How to make first visit of grandchildren special.

I’d avoid the gender stereotyping for gifts to be honest.

Lucca, it was just a suggestion for a little welcome bag, that's all. I don't particularly advocate gender stereotyping for babies and toddlers in general, but in my experience most 7 year old boys, and 10 year old girls like the kind of stuff I mentioned, that's all. The OP would be free to include whatever she likes. Perhaps she could have a little word with mum or dad, so as not to offend anyone ...

If they are used to going everywhere by car, then a trip by bus would be a treat, especially on the top deck. My granddaughter still loves bus trips, at age 8.
Board games might be an idea - you can get Trivial Pursuit with both adult and children's questions, or maybe Monopoly, or Jengo.

Doing activities like making pizzas or cakes is always fun and bonding. Telling them stories about when their dad was little, funny and naughty always goes down well,
The one thing you will have is time to give them, so talk about the different kinds of things they'd like to do and are maybe different to where they live.
Maybe plan a big treat like cinema and meal out on last day?

Nansnet

Lucca, it was just a suggestion for a little welcome bag, that's all. I don't particularly advocate gender stereotyping for babies and toddlers in general, but in my experience most 7 year old boys, and 10 year old girls like the kind of stuff I mentioned, that's all. The OP would be free to include whatever she likes. Perhaps she could have a little word with mum or dad, so as not to offend anyone ...

I just meant that you run the risk of upsetting DIL that way.

How lovely , do hope it goes well & happens more often for you in future !

I agree with those who think you should keep it low key KateCan don't overwhelm them. Spend time getting to know them again and see what they would like to do. I hope it all goes well.

I’ve just had my two grandsons, aged 8 and 11, to stay. The things they liked most were; making pizzas and fudge with me (we also made marshmallows, fruit pastilles and cakes, which they loved, but they’re probably not things for you to do on a first visit), going for a bike ride with their granddad, visiting a couple of local museums, taking bus rides (such a novelty for many youngsters these days), picking fruit and veg on the allotment (maybe a visit to a PYO farm could substitute) and an occasional visit to local cafes/restaurants.

If I could make a suggestion it would be to make a point of not focusing on the children to the exclusion of the parents. Make sure they know you’re delighted to see them too and perhaps include a welcome gift for them; an offer to babysit while you treat the parents to a restaurant meal actually ticks two boxes.