It’s not too late to pull together an Easter basket full of gifts for the Grandparents. In fact, it’s the perfect way to put some spring in their step, especially if you can’t get together like usual.
Need ideas?
Of course, you can always get cracking with gift suggestions from past Frontida Assisted Living posts, like
- Stocking Stuffers and Under-the-Tree Hits (because Christmas should really be all-year-round anyway.)
- Outside-the-chocolate-box Valentines (or inside-the-box, if you prefer. Chocolate works, too.)
- Blue gifts – Or pink, yellow, orange, purple, green… Whatever springtime paper you have. (Yep, they’re not just “egg-cellent” ideas for when Grandma’s sad.)
- And, if you’re feeling crafty, DIY gifts, like handprint plates, handprint sweaters, picture books, quilt blankets, handprint greeting cards, and Easter snow globes (Okay, the post shows fall leaves. But dye the eggshells to Easter colors, and you’ve got Springtime in a bottle.)
But if you’ve hunted down all those options for other holidays? No need to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
We’ve got more, so keep reading.
Frontida Assisted Living Facilities, including Frontida of Kimberly,, provide you with posts like this one to help you live your best life.
1. Talking Photo Album
Because “No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet.” — Unknown
Picture frames are fabulous, especially loved with an updated portrait of the family.
And photo albums full of candids? Snapshots of grandkids doing crazies? Pics of grandbabies making bunny-faces at Grandma?
All fun!
But why not add a little snapchat with them? Talking photo albums let you do it.
- Maybe Little Junior describes the day he and Grandma went fishing.
- Juniorette remembers the shelf they built together.
- Or both join in a chorus of their most recent spring concert.
The memories will be something grandparents can enjoy over and over.
In fact, why not give two.
- One filled with your pictures and descriptions for them.
- And one empty one for the grandparents to fill and describe back to you. Pictures of when they were young and doing school musicals or going fishing with their grandmas.
Now that’s a gift that will last for many lifetimes to come!
Some versions have up to two hours talking time. And, of course, lots of space for those photos that have been stuck in your phone… Waiting to print off and share. (Yep, speaking to myself, here.)
2. Books and Blankets
Because “The best place to be when you’re sad is Grandpa’s lap.” — Unknown
Of course, it’s also a great spot when you’re happy, excited, scared, or just want a hug. So what better to do there than read a book or watch a movie together.
Need ideas?
Thankfully, there’s a post for that—Filled with book and movie suggestions that grandparents will love with—or without—the grandkids.
(Note: Don’t miss Once Upon a Time…The End. Guaranteed, it will soon be the adult favorite for bedtime!)
Have your own favorite? Tell us in the comments.
Meanwhile, … if you give a grandma a book, she’ll probably want a blanket to go with it. Am I right?
But spring is here, and the mercury is finally beginning to rise. When it’s too hot for the thick one but they still like to burrow?
It’s okay—Go ahead and pack up the thick woollies…
Instead, celebrate warmer temps with a lightweight spring/summer blanket. Made from thinner cotton or bamboo, there’s just enough snuggle to ward off the air-conditioned chill—without setting the room on fire.
3. Music and Shows of Yesteryear
Because “A grandparent is old on the outside but young on the inside.” – Unknown
You might see Grandma and Grandpa limping now, but they’ve walked miles in their shoes, with a whole lot of living going on.
Ask them about it with these 100 question starters.
Then, gift them some of that history for their present. (Yep, pun intended.)
Look back at the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s and find their favorite entertainment. Most of the time, it’s just a quick ask to Google, and you can have CDs/DVDs at your doorstep overnight.
Grandparents struggling to reminder who was popular? You guessed it. There’s a post…It’s a series about technology that Grandma had in the good ol’ days. And this one covers old radio programs, television, and music. No, it’s not exhaustive, but it will prime the pump.
4. Stuffed Animals
Because “To a small child, the perfect granddad is unafraid of big dogs and fierce storms… but absolutely terrified of the word ‘boo.’” – Robert Breault
Okay, this gift may not be for every grandparent. But there’s just something about a “stuffy” that brings out the giggles. If not from them, then from their grandchild.
And who can’t help chuckling at that laugh. If nothing else, they can use it to tickle that little’s nose and act scared with the “boo.”
You can pick up plush bears or puppies anywhere. But if you like a really flopping cutie, try a Jellycat Bunny or one of their other animals.
If Grandma has dementia, this lifelike puppy that acts like a real dog is fun. The connection gives her comfort, but she doesn’t have to take him out for a walk.
5. Outdoor Fun
Because“The best babysitters, of course, are the baby’s grandparents. You feel completely comfortable entrusting your baby to them for long periods, which is why most grandparents flee to Florida.” – Dave Barry
No, not every grandparent crosses state lines to get away. But they do need a bit of out-and-about themselves.
So pick up some fun accessories.
- Sunglasses—or clip-ons, if they wear glasses. (Yes, they make cool ones now.)
- A fun hat or cap (favorite ball team, fedora, Oxford flat cap, Cowboy/Cowgirl, Bakerboy, or just a big floppy one.)
- Garden gloves and seeds to plant
- Garden stool or kneeler
- Or just tickets for an outdoor concert. (They’re getting even more popular now.)
On the other hand, maybe they’d like to stay in and enjoy a few nostalgic games from their past. More chances to ask them what they played—or read the link to get some ideas. (May I suggest you don’t choose Candy Land? [*wink*])
6. Smart Technology
Because“Grandparents should play the same role in the family as an elder statesman can in the government of a country. They have the experience and knowledge that comes from surviving a great many years of life’s battles and the wisdom, hopefully, to recognize how their grandchildren can benefit from this.” — Geoff Dench
These past few years have taught us the value of seniors—And how to keep connected when you have to be apart.
Keep the conversations going with electronic upgrades where they need them.
- If they’re using a desktop computer, consider a tablet—It might be easier to carry if they want to move from spot to spot.
- Add a Fitbit so they can see how many steps they’re getting. Plus keep track of sleep schedules.
And you know the “fallen and can’t get up” commercials?
- Alexa can make phone calls.
- And smartwatches can also keep track of health numbers.
7. Gifts of Relaxation
Because “Beautiful young people are [blessings] of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” – adapted from Eleanor Roosevelt
There’s just something about those wrinkles that tell wonderful stories: whether it’s persevering when life was eggshells, unscrambling the scrambled, or celebrating the sunning side-up.
Now, they’ve earned a little pampering.
Grab their favorite specialty coffee or tea.
- If they don’t have one, throw in a Keurig. (It requires a lot less work and many water reservoirs can hold a lot of water.)
- Electric kettles are also a great help. They heat water fast and shut off on their own.
Pick up a few coloring books. They aren’t just for children anymore, even proving to relieve stress and help with depression. They can color with their whole assisted living community.
And since its Easter/Holy Week, why not add a large-print or audio-version of the Bible.
8. Bundling It All Together
Because “Just when Grandparents think their work is finished, someone calls them “Great.” —Unknown
With a quick little Easter basket, we can show Grandparents—yes, and Great-Grandparents, too—how much joy they add to life.
Throw all the goodies into a Reusable basket, and they can be reminded all year.
So, which of these is your favorite gift idea? Or tell us about another one?
Frontida Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities in Wisconsin are here to help you with the fun and the hard moments. Asking yourself, “Is there safe senior living near me?”
Here are more great gift ideas for Grandma and Grandpa for other holidays and celebrations.
Thank you to olia danilevich on pexel.com for the featured photo.
Elizabeth Daghfal is a writer, teacher, speaker, and community volunteer. When she isn't teaching or writing-- Who are we kidding? Her husband and five kids say she's ALWAYS teaching and writing. She has a passion to help people who are struggling and is happy to say her shoulders are drip-dry. Born and raised in the South, she now lives in Wisconsin and loves it--except for the fifteen months of winter. Read more about her at elizabethdaghfal.com.