Grand daughter starting secondary school

Will give money to help with school uniform for GS. At primary he had at least 3 jumpers. This year starting secondary he has 1. He commented to his Dad he only had one jumper. The reply was that with the cost of that 1 jumper he may well have it glued into his blazer to prevent it being lost!

I'm always trying to get my DGC away from their phones so love to bombard give them something personal such as hand-knitted sweaters or money towards a school trip or sports gear. They've never complained and my eldest DGC has just left school and is about to begin 6th form college.

They’d use a new phone more or a new case for it if you can’t run to a new phone. No, I didn’t know it was a thing to buy presents for a new school either. Mine have missed out!

GD started secondary school last year she said nobody in her class uses fountain pens, they all use trendy sorts of roller ball pens.
Perhaps take her out for an afternoon and maybe buy her some of the things she'll need like pencil case etc or even a couple of items of uniform or sports kit which would also help out parents as an expensive time for them.

How about a watch? Funds for a school trip/ outing?
Ask her ....she' ll probably know exactly !! Or maybe wait until first half term to see if there is anything she would like ?

Start a trust fund ! She will need it!!

My granddaughter is also starting secondary school. I have bought a personalised photo frame, with her name and school at top and date at foot of frame

My granddaughter and step grandson are both starting high school I got them both a personalised card with names date school etc on them and my granddaughter I bought her a gold necklace with her name on it and them both a personalised socks lol off not on the high street my grandson is also starting nursery I got him the same

Our eldest DGS starts secondary school in September his dad bought him a nice watch and a wallet. Knowing him he will have lost the wallet in the first week. ?

I must be the meanest grannie. I didn't give them anything.
My 4yr old DGD is about to begin school in a couple of weeks.
She washed her hands at mine using lavender and geranium handwash and said she would wash her hands often if she had that! So 3 guesses what she's getting.

I'm sure our worth as grandparents isn’t measured by the gifts we give. Maybe the OP doesn't see her DGD often and wants to have the opportunity to buy her something special. Either way, no one needs to feel guilty.

Zoejory

ElaineI

Never thought this was a thing! We give the parents money towards shoes, uniform etc.

Oh thank goodness! We're the same.

I was beginning to think we were evil grandparents!

I don't give money towards shoes or uniform!!
I would if needed of course.

However, the right bag (!) is something which might be an expense too far for the parents.

ElaineI

Never thought this was a thing! We give the parents money towards shoes, uniform etc.

Oh thank goodness! We're the same.

I was beginning to think we were evil grandparents!

I once worked in a comprehensive which told children that they must use fountain pens! I got fed up with the naughty ones making inky fingers an excuse to leave the room and 'wash my hands, miss!' Against the school rules I said that I wouldn't allow fountain pens in my classroom and had no complaints - with the exception of the trouble makers who had lost their excuse for getting out of the classroom.
So my recommendation is: forget the fountain pen. A good set of roller-balls, which are easily replaced when someone 'borrows' them.

Never thought this was a thing! We give the parents money towards shoes, uniform etc.

I worked in a secondary school for a while and I never ever saw anyone using a fountain pen!! Can you still actually buy them? Rollerball pens seem to be the most popular. Parker do some lovely ones but the chances of it getting lost at school are pretty high! Mostly girls here seem to have oversized tote bags for school. Maybe a voucher for a high street shop so she can choose her own? I do like the journal idea though. One that locks so nobody can pry!!

Same Callistemon21

Jaxjacky

Ours wanted a specific brand of rucksack, we bought and gave it with pleasure.

Yes, mine too.

I let her choose it herself as it had to be the right shape and size.

Would it be out of the question to ask her if there's something she would really like to mark the occasion? Perhaps you want it to be a total surprise.

My son has just graduated from uni. I bought him a patio set, chairs, table, parasol etc! ?

When they started school I ordered coloured and ordinary pencils with names engraved. Not sure they were ever used.

My gd started senior school last year and though no needlewoman I made a large drawstring bag out if her school dress, using pockets fir extra storage and fitted out the teddy we got her when she was Born with a mini school uniform, simple skirt and top with a little bag. It will be a nice memory fir her in future of her old school dress.

We've bought our GD a Parker fountain pen and ballpoint, both engraved with her name. Expensive enough to be nice, but not so much that they couldn't be replaced if necessary.

Whether she uses them or not is up to her! But we thought they acknowledged that she's growing up (unfortunately!!).

It's a couple of years before my eldest GC starts secondary school, but I will remember this thread and all the lovely suggestions. Thank you Quilty and everyone.

No 5 is about to start secondary school gg - the novelty has worn off. She might get a card!!

My grandson is 4 and starting big school. I would like to buy him a present but he already has everything a small boy starting school could possibly need. I offered to buy him a pencil case when we were in a shop the other day, but he assured me he already 2 and asked if he could have a dinosaur instead ( he has about 202 of those!!)