1. Take Them Out
This holiday, give the kids an outing: Tell them that you'll take them, and a few friends, to the next blockbuster movie they want to see, complete with pre-movie pizza, post-show ice cream, and a copy of the DVD when it comes out next year. Type up the offer on your computer, print it out, and present it in a festive box filled with their favorite movie candies.
2. Think Ahead
During the holidays, too many shoppers focus on the winter weather and the season's most in-demand toys. Why not get a more forward-thinking, off-season gift? If your grandchildren are set for winter gear but you know they'll be camping out in the summer, for example, pick up a sleeping bag, a compass, or a canteen.
3. Give What You Have
You've always thought about what you'd like to pass down to your grandchildren. Maybe now is the time to start: If you have some special old baseball cards, comic books, or autographs, give a few to your grandsons. (Make sure to include some current cards or comics in the package.) Or give your granddaughter some classic costume jewelry or fancy hats and gloves that she can use for dress-up, as well as a brand-new trinket from her favorite accessory shop. They'll enjoy the gifts, and they'll love hearing the stories of how you got them even more.
4. Share Your Skills
Being a grandparent is about more than what you can give; it's also about what you can teach. If you play an instrument that your grandchildren have always wanted to try, why not get them some lessons, taught by you if you're up for it, or by a private teacher (as long as the parents approve of the addition to the family's schedule). Present the gift along with the sheet music for some songs that are familiar to the child. If an older grandchild has been angling to join you in the kitchen or the garden, sign up for a local cooking or flower-arranging class you can take together. And put the offer in the pocket of a new chef's apron or wrapped around a set of garden gloves.
| Do you know what to get for the kids? |
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Yes, and it's just what they want 14.0%
Yes, and it's going to be a surprise 25.6%
No, I'm still waiting for some guidance 31.4%
I have no idea 29.1%
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5. Help Them Help Others
As your grandchildren get older, their awareness of the world grows. Kids who have expressed a passion for the environment, or for helping disabled children or the poor, might appreciate a donation made in their name to a charity that fits their interests, especially if the group can translate it into tangible assets, say, 20 books for a community center, or 30 meals for homeless families. Present kids the acknowledgment of your donation along with a book about activism that will give them more ideas for getting involved.
6. Coupon Book
Don't think of them as IOUs: This holiday season, give your grandchildren the promise of gifts that will last all year. If you're a baker, enroll the kids in the "Cupcake of the Month Club," pledging to deliver treats each month until next December. Or give them tickets for four special pancake breakfasts in your kitchen, or six tea parties, whatever most appeals to them (and fits your schedule). Whatever you promise, try to give them the first installment along with the coupons.
To learn about the debate over whether electronic toys make children smarter, click here. Elsewhere on Grandparents.com, join the discussion about grandchildren's most outrageous requests, get tips for celebrating your grandchildren's half-birthdays, find out about grandparenting for twins, and discover what grandfathers can teach their grandchildren.
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