Becoming a grandparent for the first time is an exciting, emotional and incredibly rewarding experience. After all, grandparents are like second parents, and as such, deserve to be treated to a little something in anticipation of one of the most important roles in life. But what grandparents' gifts should you get?
Perhaps your friends have excitedly told you they are going to be grandparents and you want to send them something to congratulate them. Or you've just told your parents, 'You're going to be grandparents,' and want to commemorate the occasion with a keepsake. Finally, perhaps their new grandson or granddaughter has just been born, and while all the focus is on the new baby gifts and gifts for new parents, understandably, wouldn't it be nice to get great-grandparents gifts for the new grandparents too?
Grandparents gifts can vary from fun novelty t-shirts, sentimental photo frames or practical gifts that will come in handy. Being a grandparent is not always the most stress-free experience, so a pamper set for a little self-care evening is another fab idea for the grandma or grandpa-to-be, especially after all the babysitting duties they'll most likely be called upon to help out with.
We've found all the best grandparents gifts to help you decide and just in time for the festive season too, so it might provide inspiration for some Christmas gifts for grandparents who have been grandparents for a while.
Best grandparents gifts at a glance:
• Best letter grandparents gift: Letters to my grandchild
• Best baby scan grandparents gift: Baby Scan Ultrasound Photo Frame
• Best fun grandparents gift: Gifffted Grandma and Grandpa Coffee Mugs
Best grandparents gift for chronicling milestones
www.waterstones.com
Description
Help grandma and grandpa chronicle those all-important milestones and other precious moments in
Pros
- Hardback keepsake
- Beautiful illustrations
Cons
- Only covers the first year
Best funny grandparents gift
www.etsy.com
Description
Who doesn't love a fun, novelty T-shirt?! We can't help but laugh at the 'I'm not retired, I'm a
Pros
- Humorous
- Soft fabric
Cons
- Can only be washed on a cold wash
Best grandparents hamper gift
www.marksandspencer.com
Description
Hampers are appropriate for pretty much every occasion, and the milestone of grandparenthood is no
Pros
- Great gift for grandparents to share
- Basket included
Cons
- Not suitable for nut allergies
Best baby scan grandparents gift
www.etsy.com
Description
What better way to announce the new arrival than with this adorable framed ultrasound? With the
Pros
- Great gift when announcing pregnancy
- Can add a custom message
Cons
- Only available in one size
Best fun grandparents gifts
Description
Another fun present for the brand new grandparents, this cute pair of mugs can be used for a
Pros
- Presented in a beautiful gift box
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
Cons
- No choice of colours
Best grandparents gift for celebrating
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Treat grandma and grandpa to a little bit of bubbly luxury with this gorgeous Tattinger gift set,
Pros
- Lovely presentation box
- Perfect for a celebration
Cons
- Glasses smaller than expected
Best pampering grandparents gift
www.rituals.com
Description
Rejuvenate, renew and reset with this gift set by Rituals which will help grandma unwind and
Pros
- Delicate floral scent
- Arrives beautifully wrapped
Cons
- Just four items in the set
Best funny advice book for grandparents gift
Description
A funny, tongue-in-cheek survival guide, ideal for first-timers! This illustrative guide is
Pros
- Lots of funny tips
- Comical illustrations
Cons
- No really serious advice
Best jewellery grandparents gift
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Description
A personalised, heart-shaped locket that you can fill with beautiful family portraits of grandma
Pros
- A beautiful keepsake
- Can add an engraving
Cons
- Extra charge to include photos inside
Best letter grandparents gift
Description
Write now, read later, treasure forever. This precious gift idea for new grandparents includes a
Pros
- A precious keepsake gift
- Includes stickers to seal the letters, plus writing prompts
Cons
- Cover of the book separates from the pages
Best grandparents gift to display children's artwork
Description
When the grandchildren start school they will be bringing home pictures they have created for
Pros
- Both practical and sentimental
- Provides storage for artwork as well as displaying it
Cons
- Some reviewers said the hooks on the frame for mounting were uneven
Best practical grandparents gift
Description
This might not be the most exciting gift, but it will probably be the most practical and the most
Pros
- Works on hard and carpeted floors
- Doesn't need a phone app to work (can use a remote control)
Cons
- Hard to tell when it needs charging
Best homeware grandparents gift
www.etsy.com
Description
With muddy little feet soon to be running around their house, this cute welcome doormat will be
Pros
- Slip resistant back
- Available in a range of sizes
Cons
- No colour options
Best personalised photo gift for grandparents
www.etsy.com
Description
A lovely keepsake gift for grandad, especially as he might be needing to use his keys more often
Pros
- Lots of colours to choose from
- A special gift for grandad
Cons
- Photo must be high-resolution
15. Skylight Frame
Best grandparents gift for grandparents who don't live nearby
Description
With so many cute baby photos, it can be hard to choose which one to display and that is why this
Pros
- Great for grandparents who do not live near their grandchildren
- Easy to use with touchscreen
Cons
- Cannot edit photos
How to choose the best grandparents' gifts?
The best gift for grandparents is time with their precious grandchildren, but after all their hard work it is lovely to acknowledge everything they do and make sure they know how much they are loved and appreciated. Grandparents gifts don't have to be expensive, they can be simple keepsakes, or even a drawing from your little one. First consider what the grandparents you are buying for enjoy. Do they have any hobbies? Is there anything they need? Perhaps there is something which will make babysitting a little bit easier. Gifts don't have to be practical though, grandparents will love anything with photos or sweet sentiments. If it is hard to buy for them together, perhaps buy a separate gift for grandma and a separate gift for grandad too. Then they won't have to fight over who gets to open it!
Do grandparents expect to be treated to gifts when a new baby arrives?
Definitely not, but it doesn't mean they won't appreciate it. Just like buying a gift for new siblings so they don't feel left out, it is nice to include grandparents in the celebrations too. Of course, there will be lots of chance to spoil grandparents and you can also buy gifts for Grandma for Mother's Day from the new baby, but don't forget gifts for grandad on Father's Day too. The most important thing though is spending time together as a family now the dynamics have changed and grandparents will be eager to help and share the experience. If baby's grandparents live far away, then keep them updated with photos and maybe even video calls, as well as thoughtful gifts.
Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and enjoys reading and attending literary festivals, as well as writing fiction.