Christmas Presents for Grandkids

Lego’s science and technology series?

Look at the Science Museum's website.

I’m afraid i only give money. Then they can buy what they want or save up for something. Unless the GC have made a specific list it’s the best option. I usually try to buy them something to open as well but it would be a book on a topic they are interested in or a t-shirt or some nail varnish.

Rather than something which may end up in the back of a cupboard what about tickets for something or money?

I agree at that age they just want the money. A small token gift to open (smellies- they are that age lol!) and a wad of cash or even a gift card.

If you want to go down the gift route - I’d check with the parents first, in case of duplicating something.
Like others, I’d give cash or a voucher, with a little gift, to open on the day.

Thanks for the tip for the Science museum website Kitty my grandson is 9.
I’ve just had a quick look and there are some great ideas.

It really does depend on your budget. My DD will give me a few suggestions as to what my GC would like so I generally select from her ‘list’, tell her what I’m getting them , if it’s under budget they get the rest in cash.

I give them all money now and they can buy something of their own choice or for the little ones parents buy something they need like clothes or shoes. Its better than a random choice of mine I think.

We still buy presents for the 12 and 18 year old, they’ll provide lists.
I agree, check with parents, not just in case of duplication, but they may know of other ideas.

Two of mine are that age and love their magazine subscriptions ( they told me which ones) - a weekly pleasure, less stuff in the house.

My DiL has always been a great help in letting me know what would be appropriate for my DCD - has often sent me a link so that I can see the product for myself. Now that they are grown up, and spreading their wings, it's not so easy and I make a donation to their bank accounts, and supply a small 'stocking filler' to open on the day. One year, DiL gave me a link to a tee shirt that DGS wanted. It was out of stock, so he eventually got his Christmas present for his birthday - in the summer.

* DCD should read DGC!

Various DIY kits like model building sets or science kits maybe?
If they are into video games, then a Steam gift card could be a great idea.
Subscription(s) to useful software is a good option if they are into things like photo editing or video making, here are some lists that might give you ideas:
www.shutterbug.com/content/best-photo-editors-windows-11-2023
www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-daws-the-best-music-production-software-for-pc-and-mac
digital-photography-school.com/review-of-photoworks-a-fresh-and-fast-photo-editor-for-pc/

Tickets to events are a good option as well, are there any upcoming gigs or shows they'd enjoy attending?
Also if they are into science and there any local science museums or workshops you can get them annual passes or certificates.

I googled teenagers science build things.
Then a lot of shopping ideas came up.

This field can be an absolute quagmire. Even if you get a list of kits, which ones will interest them specifically?

Ask the children or their parents for a list of things they would like. Alternatively give them cash or a voucher.

kittylester

Look at the Science Museum's website.

Yes!

I do find it hard knowing what they want without a list. Could
Parents advise? I buy a few small gifts and give money, they hit the sales after Christmas Day. It's what's they prefer.
Feel strange doing it before.

One of our grandsons was saving to build a computer. He had cash toward some part of it and a tiny thing for under the tree.

My own son did the same at 14. He was interested in science but not really a "kit" person.

I'd definitely speak to them about what they fancy.

Money

Oh definitely ask the parents and get some ‘wants’ that way guessing at 13 and 16 is asking for trouble
Good luck

I would ask the parents what they would like. Otherwise, an Amazon gift voucher.

If you are thinking of giving a voucher.. surely cash (or bank transfer) is better.

Some people don't like using Amazon and truly specialised things aren't always there in the first place.

Cash is always well received!