Grandparents are invaluable, especially when they are some of the very best.

It can also feel impossible to shop for grandparents at Christmastime. There is very little they need and they also often have the extra time and money to go out and buy the things they want. When it comes to grandparents, I try to give them something they can’t buy, because it’s as unique as the grandchildren they love.

Here are 5 gifts grandparents will treasure:

1. Hand or Footprint Calendars

Just print a calendar on card stock, get out some colored paper for backgrounds (if desired), and paint. You should be ready to go, as long as you have a cute little hand or foot to stamp! The link above gives you ideas for handprints for each month, but we both know Pinterest is filled to the brim with holiday hand and footprint ideas. You can have the calendar bound at most office supply stores. (I like to use CopyWorks.) Throw in a pack of nice new pens for scheduling their new year to round out the gift, if you’d like.

2. Build & Paint a Birdhouse or Bird Feeder.

You can grab a kit and help your child build and paint it with grandpa & grandma in mind, so the completed bird paradise can be wrapped and under the tree. Or better yet, if you think the grandparent would enjoy doing it with them, just wrap the kit and be sure to make time for them to build and paint together! You can also throw in a bag of birdseed or a bird identification book. 

3. Easy Holiday Dish Towels

These dish towels are a practical, but still a fun gift. Especially if it comes with a promise of helping with dishes at grandpa and grandma’s house! These dish towels were easy to make. All you need is fabric paint, cookie cutters, contact paper, and a couple pencil erasers. It’s simple enough for preschoolers, but older kids can enjoy the process, too. You could also use handprints like these towels for a gift grandpa and grandma are sure to treasure! Tie it all up with a couple of fun utensils and you’ve got a great gift.

4. Book a Mini-Photo Session for Grandparents & Their Grands

A picture really is worth a thousand words, and grandparents often love photos of their favorite little ones. Mini-sessions are cheaper, low stress, and fun! Seek a photographer who will capture some lifestyle photos and show the love between grandparent and grandchildren. You could end up with an image that becomes a grandparent’s most treasured keepsake. Check out this guide for a starting point on finding a photographer!

You can gift them the certificate in a frame they’ll love, or even in a frame painted and decorated by their grandchildren. Blank wooden frames ready for decorating can be found at any craft store, such as Hobby Lobby, Jo-Anns, or Michaels. Target and Wal-Mart often have them, too. 

5. Hand-Painted Gifts from The Potter’s Obsession

The Potter’s Obsession is a great place for all kids, from toddler to teens, to create a one-of-a-kind piece for grandparents. One year, I painted a small Christmas tree plate and let my little ones use their fingers dipped in different colors to make lights all over the cute little plate for grandpa and grandma. Your littlest ones can also put their hand or footprints on a plate or cookie jar that will bring a tear to grandma’s eye or create a one-of-a-kind mug or bowl grandpa can’t help but smile when he uses it each day. You are sure to find some inspiration in going in and seeing all the possibilities! 

Share your best grandparent gift ideas in the comments! 

Make sure you never miss out on a parenting or community-related blog post: sign up to receive CRMB posts in your inbox.  While you’re at it, join our VIP List to ensure you’re one of the first to know about upcoming Cedar Rapids Moms Blog events and promotions!!