Grandparents love spoiling their grandchildren but often don't know what kids and teens are into today. The best gift from them blends usefulness, joy and a bit of family history. Here are gift ideas for a granddaughter or grandson from grandma and grandpa by age: toddlers, schoolchildren, teens and grown-up grandchildren, plus experiences, sweet surprises and what to avoid.
Before buying, check with the child's parents: they know what the child already has, what they've been asking for and what won't work (allergies, lack of space). That way you won't give a fifth identical building set. If you have several grandchildren, keep budgets similar: kids notice the difference.
Toddlers get safe soft toys, play mats, shape sorters, board books and clothes to grow into. Preschoolers and younger schoolchildren enjoy building sets, scooters, art and science kits, board games and colourful encyclopaedias.
For teens, it's best to give something they chose or to pay for a course, club or trip. Cash in a nice card is fine too, especially with a wish for how to spend it. More ideas in gifts for teens. Grown-up grandchildren often receive family heirlooms, homemade preserves and a contribution to a big dream: studies, a wedding or a home.
Experiences and time together
The most precious thing grandparents can give is time. Give a grandchild a trip together to the zoo, circus or cinema, a fishing day, a baking day in grandma's kitchen, a visit to the country house. For older ones: concert tickets, a tour or a workshop to enjoy together.
Sweet surprises and baskets
If you live far away, you can surprise a grandchild with a delivery: a basket of sweets with a teddy bear, a Kinder set, a soft toy. A small bouquet suits a teenage or grown-up granddaughter: it shows grandma sees her as a young woman. Before ordering sweets, check with the parents about allergies.
What to avoid
Avoid toys with small parts for toddlers, noisy toys without the parents' OK, pets without a family discussion, and clothes sized years ahead. Don't give teens childish things or clothes in your own taste. And don't compare grandchildren's gifts: each gets their own.
Gifts for grandchildren, delivered
Live far from your grandchildren? We deliver soft toys, sweet baskets and bouquets from grandma and grandpa across Kyiv.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas