Gift Ideas for Grandparents

Most grandparents have downsized and will tell you that they don't need anything, which makes them very difficult to buy for. When shopping for family gifts for grandparents, consider consumable gifts, things that they would buy and use anyway, but with a unique "spin."

Or consider something for the two of them that they would never splurge on for themselves, something for them as a couple.

Here are some unique gift ideas that we think grandparents will love for Christmas, anniversaries, Grandparents Day, or anytime "just because."

Did you know you can customize United States postage with your own pictures and photos? Talk about a unique gift - it just doesn't get any more unique or personal than a postage stamp with your family's picture on it.

Postage stamps like the one pictured above are very quick and easy to design and make. Simply scan an old favorite family photo, one the grandparents will especially appreciate, then upload it to Zazzle. It takes a day or so to have the postage design approved and you might have to sign a statement that you have the right to use the photograph, but the process is fast and easy and the end result is priceless.

The only problem with a gift of customized postage stamps is that the recipient may be rather reluctant to use them! Suggest that they use the stamps for things like birthday cards or letters and save their standard postage stamps (which also make great gifts) for the bills!

A Gift of the Month Club membership is a gift that really does keep on giving. These are subscription type gifts that you pay for once and a new gift is delivered to the recipient each month for anywhere from three to 12 months, depending on your choice and how much you want to spend. You may not be aware of all the different types of monthly gift clubs that exist. Let's talk about a few.

A fruit of the month club is a very popular choice and well received by just about anyone. Grandparents will appreciate the gift of a different fruit every month. They'll be provided with good nutrition, delivered to their doorstep, which is a wonderful treat for some senior citizens. From tasty pears to juicy oranges, mangoes, cherries and more, grandma and grandpa will be reminded of you every time the delivery driver comes to their door.

How about a cheese of the month club, with three, six, nine, or 12 months of a selection of great gourmet cheeses. Enjoy Camemberts, Bries, Cheddars and more. A great gift for gourmet grandparents.

Coffee of the month is another idea that grandparents will enjoy if they enjoy a good cup of coffee. The recipients will be supplied with a monthly dessert, breakfast, or other special coffee blend. How about adding a mug with an announcement of what they can look forward to for the next several months.

I like the idea of a dinner and movie of the month club. You can purchase a membership that will send a complete gourmet meal every month that will include a special pasta, premium pasta sauce, and another gourmet item such as oil, dessert, seasoning, or an appetizer, along with a gift card for a movie rental. This is a great grandparent gift for a couple who enjoys trying, and whose diet will tolerate, new and interesting foods.

These are just a few suggestions of gifts of the month club gifts. If you promise to be diligent, feel free to put together your own monthly gift and deliver it yourself, which of course will be the best grandparent gift of all!

Every couple should own a beautiful set of crystal champagne glasses. A pair of these champagne flutes would be a wonderful gift, a nice splurge for a special set of grandparents.

As we get older, we learn to appreciate that "special" items such as crystal shouldn't be saved just for holidays or occasions dictated by the calendar. 

Remind grandmother and grandfather to toast early and toast often - from their morning orange juice to a special wine with dinner or champagne with dessert - or even some non-alcoholic "bubbly" to help them celebrate their life together every day.

A gift of crystal will remind them of their love for each other - and for you for being such a thoughtful gift giver.