8 Kid Gift Ideas for Grandparents, Recommended By Parents

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It’s an unwritten rule: Grandparents love to spoil their grandkids with sugar-laden treats and lavish gifts. That’s because they get to have all the fun, then hand the kiddos back over to the parents when the overstimulation kicks in. 

And while we mostly love the bond this creates between family members, there’s another, less wasteful and disruptive way to foster that grandparent-grandchild relationship. The right gifts—like a trip to the zoo together or a plate you can color and preserve—can actually make more of an impact, plus keep energy levels and clutter at a baseline. And, hey, if you can get a gift that the kids and the parents both love? Well, that’s a win-win. 

To take the pressure off, we crowdsourced real parents and our own gear experts to come up with a list of the top baby items and kid gift ideas for grandparents this holiday season. 

1. Building Blocks

• Retail: $129
• GBG Price: $103 
• Age Range: 1 and up
• Best For: Creatives & Problem Solvers

The HABA Wooden Basic Building Blocks toy is a delightful gift that sparks creativity and imagination in young children. Crafted from high-quality, sustainably sourced wood, these vibrant blocks are perfect for little hands to explore and stack. With a variety of shapes and colors, they encourage open-ended play, helping kids develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness. This timeless toy not only fosters artistic expression but also creates precious bonding moments as grandparents and grandchildren build together. A wonderful way to make memories while nurturing a child's development!

2. Land of Nod Teepee

• Retail: $159
• GBG Price: $60
• Age Range: 3 and up
• Best For: Imaginations

The Land of Nod Teepee is a charming gift that transforms any playroom into a magical hideaway for imaginative adventures. Designed with vibrant colors and cozy fabric, this playful tent provides a perfect space for grandchildren to explore their creativity, read stories, or enjoy quiet time. Easy to set up and take down, it can be used indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile addition to any play area. Grandparents will love the joy and excitement this teepee brings, creating a special retreat for bonding moments and imaginative play that will be cherished for years to come.

3. Joovy Skoot Toddler Balance Bike

• Retail: $69
• GBG Price: $52
• Age Range: 10 months - 45 pounds
• Best For: Movers & Shakers

The Joovy Skoot Toddler Balance Bike is an ideal holiday gift for active little ones, promoting balance and coordination while keeping playtime fun! With no pedals to worry about, children can focus on mastering balance and steering, setting the stage for a smooth transition to a traditional bike. Grandparents will love watching their grandchildren gain confidence and independence as they zoom around, creating joyful memories and encouraging outdoor play!

4. Crane Baby Plush Doll Toy

• Retail: $24
• GBG Price: $18 
• Age Range: 0-3 years
• Best For: Dreamers

The Crane Baby Plush Doll Toy is a heartwarming gift that brings comfort and companionship to little ones. Made from ultra-soft materials, this adorable doll is perfect for cuddling and imaginative play, making it a delightful addition to any nursery or playroom. Its gentle, whimsical design captures the charm of childhood, fostering a sense of security and warmth for toddlers. Grandparents will cherish the moments spent reading stories or playing pretend with their grandchildren, knowing they’re gifting not just a toy, but a beloved friend that will accompany them through countless adventures and snuggly moments.

5. KidKraft Disney Frozen Ice Castle Dollhouse

• Retail: $107
• GBG Price: $44 
• Age Range: 3 and up
• Best For: Dreamers

The KidKraft Disney Frozen Ice Castle Dollhouse is a magical gift that will enchant little fans of Anna, Elsa, and their friends. This beautifully designed dollhouse features multiple rooms, intricate details, and themed accessories, allowing children to recreate their favorite scenes from the beloved movie. With its vibrant colors and spacious layout, it encourages imaginative play and storytelling, making it a centerpiece for creative adventures. Grandparents will love seeing their grandchildren’s faces light up as they dive into the whimsical world of Frozen, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

6. Pottery Barn Kids Tool Bench

• Retail: $149
• GBG Price: $74 
• Age Range: 3 and up
• Best For: Thinkers & Builders

The Pottery Barn Kids Tool Bench is a fantastic gift that inspires creativity and hands-on play in young builders. This beautifully crafted workbench comes complete with a variety of realistic tools and accessories, encouraging children to explore their inner handyman or handywoman. Its sturdy construction and charming design make it a durable addition to any playroom, while promoting fine motor skills and imaginative play. Grandparents will enjoy the joy of seeing their grandchildren engage in building and problem-solving activities, fostering both creativity and confidence as they embark on countless DIY adventures together!

7. Lovevery The Play Gym

• Retail: $140
• GBG Price: $116
• Age Range: 0 and up
• Best For: The Littlest One

If you want to give parents and their kiddos something useful, consider a play gym or an activity mat. Even if the parents already own one for their baby, it can be helpful to have a second for a separate room in their house, travel or a caregiver’s home.

The toys that accompany these activity centers are usually detachable, washable and durable. And today, there are plenty of options—like this one from Lovevery—that not only look adorable, but are also created purposefully to suit real developmental needs. 

8. Cottage Door Press My First Library Storyteller Interactive Book And Music Player Set

• Retail: $24
• GBG Price: $18
• Age Range: 0 and up
• Best For: Thinkers

You really can’t go wrong with something educational like a classic kids’ book. According to the AAP, reading aloud to kids is one of the best ways to help them learn. Bonus points for choosing a special book you can read together with your grandchild—even if it’s over FaceTime. 

Or just purchase a gift card! 

• Avg. GBG Price: $10 - $300
• Age Range: All ages 
• Best For: All families 

Sometimes you’re simply not sure what the kids want and the parents need. That’s ok! When in doubt, a gift card goes a long way. Studies show that what people really want is a card, but they typically feel too guilty to ask for one. With that knowledge, may we suggest a GoodBuyGear gift card, so parents can choose the perfect thing for their family? 

Gifting Tips & Ideas for Grandparents 

Holiday shopping is never easy, but picking out a gift for a grandchild is especially difficult when you’re so far removed from the baby phase. Here are some parent-sourced pointers and a downloadable checklist to help take the pressure off:

• Ask what the kids like: Just because you think they might like it, doesn’t mean they will. Ask the parents what kinds of activities keep the kids most engaged. You can also inquire about any favorite TV shows or movies to help guide you. 
• Buy educational gifts: When in doubt, buy a gift that will support your tiny human’s development. Montessori and STEM toys, like building sets, are a great start. 
• Run it by the parents: Before you make a purchase, snap a picture or send the parents the product link. Chances are they’ll be able to tell you if the kid will like it or if they already own it. 
• Get gifts that will grow with the child: Look for toys that will stand the test of time—durable items that kiddos can enjoy at various stages of development. For example, some push cars can evolve into ride-on toys both babies and toddlers will love. 
• Consider the child’s age: Toys are labeled with age guidelines for a reason. They not only signal whether a toy will be appropriate for a child’s developmental stage, but they also help make you aware of any important safety concerns. For example, toys labeled 3 and up are generally labeled as such, because they may contain small pieces that can pose a choking hazard. 
• Avoid loud toys: Babies may like the stimulation, but homes with young kids are chaotic enough, and parents certainly don’t want to be assaulted with bright lights and loud noises all day long. 
• Don’t get toys with tiny pieces: Even if the tiny human you’re shopping for is over the age of 3 and past the phase where they may put small parts in their mouth, it’s a good idea to avoid these kinds of toys. For starters, they may have a younger sibling that could get a hold of a dangerously small part. Beyond that, small parts are hard to keep track of, which creates a mess in the short-term and renders the toy unusable in the long-term when something inevitably goes missing. 
• Avoid toys with batteries: If you’re going to give something that needs batteries, make sure you include them. There’s nothing more frustrating than fielding a meltdown about the toy not working when you realize you don’t have any batteries on hand. But try to avoid battery-operated toys, if possible. They not only tend to be noisy, but kids often leave them on, which means parents are constantly replacing batteries—a wasteful and expensive endeavor. 
• Don’t buy something that is hard to store: A gift like a giant teddy bear may wow the kid, but what are parents supposed to do with such large items? There are plenty of smaller items, like a baking kit, that can make just as much of an impression on a child. 

While you’re mulling over all of your choices, there’s one final tip for grandparents: All of these presents are great, but nothing beats the gift of quality time and making memories with your grandkids. 

Children will eventually lose interest in toys, but they’ll always remember special excursions with those who matter most to them. You can make priceless memories by giving the gift of an experience together—even a simple ice cream date or a trip to the zoo can make a lasting impression.

Need more inspo? Check out our curated toy gift guide for hand-picked gift ideas based on your little one’s interests.