I’ve been a granny now for over seven years, and each Christmas I have struggled with what to buy my grandson. Or at least I think I’m going to struggle, but actually, in the end, I’ve found it easier than I thought. 

When I started writing this blog, I started to google “what to buy” and immediately the search was completed with “a one year old”.  Slightly mad, because as you know, one year olds enjoy tearing up the wrapping paper the present came as opposed to taking an interest in the gift itself! However, as grannies (or grandmas, nanas, omas etc…) we want to show our love for our grandchildren – and our children – by buying them a gift, even when the grandchild won’t know what it is or remember it. But of course, as they grow up, they will begin to take an interest in and remember particular gifts. One of my most favourite toys given to me by my granny was a Tressy doll with hair you could make grow by pushing her belly button – I wanted to be Tressy and would dream that I could make my hair grow at the touch of a button. But my special memories of my granny growing up were when she’d take me to a show, particularly the ballet. Going to the theatre now is so expensive, but if you are lucky enough to be able to take your grandchild to see a panto or a musical, it can be a joyous experience and I’ll be taking my grandson to see Matilda the Musical in early December.

Anyway, enough about me – what you want to know is what suggestions do I have for presents from Granny? Well, here is a little rundown of gifts I think a grandchild would be delighted to receive! I’ve also taken into account the harried parents, who are hoping that their own parents will buy a present that won’t require much clearing up or tidying away, Take a look:

For a one year old

Remember that song about the rubber ducky from Sesame Street? Well, try replacing the ducky for a dinosaur or five!  These are so much fun – we recently bought a set for Him Indoor’s grand nephew, and he loves them!  You pop them underwater, give them a squeeze, watch the bubbles rise, then squirt – so best wear an old T shirt in case the little one fires in your direction!  Dinosaur Bath Buddies

For a two year old

The parents might be horrified to see this in their little darling’s Christmas stocking but your grandchild will love it! The theme tune can start to drive you round the bend, but Peppa Pig is a great invention and children are drawn to the Pig family, so if Mum and Dad can bear it, they can watch their child “read” along with this talking book. Peppa Pig Me Reader Jr. Electronic Reader and 8 Book Library

For a three year old

I don’t know about you, but I love a train set, and this one has added dinosaurs, which as every parent knows, are guaranteed to light up a child’s face.  I bought my grandson a train set a few years ago, but it is really too huge to lay out on a regular basis, but this one is just the right size. Jurassic World Dinosaur Track Set

For a four year old

I love the idea of this interactive Garage play set! Yes, ok, it does have music which might drive you bonkers eventually, but anything brightly coloured that moves should keep your grandchild amused for at least half an hour! Needs batteries. V Tech Toot-Toot Drivers Garage

For a five year old

An updated version of this 1970’s icon with the happy smiling face that we all remember, says the blurb – however, I was born on the wrong side of the 60s – well, the 50s TBH, so too old to have known this except via TV ads. It looks a whole lot of fun, though!  Retro Space Hopper

For a six year old

I want one! This looks so much fun, especially if you need to move around post a large Christmas lunch, and you like a bit of karaoke into the bargain. You can play up to four notes at a time, meaning Chopsticks is definitely on the set list! Boogie Woogie Mat

Stop press – it’s out of stock until Jan 2022, but there is this one which as of 5 December is in stock: Gigantic Keyboard Playmat

For a seven year old

I was a bit of a magaholic as a child, but for some reason I never read the Beano.  But, looking for a birthday present for my grandson last Christmas during lockdown, I thought it might be worth trying a subscription for him, especially as I hadn’t seen him for weeks on end due to the prevailing restrictions. Anyway, his mum (my daughter) has reported that it really kick-started his reading, so much so that he is now reading books on his own – a fact I witnessed yesterday when we travelled back from Matilda (see above) on the tube and he took his book out from his backpack and started to read. The Beano

 Merry Christmas!