The Best Gifts for Grandchildren
Giving the Best Gifts of 2024
“You give the best gifts!” You can be that grandparent! One key is to take time to ask their parents what sorts of gifts will be welcome and what they'd like to avoid. The other key is to find unique gifts for grandchildren, like those on our 2024 gift guides! Our gift suggestions for both grandsons and granddaughters are approved by both parents and grandkids.
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Look no further for the best gifts for babies! We’ve got the best toys, books and clothes for your grand-baby’s first Christmas or Hanukkah. See all the best gifts for babies.
Here’s the best gift guide for gifts for ages 1-3. We’ve rounded up unique gifts for grandchildren that will delight them! See the best gifts for toddlers.
Whether you are searching for special gifts for 3 year-olds, 4 year-olds, or 5 year-olds, we’ve found unique gifts for grandchildren that they will love. See the best gifts for preschoolers.
Find perfect gifts for grandchildren ages 5-10! Learn how the best gifts for school-age kids support development, build skills, and spark creativity. See the best gifts for school-age kids.
Gifts for Tweens and Young Teens
It was so much easier when they were younger. Once your grandchildren turn 10 or so, it’s harder and harder to find a gift that will excite them. Or even please them! But before you resort to the gift card cop-out, read on for some surefire ideas.
Spa time is a favorite of tween girls.
Spa time: This is another great gift at any price point. From a couple of sheet masks and a hair wrap to a full day at the spa, there’s an option for your budget. Pre-teens love the idea of indulging in these grown-up activities, but make sure their parents are comfortable with what you have planned.
Give gifts that spark their creativity.
Creativity sparks: At this age, kids are no longer expected to play with toys, but their brains still need time spent on creative pursuits. How about a book on knitting and some yarn and needles? Or a kit to build a solar robot? Or one to make your own movie?
What would they love to see live?
Tickets to something they’ll enjoy. Is one of their favorite singers coming to town? Do they love basketball or soccer? Have they ever seen a live musical? This is a great gift because it can be just as fun at any price point: you can get a couple tickets to their local movie multiplex, see a play at a community theater or splurge for a professional football game.
Books: These are crucial years to keep kids reading, and there are so many great books out there! Fantasy novels are especially attractive during the years that kids are finding that real life can be less than fun. Some of the best loved ones at our house were:
Ender’s Game
The Mysterious Benedict Society
The Blue Sword
The Ordinary Princess
Uglies
Gifts for Older Teens
Older teens will like many of the suggestions above, but here are a few just for them:
Give a membership related to their interests.
Memberships: The later teen years are a great time to explore. Depending on their interests, consider giving your grandchild a membership to a local museum, amusement park or yoga studio. There are also great online options, like glo.com for fitness classes.
Cash is a welcome gift.
Cash: Though cash seems impersonal, it’s really the perfect thing for older teens and young adults. As they go off to college or start supporting themselves, having a little fun money—or enough to pay the cell phone bill—is a huge and appreciated present.
Tools for independence will be appreciated.
Tools for living: Is your grandchild starting college or moving to their own apartment? Do they have a tool kit, pots and pans, an ice cream scoop? Think of all the things you need when you start off on your own, and have fun putting together a useful gift.
Books. By the time they are older teens, books about real life can be more meaningful. There is a book for every teen out there, but here are a few that appeal to a wide range of teens:
The Power of One
The Fault in Our Stars
The Hate U Give
Geek Girl
The Crossover