What words accurately encompass the place grandparents hold in their grandchildren’s lives? Unique. Influential. Priceless. Such a relationship can hardly be reduced to a few words, but we know in our hearts what our words cannot capture, the relationship is special.
I speak from experience. My own parents are present, both emotionally and physically, for my two teenage sons. In my eyes, they are the best grandparents ever! Their constant support, encouragement, and love for my boys provide a model of how I want to be when I have grandbabies of my own. Although I am not yet a grandparent, allow me to share a few thoughts on gifts that I’ve observed my parents graciously give to my children.
The holiday season is near, along with planning and decisions about how and where we will spend our time and money. What plans are you making as a grandparent, not just for this season, but for the future? This year, we suggest approaching this wonderful season with intentionality and purpose.
Words are powerful. Decades of living have taught us this. A small seed of encouragement can blossom into a rich harvest. Make a plan to encourage your grandchildren throughout the year in a reliable, consistent manner. For a grandchild, to know that they are consistently thought of and cared for is a priceless gift.
Whether you grab your favorite notepad or make electronics work for you this year, you have many options for providing your grandchild with consistent encouragement whether you live near or far.
Prepare envelopes in advance and send a letter or card weekly or monthly. Your grandchild will look forward to stopping at the mailbox to see what has arrived.
What does your grandchild enjoy? What would you like to teach them? What is something you enjoy and want to share or experience with them? We suggest the gift of an adventure box. Grab a box and fill it with 12 months of “experience” gifts. Below are some ideas:
It is no surprise that rising costs affect us all. Help your grandchildren by giving them the gift of provision. Begin saving for their future college expenses by opening a 529 College Savings Plan for as little as $25. This savings plan is named after section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. A 529 Savings Plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan that allows you to save for a beneficiary’s future college expenses such as tuition, room, board, books, supplies and more. The earnings grow free of federal taxation and, in the state of Iowa, you also receive a state tax deduction (in 2022, up to $3,522 per beneficiary).
As your grandchildren grow, so will their understanding of how you intentionally made provisions for their future. Click here for our recent blog article on College Savings 529.
Traditions are gifts that last forever. Long after we are gone, traditions are passed on from one generation to the next. Traditions create stability and foster a sense of belonging.
Consider creating special traditions for your family to carry into the next generation:
Give your grandchildren the gift of knowing you and your family’s history. There are many resources to help you achieve this. This gift will take time, but it will preserve the family history they would otherwise not have.
Download a free grandparenting handout of these ideas and more by clicking here.
Grandparents are often able to buy material things that parents won’t or can’t. And while grandparents can splurge where parents may not be able to, you also have time and experience to give gifts that are rich in something far beyond their monetary value.
This year, consider how you can incorporate these noble, intentional, and purposeful gifts into your grandchildren’s lives in the years to come. Grandchildren may remember some of the gifts you buy, but they will never forget the way you build into their lives, provide them with security, share your knowledge and wisdom, and leave them a legacy of love.