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Five Ways to Give Better Gifts to Your Grandchild

By Angela Arnold, Owner, PLAYmatters Toys

Every grandparent wants to delight their grandchildren, support Mom and Dad, and be relevant to a busy family on the go. Most grands do this with gift-giving during the holiday season. But the actual gift isn’t important—what matters is how you make the recipients feel. Giving the wrong gift can cause hard feelings, and worse, can miss what you are trying to achieve. Here are five ways you can ensure the gift you give reinforces your bond with your adult children and makes a difference in a grandchild’s formative years.

1. Pay attention to age ranges.

Of course, your grandchild is special! However, manufacturers know what’s developmentally appropriate, especially for ages 0-5, where it really matters. Adhere to the guideline printed on the outside of the box. The consequences of disregarding this information range from wasting money to introducing safety hazards. The risk of ignoring age guidance does lessen as children grow, for example, as most 7-year-olds will be as dexterous as most 13-year-olds, and both could operate a bracelet looming kit. However, a teen might be more “into it” because they socialize more and would be able to share bracelets more than a younger child. If you really like a toy, but it’s too “old” for your grandchild, you can buy it and save it. They grow up fast!

2. Ask parents ahead of time and learn everyone’s preferences.

Don’t just ask, “What does the grandchild want?” Mom or Dad don’t want to hurt your feelings, so they may demur and tell you they appreciate anything you buy. You raised them to be grateful, but this isn’t helpful for you as you attempt to check off your holiday list. Instead, find out what parents prefer/dislike. Is Mom or Dad really picky about sounds, a toy’s environmental impact, or screen time? Ask questions about the child’s preferences, too. What is their favorite toy right now? Is the child more active or more contemplative? Prefers words or logic? Likes to play alone or with others? Is curious about…? After you’ve done your homework, set up a toy wish list and ask the family to keep it running. You can keep it updated beyond the holiday season and share it with aunts, uncles, and friends for birthdays or good grades.

3. Quality matters more than origin.

Remember when common opinion held the more expensive the wine, the better the wine? We know that’s not always true. It’s the same with toys! There is a perception that overseas means inferior quality. European toy makers and domestic toy makers have shifted production to Asian countries in the last decades, certainly. However, overseas plants can produce high-quality toys at lower cost. iPhones are made in China, yet the design specifications are stringent, and the materials are good. Many products are labeled “designed in” USA, Canada, or Germany, for example, but they’re produced in another country, then shipped here. Durability, safety, and playability matter more than origin.

4. Shop early for the best selection.

Supply chain issues are still a challenge, but not like 2021! Shops that sell toys had to make their bets back in June of this year, and they committed to inventory and shipping terms long before you see the items on the shelf. That means they need to sell holiday toys during the front half of the fourth quarter to free up space for next year’s hot items. Keep in mind, if a toy becomes popular, reorders are awfully hard to get after mid-November. Typically, when the item is gone, it’s gone.

5. Shop local.

There are many reasons to shop locally, but for toys this is even more important. Your local toy shop offers a much different experience than a big box retailer or Amazon. A shop like PLAYmatters Toys in Pepper Pike has already curated your choices to the best stuff, so you’ll save time by not clicking through dozens of pages and guessing if the online reviews are legitimate. Yes, Amazon can have it to you the next day, but local toy shops can do what Amazon can’t: They can develop a personal relationship with you. Their employees and owners will know trends, and they know their inventory, so you can share your grandchild’s preferences, and they’ll make sure you leave with the right toy. Your local toy shop also learns your family and your buying preferences as children evolve over the years. Plus, local shops offer more services than you may realize, such as curbside pickup, shipping, gift wrapping, and easy returns.

6. Conclusion

Grandparents can be in a tough spot when it comes to buying gifts. It’s hard to balance your own budget, Mom and Dad’s wants, and a child’s wishes. Make a plan early and start by gathering data about what everyone likes/dislikes. Take that plan to your local toy shop and work with a knowledgeable associate who can help you find toys that are the right fit. You’ll save time and hassle by making one trip in person. When you do it this way, you’ll connect with your grandchild through play. They’ll remember the warm feelings you shared together long after they’ve outgrown the toy.

PLAYmatters Toys

playmatterstoys.com

Shoppes at Landerwood on the Circle
30789 Pinetree Road (next to Heinen’s

Monday – Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm
Extended Hours: Open Weeknights from Dec 12th-23rd until 8 PM

216.464.2424
Woman-Owned | Black-Owned