9 Brilliant Gift Ideas for Grandkids Who Have Everything

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Grandchildren who seem to have everything can be difficult to shop for during birthdays and holidays. But, it’s easier when you start to think outside the box. For example, it might be time to think about experiences, time with loved ones or opportunities to spend more time together. Remember to choose options that match your grandchild’s interests, your budget and also your relationship. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Museum or zoo membership

An annual family membership to a local museum, zoo, aquarium, theme park or science center transforms a single gift into a year of discovery. These memberships often include free admission for the whole family, discounts at shops and member-only events.

This option will make both your kids and your grandkids happy with activities to fill the entire year. Unlike a one-time toy purchase, these memberships encourage regular family outings that build memories. Of course, you may be limited to what’s available in your area. But this gift works well because it:

• Provides multiple experiences throughout the year
• Encourages family time
• Often includes special perks

Cost and budget range: $75 to $250

2. Books or journals

As a parent, I do feel like my kids have a lot of toys. However, I’m always happy to receive a new book. You’ll want to do a little inventory in their current collection to avoid buying a duplicate.

If they already have a lot of books, consider an age-appropriate journal or a custom story book for a personal touch. In fact, I was able to get my own parents to fill out a story book that they gifted back to me after it was complete, and it turned out to be one of my favorite gifts. For example, you can buy a “Tell Me Your Story” book for grandmas or grandpas and fill it out and gift it to them. However, this gift will be better for older children or teenagers.

Cost and Budget Range: $13-$25 per book

3. Contribution to a 529 college savings plan

If all else fails, contributing to a 529 education savings plan shows investment in your grandchild’s future. It’s a gift they may not appreciate as much when they are young. However, these tax-advantaged accounts grow over time and can be used for college tuition, room and board, books and even K-12 private school expenses.

As a bonus, parents deeply appreciate the financial support. You can make contributions a birthday and holiday tradition, steadily building an educational nest egg.

Cost and budget range: Any amount

4. Subscription box

Monthly subscription boxes deliver curated experiences right to your grandchild’s door, extending the fun throughout the year. Options exist for virtually every interest.

Each delivery brings fresh excitement and anticipation. These boxes expose children to new hobbies and learning opportunities they might not otherwise discover.

For young children under the age of five, a Lovevery subscription would be a welcoming and fun toyset. Similarly, KiwiCo offers hands-on projects for kids of all ages.

CrunchLabs is also a fun, STEM-based subscription plan that kids would be excited to receive from the popular YouTuber Mark Rober. These boxes are for ages six and up.

Cost and budget range: $160 to $350

5. Quality time coupons

Handmade coupon books offering specific experiences and activities cost almost nothing but deliver great value. Each coupon represents redeemable activities like ice cream dates, movie nights, park adventures, sleepovers or special outings.

The coupons put them in control, allowing them to choose when and how to spend time with you. For best results, make the coupons specific and realistic. Instead of vague promises like “a fun day together,” write specific experiences such as “trip to the arcade with $20 spending money”.

Coupon ideas:

• One-on-one breakfast
• Trip to the bookstore with a book purchase
• Sleepover with movie marathon
• Teaching them something, like fishing or gardening

If you’re not feeling creative, you can also find these on Etsy.

6. Vintage item with family history

While this gift is best reserved for older children, passing down a family heirloom creates a tangible connection to family history and heritage. Items like jewelry, watches, books, tools or collectibles gain significance when accompanied by stories about who owned them.

Include a written note explaining the item’s history, who it belonged to and why you want them to have it.

Cost and budget range: Priceless

7. Matching family pajamas

This idea works well during the holiday season. Kids are always needing new clothes, so a new pair of fun, cozy pajamas is always exciting.

Plus, it can be made extra fun when the whole family has a matching set. This can even become a family tradition of unboxing a new set of Christmas pajamas each year on Christmas Eve, for example.

Cost and budget range: $20 to $60 per family member

8. Professional photo session

Booking a professional photography session captures current moments before your grandchildren grow and change. These images become priceless as years pass. Also, the session can be a fun activity that the family enjoys together.

Cost and budget range: $150 to $300

9. Personalized gifts from Etsy

Etsy is one of my favorite places to look for personalized gifts for loved ones.

Whether it’s jewelry, a custom ornament or an annual family calendar, you can make any gift idea more personal when you shop on Etsy. And they don’t even pay me to say that! The possibilities are endless, whether you do a custom watercolor portrait or a custom book, a personalized gift always is well-received.

In summary …

After years of watching toys get abandoned and forgotten, I firmly believe experience-based gifts are superior for children who have everything. While these gifts require more thought, the investment pays dividends in stronger relationships and happier grandchildren. And if you still like a material option, I find that simple is often better. After all, whatever you get them, your kids will probably just play with the box and wrapping paper anyway.

Do you have other ideas to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.

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