Christmas gifts for grandson that lives overseas

Definitely something to amuse him on the plane. And books, books and more books - they can be packed flat and won't overload the luggage for the return journey. It sounds a bit impersonal, but you could also give your DD some money to start a savings account for him. The best present will be for you to talk to him, sing to him, and cuddle him.

Something that can be activated baby ipad

My DGC enjoyed Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, if you're thinking of a book.

{grin} !

FENNEL When my dd lived in Lesotho, we sent her (for fun) a swim cap with velcro patches and balls with Velcro patches, the idea being one person to wear the cap and try to catch the thrown balls on it.
On her next visit to collect the parcel, which hadn't arrived, the lady in the post office was wearing it !

Give your DGS an heirloom type piece of jewellery or a watch etc. Something to be kept for him until he is older and can appreciate it. It is risky to post such valuables.
Give money for his parents to buy him an educational toy for Christmas once home.

For older young ones - once my niece in the US was in her teens, I'd send $$ tucked inside a book or other small present, for both Christmas and birthday. Over many years it never went astray. Sending money any other way always meant ripoff bank charges.

Board books or cloth books are usually popular at that age.
Two favourite board books in this family are Peepo! and Each Peach Pear Plum, both by the Ahlbergs.

Cloth books my Gdcs liked when babies were the animal tails ones, forget what they're called, but they had the animals' tails attached.

I'm in the U.S. and find it easier to send money to my DIL in the U.K so she can buy my grandchild something that she is currently into.

I'm not sure what I'd buy for a 7 month old to take back. My children loved picture books (with thick pages) at that age.

I beg your pardon, they do operate there, but last I heard everything had to be delievered from the USA anyway!

Now we use Amazon delivered direct to their door.
Amazon doesn't operate in Australia, but you can order from other websites.

How about a keepsake item alongside the toy? A first Christmas bauble or snow globe?

I agree with Buffybee no child can have too many Teddies, but check with his parents. They probably were inundated with clothes in the first two sizes and now that he has outgrown them are struggling to find the money to buy new clothes, as most small children's clothes are outrageously expensive.

Hello GrandA and welcome. There are a number of posters not in the UK and I don't see that it matters.
If it was me, I would buy him a lovely Teddy Bear, so he can cuddle it over the years and know that it is from his Grandma!

In the old days we used to post presents to family who lived abroad, often paying as much in postage as the value of the contents. Now we use Amazon delivered direct to their door.
Regarding what to buy a seven month old dgc, make sure it is light, books are heavy. The hand puppet suggestion was a good idea as you can entertain the baby with it on the journey home.

One of my sons and his family live in India. I used to send them presents often, mainly clothes. But many never got there (stolen in transit.)
Now I just put some money into the parents bank account.
We've visited twice, and always take presents with us.

When my kids were young I lived in Sweden and my parents lived in the UK - they often sent books,cds and dvds (think nursery rhymes, classic childrens' books, Teletubbies etc) that were British which my kids loved so you could send things from the US

Just check whether there are any customs/tax duties to pay (someone once sent me a birthday gift from the US and I had to pay £25/$32 to get it)

They probably do lovely baby clothes in the USA so you could ask your DD for suggestions and size.
The clothes will probably be different to anything they can buy in Australia.

Money, puppet type book and an outfit.

My DGC had soft toys that made different noises, eg the ears made a rustling sound when the baby grabs them etc.
Unfortunately, I can't remember what they were called but someone else may know.
They loved them.

I've seen a VTech Activity Lion which makes noises and plays tunes - should keep all the passengers entertained on the plane home again

I've answered this question before on GN. How about a lovely soft hand-puppet? Babies and children love these (they're potentially more fun than an ordinary soft toy, especially if you make up games with them) and they're easy to pack. Just check that the label says they're suitable for baby's age. I've bought some gorgeous puppets in the USA. Try a good toyshop or online. Folkmanis make beautiful ones.

When my GC were babies they had inflatable floor toys with animals and bells inside, ideal for babies not yet walking. At end of vacation can be deflated and packed in suitcase.

True, but my thought was that a GP might want to use this as a reference post sometime.

A small stuffed toy or a teething ring would be another go-to for me for a 7-month-old. Or a sippy cup that doesn't spill.

..but no one is asking for older children the original poster particularly asked for a 7 month old grandson, not a 4 year old grand daughter Agnurse
Why not ask the parents ?

Forgot to add, for older children, magnetic board games are also a lot of fun. The pieces are magnetized and the board folds up to double as a caddy to hold the pieces.