First the golden rules: 1) Choose age appropriate gifts for your grandchild. 2) Avoid toys with small parts, if there are younger siblings. 3) Ask for suggestions from the parents or grandchildren. 4) Check with parents to see if something you wish to give is OK. 5) Make a list with gift options for each grandchild. 6) Start searching the catalogs and store ads for best buys. 7) Check on line for consumer reports on unsafe toys. 8) Buy only one major gift per grandchild and don't overdo their parents. 9) Add small treasures like ornaments or collectibles as stocking stuffers. 10) Set a maximum value evenly for each grandchild's gift, don't drain or exceed your pocket book.
Some age appropriate gift choices:
Ages 0 to 3: learning toys, stuffed animals, books, rocking horse or chair, toy box, clothes.
Ages 3 to 6: Learning or activity toys, books, puzzles, sled, tricycle, wagon, dolls, computer software, clothes
Ages 6 to 9: Learning or activity sets, crafts, doll house, train, bike, board games, movies, computer games, books, collectibles, clothes
Ages 10 to 18: Tickets to sporting events or concerts, sporting equipment, music, videos, computer software, clothes, quilts and decor for their bedrooms, collectibles, cameras, electronics or jewelry.
Unique gift ideas:
Add one more item to your grandchild's collection of Barbie's, GI Joe's, Winnie the Pooh's or what ever they collect.
Give an old time toy like Lincoln Logs, Paddington Bear, or a Baby Doll that doesn't do anything. Classic Toys provides news and a listing of all time favorites that are still manufactured. If you give a gift certificate, make sure it is from your grandchild's favorite store and offer to take them there to choose their gift. If you know your grandchild wants to try a new hobby like fishing, woodworking, scrapbooking, or gardening, get them the supplies or gear and offer to help them learn by taking them, teaching them or finding a class for them to take.
Finally the shopping trip: If you are comfortable shopping on line, it's the best time saving way to go. One note shop the web sites of the stores you know and when it comes to giving your personal information, make sure the web site is secure, on your screen it will say "security info." If you are not sure about the security of the site, do not give your personal information.
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