Things she can use up, like tea or a puzzle, are good too.
What are good Christmas gifts for grandpa?
A photo calendar of the grandkids, a bird feeder, warm slippers, a puzzle, or tickets to something you can enjoy together. Think about what fills his days and build from there.
What can kids make for their grandparents?
Handprint art, a drawing in a frame, a decorated photo, a letter, a homemade ornament, or a batch of cookies baked with a parent's help.
What's a good gift for grandparents who live far away?
A digital photo frame the family can add to, a regular video call date, letters and drawings in the mail, or a photo calendar so they see the grandkids every month.
Should grandparents get one gift or one each?
Either is fine. A shared gift, like a photo calendar or a day out, works well for couples. Small separate gifts let each grandparent feel thought of.
Tell Santa about them
What they love, how they spend their days, what you'd like to spend. He'll suggest gifts they'll keep.