Any suggestions as to what gifts I can give ?

Question

three grandsons that seem to have everything?

ages ,,10,6.2

Diane I have already asked the mother this and also back in the summer asked her to have the boys make me a list. No list yet and she said they have enough clothes! How are we grandparents supposed to win in this game? lol I would have appreciated a simple book or game but now everything has to be complicated. Thumbs up to your answer.

Mr Ed,,, I prefer not to raise my children to believe that the almighty dollar is all that is left of me! I want them to understand the value of money.

Answer 1

My daughter gave her 5 year old a catalog from Toys R us and told him to mark what he liked. He liked all kinds of cars and motorcycles, a talking parrot, lincoln logs, he too has every toy made but seems to spot more all the time. He even has his own dirt bike, a Yamaha 50. He also plays video games, they still make the old ones that my kids had for their nintendo's when the were little. Pac man etc. Maybe since your kids aren't telling you what they want they don't want you spending a bunch of money that you may not be able to afford.
You could get some stockings and fill them with little cars, tootsie pops, m&m's, dried fruit snacks, and little treats, they love those, my grandson 5 has a treat bowl in the pantry and if he is a good kid he gets to pick a treat--only one. If he eats all of his dinner he also gets a treat. No he is not a little fatty, he runs every ounce of fat off.

Answer 2

I know exactly what you mean. My grandson, age 6, seems to have everything, too. I have a new grandson, age 5 months, and he's easier to buy for.

I am buying my 6 year old grandson a subscription to some kind of children's magazine. I'll buy a board game too, so he'll have something to enjoy while waiting for the magazine. I don't know which one, but I do know there are some nice magazines out there for his age. He is a good little reader, and he loves getting his own mail.

For his first Christmas, I bought him a nice snow globe. I'll get the new baby one as well, and maybe some developmentally appropriate, educational toys for now and later.

You could always get (or make yourself) each of them a Christmas ornament of their very own to keep as part of their collection. Christopher Radko makes some beautiful ornaments, but they're pricey. Still, if Mom took good care of them for the children, they'd have a nice collection when they are grown and have their own Christmas trees and traditions.

Gift certificates to children's museums or attractions might be an idea as well.

Answer 3

It's a tough one. Especially with boys because I don't have a clue what matters anymore. Like my husband at that age (older ones) was collecting coins and baseball cards and wanted a guitar or a pocket knife (god forbid in today's world), played baseball and his prize possession was his mitt. I don't have grand-kids yet so it's just a guess for me......I figure if the pendulum has swung too far for the material things then maybe a guide back to the fundamental things. Maybe they may not be jumping for joy on Christmas morning but will be thankful later. Some kind of savings bond for each. Or maybe help starting an interest in something you can share together. My dad got my girls interested in the state quarters and started the collection for them. They also got them the official set of all the coins from the year of their birth. My youngest loved dolls so my mom started her with one of those beautiful collector dolls with her same name. Got the doll case so she knew it was a "special" doll....one you couldn't play with but she had her special spot in her room and it was a treat to take her out occationally just to hold her. Each year my mom would try and find some special doll that had her name.

Maybe reviving a lost art......boat in a bottle kind of thing.....I mean do kids even do models anymore? Planes, boats, cars etc? And a book about the history of each item. How to build your own kite....loved the ant farm....maybe an interest in astronomy and the constilations.....they have those glow in the dark stars they can put on their ceiling, or these lights you can shine on your ceiling to see the different ones in each hemosphere.
Maybe something different....they have these cute kits at the book stores....how to learn to juggle....magic tricks. Magnet sets.

I know as a parent....I was killing myself to get them the latest things and the stuff their friends would have when it was the stuff my parents got that they still enjoy or benefit from today....and they're adults. Their coins and things all are still in tact and sacred.....where most of my money sits in a land fill.

Answer 4

You are in a tough situation. The two year old should be easy. If you live close enough to an amusement park like Disney or Six Flags perhaps you can take the two oldest for a day during Christmas week.

Answer 5

Ten & 6 year old--Gift certificates to shop at their favorite store work well or they always like the cash to shop for themselves and you can add a small clothing item they need--socks, undershirts, sweatshirt/sweats sets--their mom should tell you what they need. That way they have cash for wants and clothes for needs. lol The two year old should be discussed with the mom--developmental toys best or something educational like a book. And see what size he's wearing for something practical. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I agree with you. Money is NOT everything. They should be happy to get anything. Things are not simple anymore. When my mom was alive and would send me a birthday card, she would send my son a card too with money in it. Every time she sent me a card, he got one too. He would open the envelope and shake the money out not even taking the card out of the envelope. I asked her to stop sending him money except on his birthday or Xmas. I know how hard it was for her to buy him a gift. She was 3000 miles away and didn't see him much and didn't drive. Money was easier for her.

Answer 7

Gift certificates to any place selling computer games, etc. or anything else the boys might have an interest in.

Answer 8

I have a niece & nephew like that. I got them one of those "Entertainment" books with 2 for one deals on movies, fast food, etc. They spend a lot of time at the mall.

Answer 9

the two oldest boys I would buy them a fishing pole and go fishing with grandpa and or grandma for a whole day. Remember your first fishing trip. For the real youngen I would get him a ant farm. both him and mom will remember you for a long time

Answer 10

Have one who is 11 at home and I have not the foggiest idea what to buy him and he is my son. I understand your dilemna. Hope someone has good ideas for you so I can figure out what to do myself. Also have all the grands to buy for. Oh woe is me. Have not even started.