New grandparents play a special role in the lives of children, but they sometimes get overlooked amid the fuss over parents and a newborn. So why not shower grandparents with a little attention and a gift or two? There are many items that new grandparents simply can’t live without – even if they may not have realized it yet.
Here’s a basketful of great gift ideas that can make any stay at Grandma and Grandpa’s safer for your child and easier on your parents. And that might encourage more babysitting offers down the road!
To make a grandparent’s gift basket, first consider their lifestyle and how often they may be babysitting your child. If they live in town and plan to babysit regularly, you might include some key childproofing items and everyday accessories. If visits will be occasional, some removable childproofing items and safety essentials are still a good idea.
Start with a container. It may be a new laundry basket or jumbo tote to store toys, a pillowcase with the child’s name, or even a diaper bag. Fill it with any combination of:
Removable childproofing devices:
- Removable cabinet locks
- Electrical outlet caps
- Door handle guards
- Finger-pinch door guards
- Drapery cord wind-ups
Accessories:
- Pacifiers
- Baby wipes
- Toothbrush and kid’s toothpaste
- Nightlight
- Table Set
- Bottle/sippy cup
- Child’s chair (for toddlers and preschoolers)
- Blanket
Health and First Aid:
- Baby fever reducer/pain reliever
- Baby thermometer
- Laminated card with dosages and pediatrician contact information
- Emergency medical treatment release
Larger portable items. Even if these don’t go in the original gift basket, you may want to include them when you visit:
- Booster seat or high chair that straps to a regular dining chair
- Portable, pressure-mounted safety gate
- Bed siderails
- Playpen, portable crib or toddler trundle
And last, but certainly not least, a picture of their new grandchild!