What do you give someone who has been receiving gifts for more than half a century? When buying gifts for grandparents, think of them as individuals, not as a class of gray-haired people. Consider gifts that suit their personalities and interests. Better yet, think in terms of family and memories.
A family tree serves as a tribute to your grandparents’ heritage. It could be needlepoint, an engraving or a collage. Combine different media, such as photos, mementos, and writing. Record names, birth dates, marriage dates, and other significant occasions.
Dress up a photo of children and grandchildren in a frame engraved with their names. It could large enough to hang on a wall as a portrait or small enough to fit on a mantel or desk.
Often grandparents are on tight fixed incomes and cannot afford extras such as periodical subscriptions. Think about specialty publications that focus on your grandparents’ interests. Have the magazines notify you when subscriptions expire so you can be sure to renew them. Send a note to your grandparents so that they will watch out for the publication.
If grandparents yearn for the television programming of yesteryear, ask them about their favorite shows and purchase DVD sets of entire seasons. You could do the same with sets of CDs featuring music from their younger days.
Make a wall calendar with a different child or grandchild for every month of the year. If there are not enough offspring to fill up an entire year, use the same people more than once. Many print shops offer calendar-making services for a nominal fee.
Create a gift basket full of small goodies they will use and appreciate. Place gift cards in the basket good for services and meals from local businesses and restaurants. Include scented soaps, a small card game, a small puzzle book or a little plant.