Garry Marshall created, wrote, or produced some of television's most beloved sitcoms, including Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, and The Odd Couple. He has also directed 17 movies, including Pretty Woman, Beaches, The Princess Diaries, and Valentine's Day. His latest, New Year's Eve, is in theaters now. His oldest daughter, Lori, co-wrote his autobiography, Wake Me When It's Funny (Newmarket, 1997). She is also a journalist, a children's playwright, and the mother of twin daughters, age 16 going on 40,
LORI: The holiday present buying season is upon us. What are you going to get your grandkids for Christmas?
GARRY: That’s a tricky one. Sometimes the grandkids want things that their parents don’t want them to have.
LORI: Like what?
GARRY: When you were little you wanted a Xerox machine and it would have taken up half the house, not to mention cost a fortune. So it wasn’t appropriate, even if your grandparents could have paid for it.
LORI: What did you want when you were a little kid?
GARRY: We lived on the Grand Concourse in a busy neighborhood with cars and elevated trains. So we always dreamed of rural things. I wanted a white horse like the Lone Ranger's.
LORI: Did you ever get one?
GARRY: Are you crazy? You couldn’t keep a pony alive in the Bronx. What would he eat, Italian ice?
| Do you consult with parents before buying presents for grandkids? |
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Always. It just makes life easier. 54.9%
Sometimes, like when I want to get something big 37.3%
Never. These are my grandkids; I'll buy what I want. 7.8%
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LORI: My friend once wanted a BB gun, and her grandpa wanted to buy it for her but the parents wouldn’t allow guns in the house.
GARRY: You have to support the parents because they are raising the kids. But also, you have to realize that grandparents like to indulge their grandkids. A little spoiling can be okay.
LORI: What would be a spoiling type of gift?
GARRY: We gave Emma and Siena those toy cars last year. That was a big gift. Giving a toddler something that moves and can mow you down is certainly a big-ticket item.
LORI: So how do you handle the purchase of a big-ticket item?
GARRY: You have to talk to their parents first. I think grandparents and parents should work together on the Santa list to make sure everyone is on board. Your brother already sent us a list for his kids with mermaids, light sabers, and things with wheels.
LORI: Lily and Charlotte would like Polaroid cameras.
GARRY: See, there’s a good grandparent gift that doesn’t mow anybody down or cost a fortune. I like that.
LORI: But sometimes don’t you want to think of something that isn’t commercial and doesn’t cost too much? Like the year you made the photo cubes.
GARRY: Ah, memories of my poor year. Yes I lost a lot of money that year so I went on a gift-buying strike. I went through all the scrapbooks, found old pictures, put them in photo cubes, and wrapped them up for you kids.
LORI: I still have mine and love it.
GARRY: Craft projects are good. In this fancy world of space ships, droids, and talking computers, a nice handmade clay pot, crocheted afghan, or photo collage can mean a lot.
LORI: My friend Stuart and his sisters only give each other consumable gifts for Christmas. For example, food, wine, fruit, or a gift basket. It has to be something that can be used. Not a bobble or trinket to put on a shelf.
GARRY: I like that idea.
LORI: What consumable present would you wish for?
GARRY: A carton of Fig Newtons? A case of Mallomars? A nice sleeve of Milano cookies? Or all of the above?
LORI: What was the best present you ever got?
GARRY: A set of drums. When I opened it, my mom sat down on the piano, my dad grabbed his saxophone, and for that one moment in time we were all a band. I was so happy.
LORI: What happened?
GARRY: The band broke up. We never played again. My mother continued to play the piano, but my dad sold the sax for a new suit and tie. I eventually bought a better set of drums that I still play today.
LORI: So what advice do you have for grandparents as they head out to buy presents for their grandkids?
GARRY: Make the kids happy. Don’t aggravate their parents. Don’t overspend. You don’t want to buy something so expensive it makes the parents look bad. Maybe chip in with them for a pricey gift instead. And your new idea – something consumable. You can’t go wrong with anything with a chocolate center. And what do you want for Christmas?
LORI: Someone to fold my laundry and empty the dishwasher – and a great bottle of chardonnay.
GARRY: Done.
LORI: And what do you want?
GARRY: I want people to go see my new movie, New Year’s Eve. It’s a family movie and tribute to what really matters most – love. Don’t you agree?
LORI: Yes, but I’m still hoping for that bottle of chardonnay, too.
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