"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" ~Winnie The Pooh
School Age Ideas
Your school age grandchild is off and running! Their streak of independence is starting to blossom along with their social skills. This is a tough time for parents and grandparents alike. You both used to be the center of their world and now their world has dramatically expanded. This is the time that you want to become an anchor for your grandchild. At this stage you will need to make an effort to fit in to your grandchild's schedule. Try to be as flexible as possible and look below for a variety of ideas to engage and interact with your independent, school-age grandchild.
Special Occasion or Just Because Gifts
To Purchase
Engage, take an interest and listen. That is what your school age grandchild wants from their grandparent at this stage. They want to still feel that special place that you have created with them. Look below for some ideas that will keep you at the top of their list and
embedded in their heart. Enjoy!
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A few notes of caution - do not feel like you need to buy their attention or love. This age is more about experiences than things since they are still learning about our great big world out there. Also, remember that your grandchild may want to pick out their gift so consider taking him or her with you, once you receive the parents approval.
Fire 7 Tablet
Cost = $$$
Age = 3 - 12
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = M
Supports Development = +++
Yes, the technology era is here and there is no getting around it. Your grandchild will love this gift. Everything in moderation.
Bike
Cost = $$$
Age = 3 - 9 years
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = D
Supports Development = +++
This bike will grown with your grandchild and comes in 7 fun colors!
Kite
Cost = $$
Age = 4 - 8
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = M
Supports Development = +++
Yes, go fly a kite! This is nothing better than going out on a windy day and teaching your grandchild a bit about the elements and fun!
The Floor Is Lava Interactive Game
Cost = $
Age = 5+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = ++
Your grandchild will have fun with this simple game! You can play with your grandchild if you are active or they can play with friends.
Rock Painting Kit
Cost = $
Age = 6+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
Expand your grandchild's creativity with something you can do together!
Art Supplies
Cost = $$
Age = 5+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
Includes paints, colored pencils, washable markers and paper pads. May require supervision.
Scooter
Cost = $$
Age = 5+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
Promotes coordination and keeps your grandchild active. A great toy to have at your home when he or she visits! Comes in 6 different colors.
STEM Kit
Cost = $$
Age = 5 - 10 years
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = D
Supports Development = ++++
Promote sscience, technology, engineering and math skills (STEM). Building and learning fun for you and your grandchild!
Gift for Parents
Cost = $
Age = N/A
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = ++
Consider a wonderful mindfulness book for the busy mom or a family organizer to help keep a busy family organized!
National Geographic Geodes
Cost = $$
Age = 5 - 15 years
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = M
Supports Development = ++++
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Fun project to do together and explores the sciences and discovery - see the surprise inside! Supervision required!
Walkie Talkies
Cost = $$
Age = 4+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
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Have fun and explore two-way communication! Supports communication and coordination development.
Games
Cost = $
Age = 4+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
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A variety of games for your school age grandchild - see below.
Handmade Gifts
Nothing says love better than a gift made from the heart
Create A Garden Together
Cost = $
Age = 4+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
Get the vegetable seed packets below or from a plant nursery and discover how things grow with your grandchild.
Create an Archelogical Dig
Cost = $$
Age = 5+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = M
Supports Development = +++
Teach your grandchild how to explore by burying pieces of pottery to dig up or see below to get started.
Bake Something To Share
Cost = $
Age = 4+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
Bake or cook a favorite family recipe together the wrap it up to give for your grandchild to give to his/her parents.
Make AÂ Terrarium Together
Cost = $
Age = 5+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
Get a glass container with a lid, add rocks at the bottom then dirt on top, and a succulent or other hardy plant then water or see below for a quick starter kit.
Please note plant is not included.
Make AÂ Short Movie Together
Cost = $$
Age = 5+
Gender = N
Assembly Difficulty = E
Supports Development = +++
Develop an easy story together, use props like stuffed animals or figurines, then record using your cell phone. You don't need the equipment below unless you get serious!
Grandparent & School Age Grandchild Activities
How can you connect with your beautiful grandchild?
Scroll below for some heart-warming interactive grandparent and grandchild activity ideas.
Create
Your school age grandchild continues to learn and the best way to do that is hands on learning, Share and prepare with your grandchild a favorite recipe that can be shared with his/her parents. Try creating a garden of fruits and vegetables from seed, but remember this will be a long-term project. How about creating a funny short movie with your grandchild that can be shown during a movie night with his/her parents? There are many ways to create golden opportunities with your grandchild. Click below for a garden kit. Click below for a recipe book and include your favorite recipes. Click below for a personalized apron for your grandchild.
Legend
Cost
$ = Low
$$ = Moderate
$$$ = High
Gender
B = Boy
G = Girl
N = Neutral
Assembly Difficulty
E = Easy
M = Moderate
D = Difficult & time consuming
Supports Development
+ = Minimal
++ = ModerateÂ
+++ = Maximum