Unique, Sentimental Gifts for Older Grandchildren

An heirloom is something that has been passed through a family for generations. Many of us don't have family silver or gold watches, but anything that belonged to our grandparents or even to our parents can qualify. For older granddaughters, a piece of jewelry is a wonderful gift, and it can even be costume jewelry, like a rhinestone brooch. Vintage scarves or wraps are interesting wardrobe additions, and you don't have to worry about size. Older grandsons may enjoy a pocket knife or fishing reel that belonged to an older relative. Books or pieces of glassware are other choices. Such sentimental gifts are superior to a gift card to many grandchildren.

Needlework is something that almost all of our grandmothers did, and fewer and fewer younger people do. Whether it's crocheted, knitted, embroidered or quilted, something handmade can form a unique gift. If you have pieces made by older relatives that are in good condition, those can make lovely gifts. If you have pieces that are in pieces, you can use the remnants to create unique pillows, lampshades and other decorative objects. If you do needlework yourself, create items especially for your older grandchildren, incorporating their interests or favorite colors. Think small in scale, as many young adults move frequently and will be living in small spaces.

Food is a huge part of family life, and family cookbooks and recipes can form a treasured gift. These can be cookbooks that were owned by older relatives or cookbooks that you create containing family recipes. You can keep it simple with a collection of Xeroxed recipes, or have your family cookbooks professionally printed and bound. If you have recipes handwritten by older relatives, copies of those will be especially precious. If you retype them, be sure to retain the wonderful language of the originals, even if you have to add translations. Recipes calling for a "peck of tomatoes" or a "teacup of sugar" may have to be explained a bit for the younger generation.

One of my friends has the journal that his father kept during World War II. One of my relatives has a log kept by an ancestor as he traveled from Tennessee to settle in Texas. Although you won't want to give up the originals, if you have such treasures, copies of them can be meaningful gifts. Another alternative is to create your own memoir or family history. This can be done in video, audio or printed form, and a number of companies specialize in guiding you through the experience. You may think that nothing important ever happened to you, but it is the memories of everyday life that sometimes prove to be the most precious.

Consider giving the gift of a memory-making occasion. Planning for and paying for a special trip or outing for you and a grandchild can be a unique gift. For granddaughters, choices might include shared manicures or pedicures, spa visits and shopping excursions. Grandsons might enjoy fishing or hunting trips or tickets to a sporting event. Choices that are likely to appeal to both are meals at favorite restaurants or tickets to a show or concert. Just be sure that it is something that you and your grandchild will both enjoy. If you live near an older grandchild, it could be fun to take some type of lessons together. A class in photography, cooking, needlework or art could really bring you and a grandchild closer together.