Baby Shower Gift Ideas From Grandma

The Best Gifts for New Grandparents, According to Grandparents

Photo-Illustration: retailers

Along with getting married and becoming a parent, becoming a grandparent for the first time is one of life's universal milestones. If you know someone who's about to welcome their first grandchild, you may have had the (correct!) instinct to look for a gift to mark the occasion. But what exactly do you get for folks who, yes, have been parents, but have not yet been grandparents?

To help figure it out, we talked to 17 grandparents about the things they think would make the best gifts for anyone joining their ranks. Their ideas range from practical (state-of-the-art car seats and locks for cabinets) to sentimental (books and "smart" teddy bears; yes, they exist) to just plain wise (hotel gift cards so grandma and grandpa have a place to escape when newborn and parents need alone time at home). On top of covering a diverse range of interests, our grandparents' 43 gift ideas below come at every price point, making it even easier to find the right thing for the new grandparents in your life.

Eight of our 17 grandparents recommended giving some sort of sentimental gift that can be personalized either by the giver or the grandparents receiving it. The most mentioned of all these types of gifts was a digital photo frame, with Lisa Carpenter, who runs the grandparenting blog Grandma's Briefs, explaining its appeal this way: "A digital frame not only allows grandparents to proudly display photos of their precious babe, but makes it easy for new parents to update those photos via email or text." (She and the other folks who suggest a digital frame note it's an especially great gift in a pandemic because of the risk posed by in-person visits.) When it comes to choosing a digital frame, two folks we talked to specifically recommend this one from Nixplay. According to DeeDee Moore, who manages the grandparenting website More Than Grand, the Seed stands out for its ease of use: "Parents can add new photos and video clips from their phone or computer, and they instantly appear in the frame. It means my family is always just a glance away."

Like all electronics, digital frames can be found at a range of prices. The above option is a solid affordable model, but if you're looking to invest in one, a few folks we spoke to told us about the frames from Aura. One of them is grandmother Ellen Friedler, who says, "I can see all the pictures I love without needing to understand how this frame works, because all of my children and even a few friends upload photos to it through whatever magical process they use." For those who care to understand how it works: Anyone who has the Aura app and access to your frame can send photos to it from wherever they are in the world. The brand sells its frames in various styles and finishes; this metallic one is far nicer-looking than many we've seen and is comparable in size to the Nixplay frame above, but with a higher-resolution display. It also has unlimited (free) digital photo storage. (If you want to shop around, the brand's frames, like this classic black style, start at $179.) Friedler likes Aura frames so much she's given them as as gifts herself, as has one of the writers of this story (Lauren Ro), who gave this frame to her parents so they could always have a running slideshow of photos of their grandson.

A puzzle custom designed with a photo of the grandkids would be another sentimental gift that's a bit more fun. Grandmother Barbara Shannon received one from Shutterly (which can make puzzles that range in size from 60 to 1,1014 pieces), telling us, "It kept us busy and entertained as we eagerly worked towards the end product of a photo of our two beautiful grandchildren."

Carpenter reminds us that a classic frame with a picture of the new baby could be an equally thoughtful gift. She likes this silver-plated one because it "features space for a cherished photo of the new grandchild as well as a sweet sentiment for first-time grandmas." (We found a similar frame for grandfathers, too.)

Grandmother Susan Johns tells us she's been a fan of Hallmark's recordable storybooks ever since she made one for her first grandchild. It's another great idea for our era of social distancing, she explains: "You press a button when you first get the book to record yourself reading it, and then it saves the recording. Our grandkids still find and listen to them sometimes."

This cuddlier twist on the gift above comes recommended by grandmother Violet Favero, an author who writes grandparenting books as Silly Yaya. It's a machine-washable teddy bear that a new grandparent can record their voice into (and then change the recording as often as they'd like). "For those long-distance grandparents who may not be able to see the baby often, this adorable teddy bear gives the baby the ability to hear your voice and bond with you from afar," says Favero.

According to Donne Davis, the founder of the GaGa Sisterhood (a national social network for "enthusiastic grandmas"), a journal that new grandparents can use to "write down memories and stories about themselves" and their new grandchild is another thoughtful idea. While Davis says any notebook would do, we think this well-reviewed grandparent journal, which has prompts to get thoughts flowing, is a more personal option.

Tami Turner, who welcomed her first grandson, Cash, almost one year ago, received this (admittedly grandma-specific) gift from a friend. Turner told us she knows "my grandchild will need to be older before we begin cooking together," but she still loves "thinking and planning for the days" when she'll be able to use the kit with her grandson. Included are a read-aloud story book, a pint-size apron for a grandkid to wear, and a recipe journal they can fill out once they're ready to start cooking with grandma (or grandpa).

As it's probably been a while since they've had little kids running around the house, new grandparents will surely be looking to stock up on baby-proofing tools and playtime essentials, according to seven of the grandparents we spoke to. One such item is this portable play yard that Carpenter recommends. "Most grandparents are delighted to cover babysitting gigs now and then, and a safe spot for the baby to sleep at their house is a must for such services," she explains. "This portable play yard includes a changing station for easy diaper duty and can be easily stored between visits."

When she became a new grandmother to twins this year, Ann Wilson of El Dorado, Arkansas, gave herself the go-to gifts she had previously bought for her new-grandparent friends: some sturdy bibs and a sippy cup to use when the tykes come over to visit. Wilson says she loves OXO's bibs because of their "easy-to-wipe material and food-safe silicone pocket, which reduces mess." As for the Miracle cup, she explains that it "automatically seals when the child stops drinking," which also reduces messes. The cup, she adds, "can be personalized for a small extra fee."

Sharon Karger, who lives in Arlington, Texas, is a grandmother of eight. One of her "favorite gift recommendations for new grandparents" is this all-natural, lanolin-free moisturizer that she says "helps relieve a broad array of skin irritations, such as cradle cap, teething rash, diaper rash, irritated dry skin, and eczema." Karger told us she found the product after buying other Green Goo skin care for herself and says any new grandparent will surely appreciate "having an all-natural product on hand in case skin issues arise."

"Few grandparents want to carry a traditional diaper bag" these days, according to Karger, who is one of those grandparents. She recently bought herself this sleeker travel backpack to use as a diaper bag after one of her younger grandkids was born, telling us it's "made with the ultimate organization in mind — quick-grab compartments, pockets galore, and a TSA-friendly lay-flat design" that can securely hold "everything you — and your new grandchild — need."

Davis says that this "triangle-shaped stand the child can lean on" as they learn to walk will "entertain any little one." It's designed for babies from 2 months to 2 years old, so it will "last for a couple of years — until the next child comes along," she adds.

Johns told us that whenever a friend becomes a new grandparent, she makes them a care basket that includes board books and stuffed animals. "When the baby comes to visit, they then have stuff to read and play with," she explains. She says that most board books and stuffed animals will do, but if you want suggestions, Black and White leads our list of expert-recommended board books for babies and Steiff's stuffed Trampili Elephant is among the (relatively affordable) stuffed animals that the heritage German toy brand conveniently sells on Amazon. (Our senior editor Anthony Rotunno, who himself buys Steiff on Amazon for newborns, notes that the "stuffed playthings can sometimes go for three or four digits, especially if vintage.")

Wilson told us about this stuffed animal designed for grandparents (or any relatives) who don't live near the newborn — or who, for safety reasons, aren't seeing babies right now. The stuffed otter, she explains, comes with a removable stuffed heart "that can be kept by the grandparent" after they give their grandchild the otter. This "reminds the little ones that we are always connected to the ones we love, whether near or far away," she adds. Also included is a picture book with a story Wilson describes as "perfect for grandchildren with grandparents who aren't able to see them on a regular basis."

For a more tactile toy that new grandparents will appreciate having on hand for their grandkids, Davis suggests these soft foam blocks. She says they're really fun for babies to play with because they are "something little hands can hold."

When it comes to gifts new grandparents can use to baby-proof their homes, grandparents Susan McCaslin and George Corsillo (who are also the parents of Strategist writer Liza Corsillo) say these inexpensive cabinet locks can go a long way toward achieving some peace of mind. While grabby hands are less of a concern in a baby's first few months, once they're walking, "grandparents probably have forgotten just how wily those little ones can be," says McCaslin. "Giving them these cabinet locks will make sure the child is safe."

New grandparents can of course provide assurance to terrified new parents, but McCaslin says it's important they refresh themselves with the latest insight on how to keep babies safe, as some things may have changed from their day. That's why she recommends this updated safety guide that covers old and new wisdom. "Hot dogs for toddlers? No! Strawberries for baby? Yes? No!," she says of its advice.

Favero says that "many grandparents worry about a baby choking, which is the leading cause of death in children." While it's something they might not use right away, she still recommends gifting this product, which removes fluid and objects that may cause breathing problems in kids aged 1-to-3 years old. "It offers reassurance just by having it in your home or diaper bag," she says.

For grandparents who live with their new grandchild (or just spend a lot of time with them), McCaslin suggests gifting a car seat — "and installing it for them, to ensure it is done correctly." That way, she says, "it lifts the burden off of them." McCaslin recommends this car seat from the same company that makes her favorite cabinet locks; it's also a favorite car seat of child-safety experts.

"Everyone over 60 should be doing yoga," McCaslin says. "If they aren't, explain that you want them to enjoy playing with the baby and that this beginner's class is a gift for their knees and the soul." This 30-day class, she says, "will increase a grandparent's mobility, so they'll find it easier to get down on the floor with the baby." Each day's video costs just less than $2 to watch, but Amazon Prime members can access them for free.

As we mentioned before, some grandparents — namely Davis and McCaslin — say that gift cards allowing new grandparents to make their own lodging arrangements at hotels or rental properties can be very thoughtful and practical. "If you're a new parent, you likely live in a small house that's filled with baby stuff," McCaslin explains. "You don't relish the idea of 24 hours a day with more adults who also need attention." So helping new grandparents find somewhere else to stay will "make their visit part family and part vacation," she says.

Books — both to read to your grandchildren and on becoming a grandparent — can also make great gifts for new grandparents, according to four of the ones we spoke to. "Books celebrating this stage in life are a thoughtful way to welcome them to their new role," says Moore. Her favorite is this one, which she calls "a handbook for a successful partnership with parents. Not only does it provide an inspiring look at the wonders of being a grandparent," she explains, "it also provides solid, actionable advice on how to avoid the pitfalls that await even the most well-intentioned grandparents."

Davis's favorite book to give new grandparents is this one by CBS News correspondent Lesley Stahl. "She talks about the overwhelming feeling that so many new grandparents feel — that deep love that is so new and different." Becoming a grandparent, Davis explains, is a "whole new feeling than when you become a parent," which is why she promises that any new grandparent will be moved by "reading something that resonates with that feeling."

Another book that Davis recommends giving to new grandparents is this one by author and Pulitzer Prize winner Anna Quindlen, which recounts her first few years of becoming a grandparent and the dos and don'ts she learned along the way.

While this book won't necessarily teach new grandparents about being new grandparents, Ted Page, the founder and publisher of storytelling blog GoodGrandpa.com, recommends it as a way for grandparents to better understand the world their grandkids will inherit. "Being a grandpa is about the present and the future, not the past," he explains. Historian Walter Isaacson's book tells the story of Jennifer Doudna, a pioneering biochemist known for her work in CRISPR gene editing. "By the time I finished it, I knew that the biggest reason why I was able to get a COVID vaccine so fast was due to the work of Doudna," says Page, who adds the book is not just informative, but fun. "It reads like a detective novel, but it's all true and totally riveting." He adds that, for grandparents of girls, it could spark conversations that encourage them to pursue science when they're older.

As far as books that new grandparents can read to their children, Davis says that if your recipients don't have copies of these classics from their days as parents, you can never go wrong gifting fresh editions. "Goodnight Moon has pictures and is repetition-based so that child can become accustomed to recognizing and guessing," she says of one of the time-tested titles. "And Pat the Bunny is really cute because it's a tactile book: Each page has a touch element — like 'Daddy's Rough Beard,' which is a piece of sandpaper."

"When I have friends that are going to have their first grandbaby," Johns says, "I usually try to give them a copy of this really cute picture book." Read from one way, she explains, it tells the story of what grandmas do best, and from the other, what grandpas do best. This two-for-one design means both grandparents can then read their respective half of the book to their grandchild. (Should your new grandparents not live together, Johns adds: "I have a friend who just got divorced, and I learned you can also buy individual versions for that situation.")

McCaslin says gifting this 36-volume compendium of Growing Child will "let new grandparents know what stages the baby is going through" for the first three years of their life. (The set has an issue for every month between birth and 3 years of age.) She describes it as a "joyful thing" to receive, adding the collection helps keep grandparents "on track."

Books aren't the only gifts that our grandparents say can help new grandparents settle into their roles. For a gift that can teach both grandparents and (eventually) grandkids about their family history, McCaslin suggests this virtual class from the National Genealogy Society, which teaches students how to "write their family history." She adds that enrolling in an online class like this — or going back to school, if you will — will keep new grandparents "young, interested in, and interesting to their grandkids."

Here's another gift that grandparents and their grandchildren can enjoy together (again, when those grandkids are a bit older). According to Page, a great gift is "equally (or more so) a gift for my grandchildren because it's something we can experience together." This rocket kit he recommends checks that box: It's powered by engine packs (sold separately) and, when put together, it can soar up to 1,100 feet — a feat Page says might just "inspire boys and girls to become NASA astronauts on a mission to Mars."

Several grandparents also told us about some household items (beyond baby-proofing tools or kids' stuff) that they say would improve the daily lives of new grandparents. Grandfather Rich Brennan says that, in his opinion, the best gifts for new grandparents "focus on the connection that grandparents have with their grandchildren" and that in this moment, "with the COVID-19 pandemic, most grandparents are being denied the opportunity to have bonding time. What we need are ways to stay connected." Brennan says one of the best ways to do that is with an iPad, which can be used for FaceTime video calls and, if set up with software like Jackbox, to play virtual games (when the grandkids get a bit older).

Grandmother Julie Snell recommends the gift of an Amazon Echo Show, a gadget she received from her daughter so that the two households could make video calls more easily. A smart home hub powered by Alexa, she says all you need to do is ask for it to make a video call to a loved one and, assuming they pick up, they'll pop up on the device's large screen. "Voice calling to Alexa makes it easy to operate," she explains, adding that the Echo Show provides an "instant connection." The larger screen, she adds, "allows for all children to be seen at one time" and has a picture quality far superior to that of her smart phone. The sound is also excellent, too. "It's so easy to use," Snell concludes. "A wonderful gift for great-grandparents!" (When they're not using it for phone calls, they can use the device to check the weather, play music or videos, and even find recipes to cook.)

Editor's note: Available for preorder, the latest generation of the device will ship as soon as June 9, according to Amazon.

For the grandparent who loves to read, Page says a lightweight e-reader like the Kindle Oasis would make a thoughtful gift, especially for those concerned about their eyesight. He points out that the screens on "tablets, phones, and computers have LCDs that emit blue light, an intense part of the light spectrum that can damage eyes," something "anyone north of 60 needs to be aware of." The Kindle Oasis, on the other hand, has a display that reads like real paper and an adjustable light that can turn the screen's shade from white to an easier-on-the-eyes amber. Plus, Page says, "It's easy to enlarge the type."

According to McCaslin, any new grandparent would appreciate the convenience offered by this robot vacuum from Eufy. "It makes cleaning easy and gives the hint that babies are crawling and need dust-free floors," she says. "Everyone wins." She's not its only fan — this exact model took the title of best overall robot vacuum on our list of the best-reviewed ones on Amazon.

If the new grandparents in your life already have a lot of stuff, Turner told us about this gift set they can enjoy at home without adding (too much) to their clutter. The set, she explains, "contains treats for both grandparents (sweets from Sugarfina and a nonalcoholic beverage) and the new grandkid (a Jellycat plush bunny or duckling)" as well as "a pop of confetti for fun!" Opening one up is an "unforgettable unboxing experience," she says, in part because you can choose to include a customized note.

"I don't know if it's my age, but I often forget where I left my phone in the house," says Grandma Marina, one half of the popular Instagram account Drawings for My Grandchildren. That's why she recommends giving this phone case that her daughter gave her, which allows her to "always have my hands free, but keeps my phone close to my body — close at hand." She adds that "the case also has a small pocket where I can put my credit cards, cash, and my subway pass, so now I don't have to carry a separate wallet. So practical."

Grandpa Chan, Marina's husband, says that in choosing any gift for a new grandparent, you should consider the fact that the recipient — though they may not like to admit it — is getting older. "Everything weakens with age, including teeth," he says, something he learned after a recent trip to the dentist, "who told me that the severe pain I was experiencing could be improved by using this electric toothbrush and this water flosser to clean between my teeth." In the first week of using them, he says, "my toothache passed," which is why he now recommends them as gifts to new (but also any) grandparents. (If you're wondering how to give these delicately, you could mention that Philips Sonicare and Waterpik are two of Strategist's — and experts' — favorite brands for oral care.)

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

The Best Gifts for New Grandparents

Baby Shower Gift Ideas From Grandma

Source: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-gifts-new-grandparents.html

Share this post