Handmade gifts for grandparents

Most grandparents cherish the handmade cards and other things that their grandchildren make for them throughout the year. For the older adults in your life, great aunts, uncles and cousins, receiving a gift that required an investment of time and love can lift the spirits. For kids unleashing their creativity is a wonderful way to honor a grandparent and have some fun in the process.

Draw a picture. If there is a budding artist in the family, create a picture of something meaningful. Draw a multigenerational portrait. Paint a picture of a beloved place. Consider framing the artwork or display it in a scrapbook or artist portfolio that can be stored on a bookshelf. Additional artwork can be added to a scrapbook or portfolio, too.

The brag book. Grandparents love to get new photos of their grandchildren, but they might not appreciate the clutter when each new one comes in a new frame. Purchase a photo frame that holds one or two standard prints. Each time you have new photos, swap out what is in the frame and add those to a special photo album.  The album ends up being a timeline or sorts to replay grandchildren growing up.

Electronic photo album. For those older adults who have embraced digital cameras and computers, load up a digital photo album and swap out images from time to time. Intersperse scanned images of drawings and handmade cards. 

Make a movie. With smartphones and iPads, many families have the equipment required to make a short video. Brainstorm some themes for the movie such as, “A Day with Grandpa,” “Grandma’s Favorite Places”or “Our Favorite Gramps Stories” and interview family members. Make the “screening” of the movie an event itself complete with popcorn. 

Get an oral history. This is really a gift for the grandkids. Have the kids come up with a series of interview questions and record the interview. This will be treasured for years.

Video the family group photo session. Most families try to get the large family photo taken from time to time. We all know the chaos of the photo shoot and the laughs and commentary leading up to the memorial photo can be even more entertaining.