Gift ideas for grandparents, near and far
Ask most grandparents what they want and the answer is the same: nothing, really. They already have what they need. What they would love is more time with the grandchildren, and a sense of being part of their lives.
For expat families, that can be hard. Grandparents may live a short flight away or on another continent. Visits are precious, and in between there are video calls, photos and parcels. The best gifts often bridge that distance.
This guide covers both: gifts for grandparents who live nearby, and ideas for those you only see a few times a year. Many of them are cheap, personal and made with the children’s help.
Ideas by type
Price guide: € = up to about 20 euros · €€ = about 20 to 60 euros · €€€ = more than 60 euros. Prices vary by shop and change over time.
Photos and memories
Pictures of the grandchildren are almost always a hit. Printed photos feel different from a screen full of images.
- Photo book of the past year€€Add short captions in the children’s words, so it tells a story.
- Calendar with family photos€–€€A new picture every month, and space to write birthdays and visits.
- Digital photo frame€€–€€€Some can be filled from a distance, which suits grandparents abroad; check how easy it is to set up.
- Framed print of a recent photo€–€€Simple and lasting, especially for grandparents who do not use smartphones much.
Staying in touch
When grandparents live far away, gifts that make contact easier are among the most valued.
- Help setting up video calls€A patient session, in person or on the phone, can be the most useful gift of all.
- Tablet or a stand for it€€–€€€A stand makes long video calls with lively grandchildren much more comfortable.
- Regular call on a fixed day€Write it on a card as a promise, for example every Sunday after lunch.
- Postcards from the grandchildren€Pre-stamped cards the children fill in every few weeks make the letterbox exciting.
Made by the grandchildren
Grandparents treasure things the children made themselves. They are cheap, light and easy to post.
- Drawings or a small art book€Write the date and the child’s age on the back; it will be kept for years.
- Handprint or footprint art€Lovely for younger children, and quick to do on a rainy afternoon.
- Recorded song or story€A short video of the children singing can be sent instantly, wherever grandparents live.
- Home-baked biscuits€Better for grandparents nearby, as baked goods do not always travel well.
Time together
For grandparents nearby, or during a visit, shared time is often the best present.
- A day out with the grandchildren€–€€A zoo, a museum or a walk by the sea: let the children help choose.
- Lunch or dinner together€€Book a table, or cook at home with the children helping.
- Tickets for a concert or show€€–€€€Choose a date and go together, so it is a gift of time as well.
- A local tour when they visit€–€€Show grandparents your new town, its markets and favourite spots.
Small treats and comforts
Sometimes grandparents do enjoy a small thing for themselves. Think about what they use and enjoy every day.
- Local treats from Belgium or the Netherlands€–€€Chocolate, biscuits or cheese from your new home make a nice talking point.
- Book or audiobook€–€€Choose an author they like, or a book about the place you now live.
- Soft blanket or slippers€€Practical and cosy, especially for grandparents in colder climates.
- Plants or seeds for the garden€A good choice for keen gardeners, but check whether seeds may be posted to their country.
🚫 What to avoid
- More things for a full house: many grandparents are trying to have less, not more.
- Gadgets that are hard to set up without help, unless someone can help them use it.
- Fragile or perishable gifts by post: chocolate can melt and parcels can be delayed.
- Big or heavy parcels abroad: shipping is expensive and may involve extra costs on arrival.
- Gifts chosen for what you think they should want, rather than what they enjoy.
When grandparents live abroad
Distance changes what a good gift looks like. Light and flat things post best: photos, drawings, letters and books. For anything else, it is often easier to order from a shop in the grandparents’ own country and have it delivered there.
Allow plenty of time, especially before Christmas. And remember that the gift grandparents value most may be the next visit, so a framed photo with the date of your next trip written on the back can mean a great deal.
💡 How to avoid duplicate gifts
- Agree with siblings and cousins who gives what, especially for a photo book or calendar.
- Grandparents can make a wish list too. A shared list on Huglist lets the whole family, in several countries, see what is already chosen.
- For bigger gifts, like a tablet, join forces with other relatives rather than buying several small things.
- Keep a note of what you gave last year, so you don’t repeat the same calendar or book.
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