Inexpensive and Unique Christmas Gifts for Grandparents

As the Mother of three children, I struggle every year to find a unique and fairly inexpensive present for my children's grandparents'. It makes it even more difficult as they all live in another state. Combine shipping costs with the cost of a present for each and the costs can become prohibitive. I want my children to always think of and appreciate their grandparents but I cannot afford expensive presents. Several years ago, my children and I came up with the perfect idea.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Presents

Each present that you send will be wrapped and tagged and then all twelve will have a date on them. Beginning with December 14^th, they will open one present per day with the twelfth present being on December 25^th. I send one box to each Grandparent. Every year we try to change up what is in each day's package. I also include, inside the package, a note telling them which day it is and the rhyme to go with it. Here are some ideas to get you started.

On the First day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

A Sweet Little Kiss on the Cheek (a chocolate kiss candy)

On the Second Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Two Turtle Candies (I send the sugar free turtles because my mother is diabetic)

On the Third Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Three kids a-drawing (three kids = one coloring picture from each kid per grandparent)

On the Fourth Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Four Calling Cards (prepaid phone cards)

OR

Four Loving Words (Have your children color and then cut out four words like Love, Hugs, Special, Kisses)

OR

Four Christmas Cards (handmade of course!)

On the Fifth Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Five Candy Rings (Separately packaged Lifesaver Candies)

On the Sixth Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Six Flames a' swaying (candles)

OR

Six Geese Eggs (make white chocolate "eggs" with a yellow M&M in the center like a sunny side up egg)

On the Seventh Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Seven Deer a' Prancing (have the kids draw or color seven pictures of reindeer)

OR

Seven Swans a' Swimming (origami swans - you can find directions on You Tube)

On the Eighth Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Eight Cheese Triangles (get the little triangles of cheese wrapped in foil)

OR

Eight Maids a' Milking (give a pack of milk duds)

On the Ninth Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

A Pair of Slippers for the Ladies (warm fuzzy slippers)

On the Tenth Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Comfort for your Muscles (Bath Salts for their sore muscles - ten leaping lords remember!)

OR

Ten Fingers Baking (Home baked cookies or brownies made with the children)

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Eleven Bees a' buzzing (A jar of honey with the honeycomb. Buy a local brand if you can get it - or organic)

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas My Grandkids sent to me:

Twelve Reasons Why We Love You( Have the children help you come up with twelve reasons that you love the grandparent such as: you give warm hugs, you make really great cookies, you love me so much, etc. and then write them on a special piece of paper or print out on colored paper. Have all of the children sign their names or scribble on it a little bit.)

Once you have decided on all twelve of your presents, you must include the rhyme for each day and wrap them. Label each package with which day it needs to be opened. Place all twelve packages in one large box and cushion it for mailing. Place a letter on top of the packages instructing them to open each package on the specified day. Mail it in plenty of time to get to the Grandparent before December 14^th. Now, just wait for their calls each day to tell the children how much they appreciate their presents!