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In the News
CELEBRATING A GRANDCHILD'S BIRTHDAY It happens once a year without fail. It is a grandchild’s birthday again, and it is time to decide what gift will really be appreciated this year. You have given the grandkids clothes, which don‘t always illicit the reaction you hope for. You have given the kids the latest toys, which seem to make their way to the bottom of the toy box, far too soon for your liking. You have even tried spoiling the grandkids with expensive computer games they just had to have. Well, you think, this year is going to be different. I’m going to find gifts I really want to give and ones the grandkids will love too! Now where do I begin? Here are some suggestions for memorable birthday gifts and activities for grandchildren of all ages. When deciding what’s best for you and your grandchild, remember four things. First, kids love traditions: they like to know what to expect and what they can look forward to each year. Second, some of the most meaningful gifts you give may not be fully appreciated until years later. Third, the value of the gift is not measured in money, but in memories. And last, don’t be afraid to give gifts you’ve made yourself, they will probably become future family heirlooms. So, here we go! YEARS 1 AND 2This is a great time to give gifts that will increase in value fore the child. Infants are too young to know it is their special day, and certainly too young to have gifts circled in the latest toy catalog. Consider presenting the child with his/her birthstone. When the child is older, offer to set the gemstone in a piece of jewelry, like a ring, necklace, pin or tie tack. Starting a collection you can add to each year is also a great idea, a train set, charm bracelet, or keepsake dolls are just a few items to consider. A personal letter written to each grandchild on his/her birthday is a certain future heirloom. In the letter, tell the grandchildren many of the things they have done over the past year, how they have grown, time you have spent together, and your wish for them over the coming year. Parents can save these early letters, and perhaps you can add to them each year, adding a special box to store them in, so as adults, the children can appreciate their incredible significance. Lastly, start an annual birthday tradition of giving your grandchild a special coin from his/her birth year. Your coins will become a marvelous collection one day. YEARS 3 THROUGH 6 At this age, birthdays have now become major family events, and children are almost as excited for their birthdays as they are for Christmas or Hanukkah. You can make this time special by giving small gifts that will delight each child, but you can also include gifts and activities that will become cherished memories. For example, purchase a growth chart and start the tradition of holding a family “measuring ceremony”. Have the birthday boy or girl stand next to the chart and mark the new height. The whole family will enjoy seeing how the child has grown over the year. If you live near your grandchild, consider holding a birthday treasure hunt at your home. Hide clues around your house that lead to small treasures, like cupcakes, balloons, coins or cards. Save the birthday present for the final treasure! If you are a long-distance grandparent, send you grandchild a birthday box including party hats and favors, balloons, a disposable camera (to be used and shared with you!) and the birthday gift. YEARS 7 THROUGH 12 Some of the earlier traditions may still be popular for this age group, like the treasure hunt, so keep them up, but consider a few more memory-making ideas. Plan an annual birthday dinner by letting the grandchild choose the restaurant, or plan an annual shopping trip and allow the grandchild to choose his/her gift within your budget. You will both always remember these special times together. Lastly, consider providing a paper tablecloth/sports ball/stuffed animal or album for your grandchild’s birthday party so the guests can autograph it for the birthday boy or girl. AGES 12-18 These can certainly be the toughest years for a grandparent to shop for gifts. Consider continuing an annual shopping trip or opt for gift cards from some of your grandchild’s favorite stores. If your grandchild has plans to go on to college, and you have the financial resources, opening a savings account in their name would be a gift they certainly would always remember. If you have a special talent, like woodworking, painting, or sewing, now may be a good time to give these truly priceless handmade gifts. If you have a hobby in common such as tennis, gold, fishing or going to museums, sharing an afternoon together would make for a memorable day. As grandchildren get older, they begin to appreciate things from the past, perhaps you can give the child something of yours they have cherished, like a locket, trophy, toy chest or photograph. ADULTS If you haven’t taken the time already, now is an ideal time to pass on your life story to your grandchildren. You can fill in one of the many personal history books available, or audio tape or video record your memories. Passing on the favorite family recipes is also a priceless gift. Record the recipes in a journal or consider having a professional company create a family heirloom cookbook, then distribute to family members on their birthdays. Shopping for grandchildren’s birthday gifts can be rewarding when you know you’ve given gifts of a lifetime. Thoughtful gifts from Grandma and Grandpa will be the treasures that fill memory boxes and grandchildren’s hearts forever. INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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