Grandparents are special people. We want them to know how much we love and appreciate them, but why do we have so much trouble choosing gifts for grandparents? You always hear it’s the thought that counts, and that’s true. Your Grandma and Grandpa will love anything you get them. But why not find something really unique and different to put an extra wide smile on their faces?
Why Are Grandparents So Special?
Grandparents are definitely special. Many of us have wonderful memories from childhood. I always felt very loved and very important when with them. Grandparents play unique roles in families and often have a tremendous impact on their grandchildren’s lives. It’s nice to show our appreciation with a gift for grandparents that is as unique and special as they are. Here are some of the reasons many of us adore these older family members.
Wisdom and Experience
Grandparents typically have a wealth of life experience and knowledge that they can share with their grandchildren. Their insights and advice can be valuable as they have lived through different eras, faced various challenges, and gained a deeper understanding of life.
Unconditional Love
Grandparents often have a special kind of love for their grandchildren. They may not have the same responsibilities as parents, which can create a sense of warmth and unconditional acceptance that provides a comforting and safe environment for grandchildren.
Storytelling and Family History
Grandparents often serve as storytellers, sharing family history, anecdotes, and traditions that help connect younger generations to their heritage and roots. This storytelling fosters a sense of identity and belonging.
Intergenerational Bonding
The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren bridges multiple generations, bringing different age groups together. This connection can lead to stronger family bonds, as well as an exchange of perspectives and values between generations.
Support System
Grandparents can offer emotional, practical, and sometimes financial support to both their adult children (the parents) and their grandchildren. This support can alleviate some of the challenges that come with parenting and caregiving.
Different Roles than Parents
Because grandparents aren’t the primary caregivers, they often have the opportunity to focus on building a special, nurturing relationship with their grandchildren. This role can be more relaxed and less focused on discipline, creating a unique dynamic.
Shared Activities
Grandparents often engage in leisure activities and hobbies with their grandchildren, creating shared memories and bonding over common interests. These interactions can contribute to a sense of joy and happiness for both generations.
Guidance and Mentoring
Grandparents can serve as mentors and role models for their grandchildren, offering guidance, encouragement, and a sense of direction as they navigate different stages of life.
Emotional Support
During challenging times or transitions, such as the loss of a pet, a move, or a family change, grandparents can provide emotional stability and reassurance to their grandchildren.
Legacy and Values
Grandparents play a vital role in passing down family values, cultural traditions, and moral beliefs. They contribute to the development of a strong moral compass and a sense of responsibility in their grandchildren.
Not all grandparents fit this description, as family dynamics and relationships can vary widely. However, when these positive qualities are present, grandparents often hold a special place in the hearts of their grandchildren and contribute significantly to their upbringing and personal growth.
Unique Gifts for Grandparents
Below is a list of the coolest gifts for grandparents contributed by our readers. We think it’s a great start if you’re struggling to find a special present for these special people.
JoyAmo’s Personalized Cut-Out Family Tree with Names
Is Grandma’s birthday approaching? Are you looking for a family tree name pendant? Surprise her with something unique and different this year that is also super meaningful and emotional by buying her JoyAmo’s Personalized Cut Out Family Tree. A personalized family tree name necklace is always a great idea as a family gift whether it is in Sterling silver 925 or 18k gold plating. Choose from a variety of chain lengths. Shower her on her special day with love and appreciation! You can personalize the amazing family tree necklace with names gold plating by engraving up to five names. This gift is also perfect for Mom!
All You Need is Love Beatles, Pop-Up Card
Still, stumped in your search for unique gifts for grandparents? If your grandparents are like me, they probably love thinking about the “Good old days”. Loaded with nostalgia, this gorgeous 3-D Pop-up card from Love Pop is much more than a card! Give some groovy to them with this brightly colored All You Need is Love card. Loaded with love, any Beatles lover will be transported back to the days of the Beatles with this clever design.
My Life in a Book
Here’s an especially fabulous gift that will be treasured by family members for years to come! Most older people enjoy talking about “the good old days” and sharing their memories, and these stories are ones you definitely want to preserve! My Life in a Book is a Story Prompt Program that will send one thought-provoking question to your loved one every week for a year via email. At the end of a year, or whenever they feel ready, they compile all their stories in a beautiful keepsake book. Future generations cherish these treasures more than you know! It’s also a perfect last-minute gift because it doesn’t require shipping!
Customizable Grandpa and Grandma Doormat
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.
Tube Bar Necklace with Engraved Name Beads for the Guys
Think the guys are less sentimental than the ladies? Grandfathers (and dads) love this customized necklace and wear it proudly. Make his day and put a big smile on his face with this incredible and one-of-a-kind Tube Bar Necklace with Engraved Name Beads also from JoyAmo. Engrave a name on each bead. You can add up to 7 names on the tube bar pendant! Available in silver, gold or rose gold and you can choose from 5 different chain lengths.
Men’s Leather Bracelet with Oval Name Beads
Here’s one more from Joyamo that the guys love (comes in with a black, brown, or blue leather band – Fabulous! This high-quality and beautiful men’s bracelet will make Grandpa smile every single day.
What I Love about Grandma Fill in the Love Book Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal
This little book contains fill-in-the-blank lines to describe why your Grandma is the greatest. Just complete each line and voilà: a uniquely personal gift she’ll cherish forever. Make it as sweet, sentimental or serious as you like! The durable hardcover comes with a clear removable plastic jacket – this is the perfect gift for Grandma, no matter the occasion!
23andMe+ Premium Membership Bundle – DNA Kit with Personal Genetic Insights Including Health + Ancestry Service
Genealogy is very popular these days. Do your grandparents love to tell stories about their past? Maybe they would like to learn more? The 23andMe Health and Ancestry Service is a super simple and convenient way to unlock your family’s history. It’s absolutely amazing what a little saliva can tell you about your family tree. A unique gift grandma or grandpa is sure to love! Comes with more than 180 personalized reports and a one-year premium membership.
Cross Stitch Kit Stamped Full Range of Embroidery Starter Kit- Starry Night of Van Gogh 23×18(inch)
Is Grandma artsy? Does she like to cross-stitch? This kit provides everything you need to get started, including pre-printed cotton fabric, high-definition pattern, pre-sorted high-quality embroidery thread, needles, and instructions! The easy-to-follow directions, as well as the symbols and corresponding numbers, make the cross-stitching work very easy and fun. The positive grids prevent your eyes from being tired. All in all, this makes for an enjoyable experience! Check out this kit for a meaningful and fun gift for grandma.
Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever.
One of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” Picks for new grandparents! Let your elderly loved one know that sharing their 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. They can seal the letters with the included stickers and postdates for future openings. You will have a cherished heirloom from your grandparents to share with generations to come.
Women’s One Size Soft Knit Nylon Wrap in Gift Box
Show grandma the love! In the inside pocket (love that it has a pocket!), the lucky recipient will find a message of encouragement printed on a bookmark that reads, “We all need a little comfort now and then…
A reminder to help grandma know that she is not alone in the world…That there is someone in her corner, ready with a hug, no matter what. Make sure she is aware you think of her often, cheer her on from afar, and love her for exactly who she is.
Super soft and lightweight, it’s nice that those who may not have the flexibility in their shoulders they once did can wrap it around themselves and not have to pull their arms into sleeves which can be painful.
This wonderful shawl washes well in cold water and comes in a beautiful gift box. This is the best gift for an elderly woman she didn’t know she needed!
(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.
Gifts for Grandparents that Don’t Cost Anything
Gifts for grandparents that don’t cost money but still show your love and appreciation are often the most meaningful. Here are some thoughtful ideas:
Handwritten Letters or Poems
Write a heartfelt letter or poem expressing your feelings and memories. This personal touch can mean a lot to them.
Photo Collage
Create a collage of family photos, capturing special moments and memories. You can arrange them digitally or create a physical collage.
Cook a Meal
Prepare their favorite meal or bake some treats. Sharing a homemade meal is a wonderful way to show your love.
Home Videos
Compile old family videos or create new ones to share with them. This can be a heartwarming trip down memory lane.
Home Cleaning or Organizing
Offer to help with chores around the house, like cleaning, organizing, or gardening. This can be especially helpful for older grandparents.
Tech Support
Assist them with any tech-related issues they might have, like setting up their smartphone, computer, or social media accounts.
Storytelling Time
Spend time with them sharing stories from your life, asking about their experiences, and fostering a deeper connection.
Handmade Crafts
Create handmade crafts, like a painted rock, a knitted scarf, or a handcrafted card. These items carry a personal touch.
Plant a Garden
If they enjoy gardening, spend time together planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables in their garden.
Offer Companionship
Simply spending quality time with them, playing games, watching movies, or chatting, can be a wonderful gift.
Help with Errands
Run errands for them, such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions, to make their day a bit easier.
Music Playlist
Curate a playlist of their favorite songs and play it for them. Music can evoke nostalgia and happiness.
Virtual Visits
If you’re not able to visit in person, set up a video call to virtually spend time with them and catch up.
Read Aloud
Choose a book or a few short stories and read them aloud. This can be a soothing and enjoyable experience for both you and your grandparents.
We think these creative gifts for grandparents make exceptional gifts. The most important thing is to show your love, care, and attention. Thoughtful gestures and spending time together can make a thoughtful gift grandma or grandpa than any material gift.
More thoughtful gifts for grandparents:
