Christmas gift ideas for grandparents

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I ask for lists of what family members would like, must have something wrapped under the tree. If they can't give me ideas they get a voucher for JL. I love scarves

My daughter asked me yesterday what I would like for Xmas and for once I was able to give her an answer "a portable Bluetooth speaker please!"

I know how irritated I get with people who never want anything because they can buy anything they want. As a result, from about June onwards, if I am thinking of buying anything for myself that is not expensive and just an indulgence and not an immediate necessity, I hold off and put it on my birthday (August) or Christmas list

So far I have listed a couple of books, a new case for my Kindle and some bird feeders and bird food.

I echo what may others have said. DH and I would hate them to spend a lot of their hard earned money on presents for us.

It's lovely to receive things that are useful, gardening gloves, toiletries, small gardening tools, bird feeders etc.

These things often wear out or are used up, so it's nice to get new versions!

Rambled on about what I get but didn't address the OP's post, for early 60s my age I would suggest any of the following, cinema tickets voucher, food aside, are they drinkers? half a case of wine maybe. If they were anywhere near a John Lewis, one of their vouchers, theatre tickets, again if there is a theatre nearby, framed photographs of family or their dogs. Nice warm fleecy pyjamas for this time of the year. NT membership, really nice scented things for the house from say The White Company or Jo Malone body cream a real luxury.

I don't like my children spending a lot on my present, I have everything I want. I usually ask for a book that I have my eye on, last year it was a tome about Queen Victoria by A N Wilson, which one of them kindly bought me and I have by my bedside table for dipping into and Dan Jones The Plantagenets. Sometimes they get us things we don't want, but they have enjoyed such as box sets, Breaking Bad for example, which I still haven't really got into, although I'm told it's worth sticking with, but I have failed to do so. Occasionally they will be inspired and buy a dvd of an old film, such as On The Waterfront which my husband loved, before my time. I got the Godfather trilogy, my faves but one of them borrowed the set and I haven't seen hide nor hair of it since. Ideally I like a history or non fiction book to dip into between whatever fiction book I'm reading, and perhaps a box of bog standard chocolates such as Milk Tray because I have to discipline myself to eat chocolate only occasionally. That's it really!

I have everything I need or want. Last year I asked my family to go to the Save the Children wishlist and buy something in my name for an African community. I'll ask them to do the same this year. However, you can't do this unless the grandparent in question has asked you to do it. Vouchers are always welcome and make for a guilt-free shopping expedition.

Iam very happy with Boots vouchers, I save them until it's offer time on Estee Lauder then I buy my expensive night / day creams
I use extra points vouchers too so I have money to spend on other things. The gift a always includes other creams, lipstick, mascara etc. Christmas, Mothers Day and my summer birthday means that they last all year!I could never justify the expense of Estee Lauder otherwise.

I am always asked to write a list of things I would like and then DH and DDs liaise on who will get what. It is my birthday on Christmas day so they always buy separate presents for that which I open in the afternoon and have a birthday tea.
This year my list will include new beads for my Pandora style bracelet, subscription to a knitting magazine, Body Shop White Musk toiletries (a standard every year), gloves, a new mug, fudge from a particular shop near to where DDs live, money to renew my Senior Rail Card, silver necklace or earrings or anything chosen by the grandchildren however odd. Think that should give them plenty of choice. This year we will have a special gift as DD2 is expecting a baby at the beginning of January.
If we are really stuck for a present we usually arrange for a bouquet of flowers to be delivered just before Christmas.

Thank you all so much for lovely suggestions! Some really good ideas here.

Also loving seeing what is on your wish lists for Christmas, especially when the answer to this questions from the grandparents is always "oh please don't get us anything". They are always so generous with us and the children, it just doesn't feel right! I'd rather get something that might be wished for and sought after!

Time, as Jackie says. Got to be the best spending time with the children and grandchildren. Would be my choice.

Oh some lovely ideas here! I'm always stuck when DS asks what I want for Christmas. Now if only someone could come up with some ideas for him and partner ... I've already bought panto tickets for us all but do want to give them something to open too so DGS doesn't think all the presents are for him

Vouchers, warm things for dog walking, donation to favourite charity, Amazon vouchers are great as I like downloading kindle books on my iPad. I personally love body and face moisturiser to help reduce the prune look but you would need to make sure it is the right kind.

Donations to Guide Dogs - or whatever your personal preference would be.

We had a similar conversation with my son yesterday, he came out with the dreaded "what do you want for christmas?" to which we both replied "nothing". Then of course it was "but I've got to get you something.."
Ummmm no you really don't, there is nothing we need so why waste your money?
I have thrown so many unwanted smellies, ponging candles (hate, hate, yuk) as I call them etc in the bin over the years, I really would prefer the givers bought something they want for themselves.

Time is always the best present. So how about a promise to go on an outing with them and the grandchildren once a month definitely. Zoo visits, or whatever the children and grandparents will all enjoy. If they can cope, you could even opt out yourselves and give them the time with the DGC.

This need not cost a lot - in summer it can be a picnic, or feeding the ducks, in winter a snowball fight or an outdoor barbecue and big bonfire.

I would not recommend buying bath oil etc unless you know what the ladies particularly love. The stuff I received last year went straight down to the charity shop in the new year. Scarves are a very good suggestion, whether warm or (for the ladies) light and floaty. I've got several tartan ones for the grandsons this year, including the 3 MacKenzie ones - modern, ancient and dress. Another suggestion is the bigger ones (pashminas). Cufflinks are another idea for the men and they come in a variety of styles and prices.

If they all like dogs then maybe the Dog Bingo game. It comes in a good quality box and is educational too. My grandchildren enjoy the strange names of all the breeds as well.

Lovely cashmere tartan scarves in the Edinburgh Woollen Mill. And I found Barbour tartan scarves in the Gretna Outlet Centre for £25.
4 sons and 4 dil plus dh are getting beautiful scarves this year. I bought 9.

Anything made by the grandchildren :-)

How about the new Ladybird book, in the new adult series: 'How it works: The Grandparent'.

I have already seen one review by a journalist in her 70s, who is clearly suffering from a sense of humour failure. It sounds great fun.

Last year DD gave me a calendar with a photo of the GDs for every month, she'd done it herself.

I think that was my favourite gift ever!

Yes! I love Amazon vouchers too.All that choice.