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Beyond the Toy Aisle
Creative Gifts Grandchildren Will Love By Beth B. Hering
Toys and children seem to go together naturally at holiday time. While toys can be fun both to give and to receive, they need not be the only option. The following are some ideas for grandparents who want to get out of the toy aisle but still choose presents that their grandchildren will enjoy.
"Gift certificates to clothing stores are tops on my girls' wish lists these days," says Fran Sherman, a mother of three from Highland Park, Ill. Since children and teenagers often have definite opinions on clothing, gift certificates can ease the worry that what you buy will end up buried in the back of a closet. They also eliminate the need to find out or guess sizes. Likewise, if you would like to purchase a CD or DVD for your grandchild but fear your tastes may differ or your present will be a duplicate, a gift certificate to a place such as Best Buy or Circuit City can be a good alternative.
Stores are not the only ones to offer gift certificates. Think of places your grandchild likes to go or things he likes to do. Movie theaters, fast-food joints, video rental stores, pizza places, ice cream parlors, skating rinks, bowling lanes and amusement parks are just some of the establishments young people enjoy but may not have the money to patronize as often as they would like. "My kids always appreciate gift certificates," says Paula Norton, a mother of three from Streamwood, Ill., "Specialty certificates are their favorites, such as a week at summer camp or a session of gymnastics lessons."
"My 5-year-old loves to take photos," says Frank George of Arlington, Va. "While my wife and I want to encourage his creativity, the cost is a bit much at times. This topic came up in conversation with my mother-in-law, and she put together a great package of film, blank photo albums and Target gift cards (for film processing) for his next birthday."
Craft stores offer a variety of kid-friendly kits to help youngsters learn about sewing, woodworking, painting, jewelry making, scrapbooking and cooking. Other possibilities include a telescope for a budding astronomer, ice skates for a future Michelle Kwan, a journal to collect the thoughts of an aspiring writer or a keyboard for a child with a passion for music. Nature enthusiasts may welcome camping gear, fishing equipment or even a bug-collecting set.
