Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for Grandparents

I'm fortunate both to have grandparents and to be a grandparent. As such, I have firsthand knowledge of the type of Christmas gifts--or gifts for any occasion--that the older people in your life appreciate and value. You needn't spend a lot of money on your grandparents; gifts from the heart are welcomed gladly.

Gifts Grandparents Rarely Need

Your grandparents have likely accumulated plenty of knickknacks--dust collectors--over their lifetime that no more are needed. If either of them have a collection of items such as figurines, models of old ships, etc. and you want to add to that, this may be the one exception.

Presenting an animal of any kind to grandparents--or anyone for that matter--is not a good idea unless there has been a request specifically made from the receiving party. Bring a puppy or a kitten to Grandma and Grandpa will likely mean you will be returning to your house with said animal.

Gift Ideas from the Heart

You don't have to open your wallet or take out a loan to see the glimmer of appreciation for your grandparent's gift. Your time and thoughtfulness both in selecting a gift and delivering it to them will warm their hearts--even before the gift is opened.

If you have small children, some ideas for gifts include: framing a piece of the kids' art work; making plaster casts of little ones' hand prints; a mug, mouse pad or other item with kids' photos. Your kids might like to make drawings specifically to give to Grandma and Grandpa.

Photos of the kids and/or family are always welcome. Consider the available space in your grandparent's home when determining what size photo to give. Frame it for an extra nice touch.

Create a CD with music in the style your grandparents enjoy. Create a CD where you talk and share fond memories of times you've spent with your grandparents; let the kids each wish Grandma and Grandpa a merry Christmas on CD.

Create a coupon book for activities you're willing to do for and with your grandparents in the upcoming year. Things such as cleaning eave spouts or raking leaves or cooking a gourmet meal would be thoughtful items to include. Maybe you'd like them to be able to redeem one meal a month with you in a restaurant of their choice. You can be as creative as you'd like to be with this idea; it's hard to go wrong.

Economical Gift Ideas

More and more people are putting their life stories on paper or voice recording to be able to share with future generations. You might purchase a voice recorder or journal for your grandparents, explaining how much it would mean to you to have their memoirs.

Many families saved memories on slides, rather than photos, in earlier times. The images on slides tend to fade over time, meaning precious memories can be lost. If this is the case with your grandparents, you could offer to have the slides both made into photos and saved on a CD to archive them. Many photo stores offer this service.

Other Gift Ideas for Grandparents

Digital photo frames make a great gift. You can load them with pictures of yourself and your family--and offer to put your grandparent's favorite photos on the frame, too.

If your grandparents don't yet have a cell phone, you might purchase one of the simpler models to use and pay the monthly fees on it for them. Demonstrate how to use the phone and the importance of keeping it charged.

Gift giving for grandparents is like gift giving for people of any age; know and understand the likes and wants of the gift recipient and you are already halfway there.

Resource: Personal Experience