Being a grandmother is the greatest joy of my life. I loved being a mother, and this is just as wonderful.
Right now my grandkids range from a baby to a 7-year-old. My granddaughter and I have been dancing together since she could walk, and lately it's cartwheels and gymnastics too. My grandsons keep me down on the floor and up chasing them. So when I shop for them, I look for things that get them moving, get them making something, or just keep them cozy.
One thing I always keep in mind: their parents get the final say. I try to follow my children's wishes on how I do things with their kids, and gifts are part of that. If I’m not sure, I ask first.
Every gift here is in my For the Grandkids collection on ShopMy, so you can see them all in one place. And if you only want two ideas, here they are. For ages 1 to 4, it's the Nugget. For ages 5 to 10, it's the Stickerbox.
For the littlest ones
My #1 pick for ages 1 to 4: The Nugget, Surfside. This is what I'm getting my grandson, who will be 16 months old at Christmas. He's on the move, and I think he and his parents are really going to enjoy it. Kids build forts, obstacle courses and reading nooks with it. They find a hundred ways to use it.
The Block Set. I know it sounds so simple, but it's the best set for using their imagination. My boys had something similar when they were young, and they played with it for years.
Blue Golf Play Set. I'm thinking I'll be getting this for my youngest grandson. His daddy is a golfer, and I think they'll have so much fun with it.
woom GO 1. I wish they'd had these when my sons were little. I've heard they're the perfect launch pad to riding a bike.
Nestig The Hug Mini Chair, Gingham in Mint. Such a great addition to a little one's room, and it's just their size.
Personalized Book, Together at Christmas. When my boys were little, they had a couple of books with their names in them, and those were their favorite books.
The Luna Bow Clip Bundle. When you don't know what to get, I'm sure your daughter or daughter-in-law would love these for a new granddaughter.
Mini Trunk, Green. So many new things have come out since my children were little. My daughter-in-law asked for this on her baby registry. Instead of the big plastic boxes we used, it's perfect for keeping all the baby keepsakes.
For the big kids
My #1 pick for ages 5 to 10: Stickerbox. I was gifted this for my granddaughter, and she says it's her favorite thing to play with. Her mom even told me all the kids love playing with her Stickerbox. It prints stickers they can color.
Toniebox 2, Cloud Pink. My granddaughter had one, and it was a lifesaver for her parents. I'm thinking about getting one for my grandson in Seattle. It's full of stories, games and songs to keep him entertained without screens.
Carolina Art Easel. I love the way this one looks. There's a roll of paper ready for drawings and doodles, a drawer for the paints and brushes, and it folds up when you need the space back.
Fun Dough Pasta Maker. My granddaughter and I have been playing with play dough forever. This one turns it into pasta.
STEM Holiday Bundle, 3-pack. It's always fun to have an activity to do with the grandkids, and this looks like so much fun.
Make It Heartfelt Mini Bead Kit. My granddaughter has this and loves it. She makes bracelets for the family and for her friends.
Mom's Makeup Play Kit. Perfect for the girl who thinks she's ready for makeup, when you're not quite ready for her to play in yours.
Cozy for everybody
Kid's Twill Robe, Light Blue Gingham. This one is really for the parents and those Christmas morning pictures, but the kids love being all grown up in a robe too.
Slippers, Teddy Bear. Another one the parents love, but the little ones love them too.
Keeping up with grandkids takes a lot of energy, and staying strong is a big part of how I do it. I wrote about what being a grandparent really takes for me here: I Couldn't Get My Grandson Down for His Nap. And if you're shopping for the women in your life too, my Holiday Gift Guide for Her has everything I'd wrap up from my own bathroom counter.
Every family does gifts differently. Take what works for your crew and leave the rest.
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