What Gift Should You Give Your Grandson or Granddaughter? A Guide for Grandparents
The Parents Behind Kideo
When you give a gift to a grandchild, you’re hoping for three things at once: to see their eyes light up, to avoid cluttering up their parents’ home, and to share a special moment together. Here’s how to find that perfect gift for children ages 3 to 12.
In short: The perfect gift from grandparents checks three boxes
4 Questions to Ask Before BuyingIdeas by AgeOur MicroscopeSend gifts from afarQuestions
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying
Taking two minutes to think it over can help you avoid giving a duplicate gift or one that never sees the light of day.
Ideas by Age Group
Three ideas for each age group—all to share with you.
3 to 5 years
- A book to read together: the one we keep at Grandma and Grandpa's house, for bedtime stories when we sleep over there.
- A magnifying glass and an insect collection box: for exploring your garden or the park next door.
- An apron and a baking kit: so we can bake Wednesday's snack together.
Ages 6 to 8
- A pocket microscope with a screen: for looking at a feather, a piece of bark, or sugar up close together. Ours ↓
- A family board game: Since we bring it out every time we visit, it quickly becomes “Grandma’s game.”
- A birdhouse to build —then install together—and check on in the spring.
Ages 9 to 12
- Binoculars and a bird guide: for walks and the bird feeder on the balcony.
- A strategy game for two: chess, checkers, or card games—for a showdown between generations, with a rematch.
- An outing for two: a museum, a show, or a day in the mountains. The ticket in an envelope—and a memory that will last a lifetime.
A gift often given by grandparents
The microscope you can share with Grandma and Grandpa
More than one in four of our customers who tell us who it's for is a grandparent. That's no coincidence: it's a gift you discover together, in the garden or on a walk.
- No app, no phone: nothing to install at home
- Ages 3 and up: The child uses it on their own, and you watch the screen together
- Have several grandchildren? They come in packs of 2 or 3—one for each one.
Do you live far away? 3 tips for giving gifts from a distance
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gift should you get for a grandchild who already has everything?
Give the gift of an experience rather than a physical item: an outing for two, an activity to do together, or something that brings you outdoors and that you can use together.
Should you give all your grandchildren the same gift?
Not necessarily, but when it comes to siblings, giving gifts of equal value helps avoid comparisons. For an item they’ll be handling, it’s best to give one per child.
How do you send a gift when you live far away?
Have it delivered straight to the child's parents, let them know, and set up a video call on unboxing day so you can share the moment.
Happy Holidays,
The parents behind Kideo
