Gift giving is fun. And receiving gifts never gets old—it’s one of the ways we humans show love and caring for one another. But our taste in gifts may change over time. We seniors often care more about the relationship with the giver than the gift itself. And one way the younger generation can please us is to give gifts that require the giver’s time and effort. So we will love gifts that have taken a bit of energy or creativity and also those that require our loved ones spend some time in our presence.
Next time your children or grandchildren ask, “What do you want, Grandma?” or “What can I get for you, Grandpa?” you’ll want to answer, “Something that you’ve made or something we can do together.”
Here are some great gifts for grandparents that require some love and a bit of extra thought:
Collections of Family Photos
There are lots of companies that produce great ways to assemble family photos. Some show several generations, some come with fancy or unique frames, some look like family trees. All of them honor the love and legacy of a family. Want to remember a family vacation or a landmark anniversary or birthday? A collection of family photos created just for the grandparents is a great way to go.
Craft Supplies or Kits
Lots of seniors enjoy knitting, crocheting, doing cross-stitch or otherwise using their hands to create. Others are crafty and enjoy scrapbooking, doing decoupage, working with wood or a myriad of other crafty projects. The supplies for these endeavors are often beyond a senior’s budget. A gift of supplies or a kit to create a project makes a wonderful present.
A New Game
Card games and board games are wonderful family fun. They require the skill to participate in the game but also serve to gather family members around a table for several hours of togetherness and laughter. There are literally hundreds of games to choose from and the challenge of learning a new game and spending time with family is, in itself, worth its weight in gold. Here are some of the Best Family Board Games of 2019.
Something that Makes Us Laugh
If games don’t create the laughter, perhaps a funny gift will do the trick. Buy those socks with the silly words across the soles, find the perfect joke book or select the perfect funny mug or poster for your grandparent. Laughter does a heart good. Try Off the Wagon for some unique funny gift items.
Household Helps
Sometimes a practical gift shows a great deal of caring. A homemade throw blanket or warm slippers might be needed. A touch lamp or a foot massage unit might make life easier for a shut-in grandparent. A gadget to unscrew tight lids or to reach items from a high shelf may make daily life simpler for your loved one. Go to Hobbr to find lots of helpful items.
Gifts that Pamper
Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of pampering once in a while? Choose from an array of essential oils, or delicious shower steamers. Buy that calming neck pillow or squishy therapy dough. Choose a beauty sleep tea bag eye mask or a lovely scented candle. Knowing the grandparent’s favorite scent or product and then finding it for them is like sending them a great big hug. Go to Uncommon Goods for a nice selection of pampering products.
It’s not hard to find great gifts for grandparents. All it takes is a bit of time and some heartfelt effort.
