Once grandchildren arrive, most grandparents probably have everything they need or want. Their focus and attention are on the new little one, so they'll welcome a gift that reflects their new status. The real gift is the grandchild. The item may be handmade, store-bought or personalized. Keep the grandmother and grandfather's tastes, sensibilities and lifestyle in mind while selecting gifts for them. If they know the gift was bought specifically for them, they're not likely to return it.
Electronic Gifts
With current technology, it's easy to make a slide show for new grandparents. Snap as many pictures as you can with a digital camera and post them on one of the many online photo sites, such as flickr.com or Photobucket.com. Put them up on Animoto.com, where you can have a 30-second free slide show set to music. Purchase an electronic photo frame set in a key chain or in a pocket-sized device and download the photos for a mobile slide show that the grandparents can show off to friends and neighbors.
If the grandparents live a long way from their new grandchildren, they will love being set up on Skype. Set a weekly date to get online for lengthy and free electronic visits.
Gift Cards
New grandparents will appreciate gift cards to use while on the run, visiting their grandchildren. They can be to a restaurant, hotel, gift shop or florist. A gift card for a house-cleaning or lawn service will be appreciated if they spend a lot of time with the new baby.
Grandparents will also enjoy homemade gift coupons from the parents of their new grandchildren. These may include cute coupons offering a free kiss whenever the mood strikes or baby hugs when needed.
Lawn and Garden Gifts
New lawn equipment will delight new grandparents who are gardening enthusiasts. An adult-sized swing is perfect for them to rock the baby to sleep. Or plant a tree commemorating the birth of the new baby and watch it grow as the child grows. Other garden gifts may include a perennial plant and some personalized tools.
Grandparent Keepsake Box or Memory Jar
Give the new grandparents a large, empty box with their names written or engraved on the top or side. This is for storing special gifts and crafts from their grandchild as she grows up. It keeps all the artwork and other keepsakes in one place and prevents clutter.
A memory jar is also a good grandparent gift. Encourage the grandmother or grandfather to jot down memories and drop them into the jar. When they need a quick reminder of their blessings, they can look at the memories in the jar.
Personalized Puzzle
Have a picture of the new grandchild made into a jigsaw puzzle. Present this to the grandparents with a basket of homemade treats.
Grandmother Pendant or Grandfather Key Ring
Grandmother will love receiving a special pendant that has room for the birthstones of each of her grandchildren to be added as they're born. Engrave her initials on the back to make it even more special.
A grandfather's key ring can be inscribed with the initials and birthdays of each of his grandchildren as they are born.
