What are some thoughtful gifts for new grandparents? The birth of a grandchild is an exciting life-changing event – acknowledge the new status with a gift that is both special and useful! Choose from a wide variety of items new grandparents love that don’t need to break the bank. The new grandmother or grandfather might enjoy a keepsake type of gift to pass down memories to the new little one – or perhaps they are the type that wants to set up a comfortable place in their own home for when the baby visits.
How Can I Best Support the New Grandparents?
Becoming a grandparent is a significant life event that often brings about various changes in individuals. While a joyful life change, the arrival of a new generation can also be overwhelming. They likely will have less time for friends, at least in the beginning as grandparenting frequently leads to a shift in priorities. They may place more importance on spending time with family to develop a bond with the baby and perhaps to forge a new and different relationship with their adult child. Or, new grandparents may seek out opportunities to connect with other grandparents which make you feel left out if you don’t yet have any of your own.
It is hard to understand the powerful emotions new grandparents experience until you go through it yourself. Try to be patient, kind, and supportive. Acknowledge this milestone with a thoughtful gift or special effort for the family. We offer some ideas below.
10 Thoughtful Gifts for New Grandparents from 50Plus-Today
Below are our suggestions for gifts that the new grandma and/or new grandpa will love. They are listed in no particular order, based on an informal survey of the new grandparents in our 50Plus-Today community.
Baby 411: Your Baby, Birth to Age 1! Everything you wanted to know but was afraid to ask
Much has changed since we had our babies…and most parents follow the latest medical recommendations and guidelines very carefully – and will no doubt expect the grandparents to do the same! BABY 411, considered the go-to reference for babies from birth to age 1, provides clear, no-nonsense advice to care for babies today.
Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever.
One of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” Picks for new grandparents! Sharing your stories is a gift of a lifetime. This time capsule contains 12 or more prompted letters to fill with favorite memories and words of wisdom. Seal your letters with the included stickers and postdate for future openings. Your grandchild will have a cherished heirloom of you to share with generations to come.
Graco Pack Play Playard Portable Automatic Folding Crib Ashford Baby Travel
A portable Playard is essential for grandparents who want their grandchildren to spend time at their house! This one is well-priced, lightweight, easy to open and put away, safe for babies and toddlers to sleep, and having one in their home means the parent has less to pack when they visit.
Digital Forehead and Ear Thermometer Baby Thermometer
A good thermometer to keep on hand is always a good idea! I promise you will use it, even when the kids aren’t there since this one works well for adults too. It is easy to use and accurate. Another nice touch is to keep Infant pain relievers in the house in case the baby runs a fever in the middle of the night.
(Set of 3) Custom Grandparent Gift Golf Balls
For the grandparent who loves to golf! Three standard-size (3) golf balls printed with up to four (4) lines of custom text on one side, in the color of your choice. The ink is printed directly on the balls and cured with a special light to endure daily use. Your package of balls, displayed in clear packaging and ready to wrap, will be shipped quickly
Long Distance State Waffle Weave Dish Towel | Personalized Grandparent Gift
This beautiful customized waffle weave dish towel, adorned with “THE LOVE BETWEEN FAMILIES KNOWS NO DISTANCE” is the perfect gift for those who do not live in the same state as their new family member. You get to choose which two states to add, depending on the location of both the grandparent and the grandchild! Buy more and save! Personalized towels never go out of style and make excellent gifts, especially for people who already seem to have everything! The towels measure approximately 16”x 24” and are made of 80% Polyester and 20% Polyamide. It is called a waffle weave because of the raised looped edges on the surface of the towel similar to those on a delicious Belgium Waffle. These “pockets” hold water while the surface of the cloth stays dry, which makes them exceptional drying towels! Gift wrapping is available.
Memories for My Grandchild: A Keepsake to Remember (Grandparent’s Memory Book)
This wonderful memory book is a great way for a new grandparent to tell their grandchild about themselves. This family keepsake will be treasured for generations! Grandchildren love to hear stories of their grandparents’ adventures, along with memories of their parents. With plenty of prompts and fill-in-the-blanks for recording childhood memories and family history, there’s a lot of space for mementos and photos. The new grandparents can pass on family traditions—like how they celebrated holidays and special recipes.
Fun Grandma Wine Glass, Large 16.5 Ounce Size, in Gift Box
Great gift for the fun-loving grandmother who loves wine! The text is hand engraved on this high-quality 16.5 oz stemmed wine glass. And dishwasher safe! This etched wine goblet is both cute and useful. Great for daily use.
Grandpa or Grandma Est 2022 – Stemless Wine Glass Gift for First Time Grandparents – Bold 17 Oz Large Glasses
A perfect gift for the new grandparents! Each set comes with 1 Grandma and 1 Grandpa 21 oz stemless wine glass. Choose your text color. The glasses are carefully created from professional-grade outdoor vinyl. These are the most popular gifts for new grandparents!
16 oz Beer Pint Glass The Best Dads Get Promoted To Grandpa
Customize the Glass with your “Grandpa” nickname, Maybe you’re a PAPA, POP POP, GRANDPA, or GRAMPS. A 16 oz custom-etched glass makes a perfect gift for the new grandfather! The engraving is permanently carved into the surface of the glass, making it a truly unique present. Dishwasher safe.
Other Thoughtful Ways to Support a Friend Who Is a New Grandmother or Grandfather
Gifts are lovely, but there are other ways to celebrate this milestone as well! Here are some ideas.
Shower them with love
Send your friend lots of love and virtual hugs to celebrate their new grandparent status. Let them know you’re thrilled for them!
Share funny anecdotes
If you have any amusing or heartwarming stories about your own experiences with grandparents or grandkids, share them with your friend. Laughter is always a great bonding tool.
Offer your “listening ear”
Let your friend know that you’re always there to lend a listening ear if they want to gush about their grandchild or share any stories.
Be their cheerleader
Encourage your friend in their new role as a grandparent. Let them know they’ll be an amazing and loving grandma/grandpa!
Plan a virtual “grandbaby shower”
Organize a fun virtual get-together with friends and family to celebrate the new grandbaby. Play games, share advice, and express your excitement together.
Create a digital scrapbook
Put together a digital scrapbook or photo album of memories with your friend, and leave some pages blank for them to add pictures of their grandchild.
Suggest a grandparent support group
If your friend is open to it, suggest joining a local grandparent support group. It can be a great way to connect with others who are going through a similar experience.
Record a video message
Record a short video message congratulating your friend and expressing how wonderful it is to see them enter this new phase of life.
Virtually babysit
Offer to do a video call with your friend’s grandchild, sing songs, or do funny faces together. It’s a great way to interact and put a smile on the little one’s face.
Organize a “Grandparent’s Day Out”
Plan a day out together, where you can do something your friend enjoys. It’s a chance for them to relax and take a break from their grandparent duties. Be understanding of their time though. Recognize that their schedule might be busier now, and be flexible when planning to meet or chat. Quality time together, no matter how short, will mean a lot.
Compliment their grandparent skills:
Offer genuine compliments about how wonderful they’ll be as a grandparent. Your words of encouragement will be heartwarming.
FAQs
When your friend becomes a new grandparent, you might wonder what you can do to help or how your relationship might change. Here are some frequently asked questions we hear from our readers.
How can I celebrate this milestone in my friend’s life?
Offer your heartfelt congratulations on becoming a grandparent. You can send a thoughtful card, a gift for the grandchild, or even arrange a special meetup to celebrate the new addition to the family.
Should I offer help or give space to my friend?
Every individual and situation is different, so it’s essential to gauge what your friend needs. If they seem busy or preoccupied, it may be best to give them some space. However, if you feel comfortable, you can offer your support and let them know you’re there if they need anything.
Will Our Friendship Change Now That Our Friends Are Grandparents?
The short answer is likely, yes your friendship will change somewhat. Keep in mind that while your friend’s priorities may shift with the arrival of their grandchild, it doesn’t necessarily mean your friendship will change permanently or significantly. True friendships can withstand life changes, and your support and understanding will be appreciated during this time.
Is it Appropriate to Ask My Friend About Their Experiences as New Grandparents?
Of course! Asking about their experiences can be a great way to show your interest and support. Most people love talking about their grandchildren to anyone who wants to listen. However, be mindful of their time and emotions, as they may be adjusting to their new role as a grandparent. You might not want to inundate your friend right away with questions.
Why haven’t I seen my friend since they became a grandparent?
Your friend’s life has likely undergone significant changes with the arrival of their grandchild. They may be dedicating a lot of time to spend with their family and support their own child who is now a parent. It’s common for new grandparents to become more involved with their family during this time.
What can I do to reconnect with my friend and bridge the gap?
If you miss spending time with your friend, reach out and suggest a specific activity or outing that you can do together. This can help rekindle your connection and provide an opportunity for catching up.
How can I be understanding and supportive of my friend during this time?
Be patient and understanding of your friend’s new responsibilities as a grandparent. Show empathy and be open to listening to their experiences and joys of being a grandparent.
Should I expect our friendship to go back to how it was before?
Friendships evolve over time, and it’s possible that your friend’s new role as a grandparent may continue to influence the dynamic of your friendship. Embrace the changes and find ways to grow together in this new phase of life.
Can I spend time with my friend’s grandchild?
Asking to spend time with your friend’s grandchild depends on the relationship you have with your friend and their family dynamics. If you have a close bond with the family and feel comfortable asking, you can express your interest in meeting the new addition to the family.
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