Christmas Presents for Grandkids

At that age cash !

I tend to disagree with 'ask the parents'! Some of best presents our children received were not things we would have ever suggested. My lovely Sil was brilliant at 'random' presents.

Oh Allsorts!

After this year, definitely be money for family, just found out the things I got for grandson he will never wear..I did ask son before but he was no wiser. My son’s present is one he had already bought himself some time ago and dil has changed her favourite perfume. Too late now. Never met a teenager who would be disappointed to be given money.

Bit late to the game Ryan I should think and hope it’s all done and dusted by now, only a few hours away

Cash is always well received!

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.

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

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

Money

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.

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.

kittylester

Look at the Science Museum's website.

Yes!

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.

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

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.

* DCD should read DGC!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.