Gifts for Grandparents
Frugal Gifts They’ll Love

Gifts for Grandparents can be a real stumper. What do you give someone who already seems to have one of everything? Fortunately, we have several great ideas—and they’re all wallet-friendly.

Food gifts- Help the grandparents on your list to cut down on kitchen time by preparing several ready-to-serve meals. Just make up some of your favorite casseroles or other freezable dishes, and deliver them with heating/serving instructions. To make the meal completely fuss-free, be sure to include side dishes, bread and anything else that would help to complete the meal.

Need recipe ideas? Check out these Once-a-Month-Cooking recipes: Busy Cooks

Photo gifts- What grandparent doesn’t love photos? Seize upon this love by giving a personalized photo gift. Create a wall calendar, mug, decorative plate, trivet, photo book or a set of note cards featuring a special picture; it could be a picture of the grandkids, a picture of you and your siblings when you were children or even a rare photo from your parents’ childhood.

Here are some great sources for affordable photo gifts:

Vistaprint.com
Photoworks.com
Walmart.com

Car gifts- Save the grandparents on your list from the hassle of car maintenance by giving them the gift of a free oil change, wash and wax or any other required maintenance (tire rotation, AC charge, etc.). This can be a one-time gift, or one that you fulfill throughout the year. Either way you’ll be removing a chore from their to-do list.

Hobby gifts- Pick up supplies for a favorite hobby, and you’ll be giving a gift that’s sure to be used and appreciated. This could be as simple as purchasing a fun, new kitchen gadget or a few balls of yarn.

Want to give something a bit more substantial? Try a gift certificate to a class that pertains to their hobby. Check area kitchen stores for affordable cooking classes or craft stores for a full range of art or craft-focused classes. You may even find the perfect class in woodworking, computers, or photography at a local community college.

Travel gifts- Do you have grandparents that like to travel. If so, there are lots of great gifts you could give. Pick up a copy of the latest US Atlas, give a travel guide on a destination that they intend to travel to or fill a box with film or disposable cameras that they can take on their next adventure.

Gifts of time- Most grandparents probably wish they got to spend more time with their families. Make this wish come true by taking them out to dinner, a movie, concert or some other event. They’ll enjoy time out on the town, and you’ll all enjoy spending extra time together.

Charity gifts- Convinced that they really do have everything that they need? Donating to one of their favorite charities is always a nice gesture. Pick a charity that they’re actively involved with, or ask them to choose a charity if the choice isn’t obvious. A simple card is all it takes to announce this clutter-free and meaningful gift.

The key to a good grandparent gift is creativity. Look past all of the knick-knacks and collectibles, and find something that’s likely to collect memories instead of dust.

~Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less.