Santa’s workshop is known for churning out the trendiest toys every holiday season, but this year, what if Santa’s magic came in the form of experiences, quality time, and learning new skills? As grandparents, your gifts for grandkids can be something even more lasting than the latest gadget: memories. Your grandkids will love this special time spent with you, building moments they can treasure for a lifetime. Here are some creative grandchildren gift ideas that will make this Christmas memorable for you and your loved ones.
1. Take an art class together
Give the gift of creativity with a local painting or pottery class you and your grandkids can attend together. Not only will your grandkids love getting their hands messy and exploring their artistic side, but you’ll also end up with great artistic keepsakes to remember this special time together. This hands-on experience is one of the most rewarding gifts for grandkids to spark imagination and creativity. You never know, you might even be inspiring the next Monet!
Need help getting to your art class? GoGo Rides can make it a smooth and convenient trip, so you and your grandkids can sit back and relax on your way.
2. Explore nature on a guided adventure
A guided nature walk is a fun and educational gift for grandkids who love the wonders of nature. You can hire an official guide, grab a few birdwatching books or simply hike where the wind takes you. Equip your grandkids with everything they need for an exciting nature walk, like magnifying glasses, bug-collecting jars, and a mini field guide. Then, plan a day to head to a local park or hiking trail to go on an adventure. This gift for grandkids is especially fun in winter when you can spot tracks in the snow, red birds in the trees, or even catch a glimpse of animals preparing for the colder months. And don’t worry about transportation—GoGo Rides can take you and your grandkids to the local park hassle-free!
3. Whip up some snacks in the kitchen
A cooking day with Grandma or Grandpa is the ultimate treat for the little chefs in the family. Whether baking holiday cookies, making snowman-shaped pizza from scratch, or baking a time-honored family recipe, cooking together teaches them valuable skills in the kitchen while having a blast. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end with some tasty treats. Talk about one of the sweetest grandchildren gift ideas!
4. Tell a story together
Most children love listening to stories, but why not take it one step further and spark their imaginations? Instead of reading a book, create your own story together! You and your grandkids can come up with unique characters and plot twists, then write the story down or record it with a voice recorder app on your cell phone. You can even act it out afterward! Then, type up the story and get it printed as a book they can keep forever. This is one of the best grandchildren gift ideas to create lifelong memories and stories they'll treasure for years.
5. Visit the zoo or aquarium
There’s nothing quite like the wonder in a child’s eyes when they see their favorite animals up close. A trip to the zoo or aquarium is fun and educational, an exciting gift for grandkids that brings learning to life. Many zoos even offer behind-the-scenes tours or special feedings that can make this grandchildren gift idea extra special for you and your loved ones. When you're ready to head out, use GoGo Rides to get there safely and comfortably—no need to worry about directions or parking!
6. Do a custom puzzle together
Instead of handing over a gift-wrapped puzzle, turn your grandkid’s love of puzzling into a fun event. Spend a cozy afternoon with your grandkids putting together a large puzzle. Bonus points if you choose one that features their favorite characters or movies. You can even find companies to customize your own puzzle with pictures of you and your grandkids! Doing puzzles together is a great gift for grandkids that encourages problem-solving skills and patience. This thoughtful grandchildren gift idea is also great mental stimulation to keep your brain sharp too!
7. Plant a garden together
If your grandkids have a green thumb (or even if they don’t yet!), a gardening kit is a delightful way to spend time together. Gift them a gardening kit with seeds, soil, and their own colorful tools and gloves, then help them plant their own garden. Watching their plants grow over time is a beautiful way to teach patience and responsibility, and they’ll be super excited at the first bloom!
Plus, your bond will grow as your garden does, making it the gift for grandkids that keeps on giving. This thoughtful gift for grandkids will continue to bring joy as you tend to the plants together each visit – like watering, weeding, and adding new plants as the seasons change.
8. Host a movie marathon night
Want a gift for grandkids that focuses on fun and togetherness? Set up an at-home movie theater experience with their favorite holiday films, complete with popcorn, cozy blankets, and maybe even a build-your-own sundae bar. Not only will you have fun watching beloved classics, but you’ll also create a relaxed atmosphere where you can all bond.
You can even make it a monthly tradition. Take turns picking out the movies to watch and make different snacks or desserts that correspond with the movie. Soon enough, this gift for grandkids will create a tradition the whole family will want to participate in.
9. Sign up for a craft subscription gift for grandkids
For a gift for grandkids that keeps giving, consider a craft subscription box where your grandkids receive a new project every month. From making friendship bracelets to building mini robots, these boxes cater to all interests and ages. It’s an exciting surprise that offers new learning experiences and creative fun all year. This is a great gift for grandkids to do with you or themselves, letting explore their creativity at their own pace while having something fun to look forward to each month. It’s one of the most thoughtful grandchildren gift ideas for building skills and making memories throughout the year.
10. Start a game night tradition
The best grandchildren gift ideas allow you to sit down together, laugh, and enjoy some friendly competition – and there’s no better way to do that than family-friendly board games! Some popular games that kids love include Candy Land, Guess Who?, The Game of Life, Uno, Qwirkle, and more. For older grandkids, try strategy or fast-paced games like Ticket to Ride, Taboo, or Scattergories.
Love these ideas? Check out these 15 more intergenerational activities that make great gifts for grandkids!
11. Have a living room dance party
A dance party is one of the easiest and most joyful gifts for grandkids! Whether you’re teaching your grandkids some of your favorite moves or letting them show off theirs, dancing together is a fun way to burn energy and enjoy each other’s company. Afterward, make a playlist featuring all the songs you danced to, and then gift them the playlist on Spotify or a CD so they can enjoy the memory for years to come! This makes it a fun experience and a sentimental grandchildren gift idea they’ll cherish.
12. Create a memory scrapbook
Help your grandkids document their favorite memories with a scrapbooking kit. You can provide all the supplies they need—stickers, paper, and markers—and spend time going through old photos, collectible items, magazines, and more. This gift for grandkids encourages creativity and reflection, while also giving them something they can keep forever.
13. Plan a local adventure day
If you’re looking for the best gifts for grandkids who are adventurous or high-energy, check out local attractions like a children’s museum, science center, or even a fun playground you’ve never visited before. Plan a whole day where you explore your hometown together, making memories and learning new things along the way.
Make this gift for grandkids a gift for you too! Don’t worry about the hassle of parking or driving. If you’re looking for a convenient way to get around town, consider using GoGo Rides to transport you and your grandkids to each exciting destination, stress-free!
14. Give the gift of a “yes” day
Ever heard of a "yes" day? It’s a day when you say "yes" to almost anything your grandkids want to do (within reason). Whether it’s having ice cream for breakfast or building a fort in the living room, giving them a whole day to make the rules is sure to be one of the most memorable grandchildren gift ideas ever!
If their "yes" day involves a special outing—like visiting a favorite ice cream shop or park—GoGo Rides can be your trusty sidekick to safely transport you wherever the day take you!
Make memories that last a lifetime
The magic of Christmas is about more than what’s under the tree—it’s about the joy and memories you create together! This holiday season, consider thinking beyond the usual gifts. The best gifts for grandkids are the ones that create lasting memories, encourage creativity, and allow you to spend quality time together. These gifts for grandkids strengthen your bond and leave a lasting impact on yours and your grandchildren’s hearts.
Which of these unique grandchildren gift ideas will you try out? Use GoGo Rides to help you travel safely on your adventures!
