Christmas Gift Ideas to Make the Grandparents Grin

Grandparents are worth celebrating. Aside from all the practical help – up to 40% provide regular childcare for their grandchildren, according to Age UK – let’s not overlook all the cuddles, guidance and other support they also offer.

So this Christmas, why not spend a bit of time choosing gifts that will show them just how much they mean to you all? After all, there’s a lot more out there than the usual socks and gardening gloves. From scrumptious gift hampers to devour in a week to the year-round pleasure of a gardens membership, here are some of our favourite ideas to treat your kids’ grandparents.

Pamper day

A spa day is always a great idea for treating someone special. If your kids’ grandma is a fan of jacuzzis, manicures and afternoon tea, make her Christmas one to remember by treating her to a luxurious pampering session.

A half-day package is plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a morning of swimming, reading and perhaps a massage or facial, while a full day will give her the opportunity to fully unwind.

The options to book can be overwhelming so it’s worth having a checklist in mind. For grandparents who always enjoy being active with and without the grandkids, you might decide to treat them to an annual membership at a local leisure centre or a healthy spa day at a luxury hotel. Look for or an attractive member’s club with an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna and steam room. Bonus points if it’s also in an historic building or surrounded by lush gardens. Once you’ve made the booking or signed them up, sit back and wait to see one delighted Nana on Christmas Day.

Garden membership

If you want an example of a gift that really does keep on giving, how about membership to a garden?

Obvious contenders include membership of the National Trust – which gives access to more than 500 gardens, historic houses, parks and monuments  around the UK – and the Royal Horticultural Society, whose members can enjoy unlimited free entry to five RHS gardens for themselves and an adult guest or, even better, two children.

But it’s also worth looking into gardens local to you or your relatives. As well as being cheaper, buying a membership to a local garden is a great way of supporting the community, plus you can be sure it will get a lot of use.

Whatever you choose, a garden membership is sure to be a popular gift that will bring the recipients pleasure throughout the seasons.

Edible treats

If there’s ever a time to indulge it’s in your retirement. So how about treating grandpa – or grandma, for that matter – to a luxurious hamper? Whether they are partial to fancy cheeses or enjoy a Christmas tipple, a gift hamper will allow them to try a little (or a lot) of whatever takes their fancy.

You can’t go wrong with one of the decadent packages sold every year by Harrods or Fortnum and Mason. But if your relatives prefer something a little more specialist it’s worth checking out smaller, independent stores that offer hampers that focus on tea, wine or even chocolate.

Another great gift idea is a big-ticket item such as a Christmas ham or a bespoke Christmas cake. By choosing a personalised gift that’s been made to their taste and preference you’ll not only show them how well you know them but also how much you care. Even better, you may well be invited to share in a slice yourself!

Magazine subscription

The older you get, the more you have everything you need. Which is why a subscription to a favourite magazine or newspaper is a sound gift idea. A fresh edition of their favourite publication popping through the letterbox every month is sure to be a welcome present.

Gardening, cookery and TV are always popular subjects for older people but don’t limit yourself to the obvious –  there are so many titles to choose from you’re guaranteed to find one that caters to grandma or grandpa’s personal interest.

Why not look for a concise current affairs magazine grandpa can read over his morning tea; a literary review magazine if they love keeping up with the latest novels, or a family history title for grandparents who enjoy learning more about the ancestors? A glossy travel mag is perfect for a bit of armchair escapism or you could treat them to a craft title to inspire their next project.

You could even search out a historic back issue of their favourite newspaper or magazine. Order one from the day they got married for a gift that’s bound to bring a tear to their eye.

Vintage car experience

So many Christmas presents are forgotten almost as soon as they have been been gifted. But by buying your loved one an experience, they will be left with memories to cherish long after the last needle has fallen off the tree. The chance to drive a classic car is certain to be one of those experiences that lingers in the memory.

Perhaps grandad always yearned to take a sleek Jaguar E-type for a spin or grandma would like to revisit her youth in a Mini Cooper? Book them onto one of the numerous driving experiences on offer and they will not only have a treat to anticipate in the post-Christmas lull but also the opportunity to try something new – known to be good for the grey cells.

If a car is too pedestrian, take a look at vouchers that will allow them to become a steam train driver for the day, take charge of a double decker bus or even fly a vintage 1940s biplane. Don’t forget to take the grandchildren along to cheer them on in their adventure and be sure to take lots of photographs.