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Community Corner

Grand Gifts for Grandparents

Picking the perfect gift for grandparents can present unique challenges.

Finding the right gift for grandparents can be tough.

Many grandparents have downsized and don’t have space for extras. And today’s mobile society means Grandma’s house may be much further than over the river and through the woods. How do you overcome these obstacles and give them a truly unique and personal gift? Here are a few suggestions to please any grandparent on your list.

Personalized photo gifts are a sure winner

As grandchildren grow, they change every day, especially for grandparents who can’t be there every day. Photo gifts capture those moments to share with loved ones. Ideas include calendars that track family events over the past year, shopping bags printed with grandkids’ photos or artwork, or photo books. Tiny photo magnets take up little space and are easy to create at home with just a few basic supplies. Or you can turn your Instagram photos into refrigerator magnets at StickyGram.com. Incorporate family photos and videos into a greatest hits DVD for a fun family movie night. Many online retailers such as Shutterfly.com and Snapfish.com feature affordable photo gift ideas. Local retailers like Walmart, Walgreens and Target also carry photo gifts in their digital photo sections.

Tech gifts to stay in touch

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Grandparents love to visit with their grandchildren face-to-face, but when that isn’t possible, video chat can be the next best thing. A webcam, complete with a tutorial from you on how to use Skype, is the perfect gift to span the distance between visits. For ease of use, consider an Apple iPad or the new iPad mini. Amazon’s latest release, the Kindle Fire HD, also runs Skype. And for grandparents who love photos, digital photo frames are an easy way to keep the newest photos near at hand. Many of today’s models include options to email photos directly to the frame so photos are always up-to-date.

Custom-made jewelry

Hand-stamped trinkets can be personalized with initials or sayings. Find pendant necklaces or bangle bracelets through your local gift shops or on Etsy.com. And for Grandpa, you can find customized key fobs or golf ball markers.

Homemade is from heart

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Some of the best gifts come from the heart. Get the kids involved with gift-making this holiday season. Make scrapbook photo frames. Complete with a favorite family photo to leave grandparents grinning from ear to ear. Plastic containers can also be decorated with collages, then filled with baked goodies. Fill a book with your children’s’ handprints or artwork for a unique gift that freezes those moments in time. Arrange a photoshoot with the grandparents. Create silhouettes of grandchildren for a classy addition to the family photo wall. Make a family tree to chronicle your family’s lineage.

The gift of experience

Instead of another gift under the tree, give a gift to experience. Maybe Grandma is so busy helping others that she doesn’t take time for herself. A spa day or massage gift certificate might be just the ticket to get her to slow down and pamper herself. For Grandpa, tickets to a sporting event or a museum membership will get him into the game. Think about their hobbies and give a gift that fits their interests. For grandparents who travel often, gift certificates to their favorite restaurants might be another perfect idea.

Gift-giving is about showing others how much you care. With a little thought and attention to detail, the possibilities are endless.

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