I am not kidding when I say that needing present ideas for grandchildren when you first become a grandparent is crucial. I don’t have a large family (I am neither an auntie nor a godmother) so I haven’t really had to buy presents for small people since my children were little: 20+ years ago. Last Christmas though with little else to do in October and November, thanks to lockdown, I was able to spend HOURS exploring present ideas online so we could make sure that Lily had a mixture of classic toys we remembered, and some new ones to tie in with her love of Hey Duggee and animals to celebrate her first Christmas.
Hard to believe that here we are now approaching her first birthday and my research has started up again! Lily’s mum and dad are keen that her toy box isn’t filled with plastic toys that will one day end up in landfill. Or that need an endless supply of batteries. Instead looking for more “traditional” wooden toys or those that will see her through a few years, or a future sibling or nieces and nephews.
So I thought I would offer you a few of my top tips for coming up with some present ideas for grandchildren if you are struggling to know where to start.
Ask!
This seems like a bit of a no brainer but from asking around I have found that quite a few people never actually ask what their grandchild might like to receive.
Remember, it’s what they want
It is really easy to dismiss what a child has asked for, or a parent if buying for grandchildren, saying “I am not buying that” but remember, this is what they want and whilst you might not always agree with it, it is a gift. Obviously I am not talking about on ethical grounds, but like I said above that we are trying not to buy Lily too much plastic, if in a few years she really wants something then that ethos will be put to one side.
Use a reputable website
I have found being able to research buying presents online, invaluable. Places like Wicked Uncle for instance. They have a huge number of categories, split into age groups meaning you can see, at a glance, a number of toys that would be suitable for the recipient. They also have a wide range of price points, meaning its likely you will find something within budget.
Don’t assume
Don’t assume that just because their parents loved a particular toy, your grandchildren will! Things have moved on and where that might have been the “must have” toy that everybody loved 20 years ago that might not be the case now. As I mentioned above, Lily adores Hey Duggee, it’s her favourite programme but that didn’t exist twenty years ago and whilst my kids all loved Blues Clues back then it might not hit the mark now.
You can’t go wrong with educational toys
Not all learning needs to be formal, or in a classroom. Sorting toys, wooden clocks and calendars are always a hit!
Now if you will excuse me, I need to go and do my own shopping!
Disclaimer: I’ve been compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own