15 Grandkid Gifts to Leave at Grandma's House

A present meant to be left at grandma and grandpa's house makes visits extra special

Nicole Pajer,

AARP

Published December 11, 2024

(Left to right) Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons; Charlie The Honey Bear; LEGO DUPLO Town Alphabet Truck Toy; Bright Littles Conversation Cards; Step2 Whisper Ride Cruiser in Blue.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target (3); Bright Littles; Cuddle + Kind; Getty Images (2))

Trying to figure out what to buy your grandkids or great grandkids can be overwhelming, especially if they already have piles of toys in their house. One way to make your gift stand out: Purchase something your grandkids can leave at your place to enjoy whenever they come for a visit.

"When they know there’s something unique waiting just for them, it builds anticipation and excitement around each visit," says Gia Gambaro Blount, a parent education and child development instructor in Los Angeles. From comfortable spaces for kids to relax, to cool toys they'll look forward to playing with and activities you can do together, here are some thoughtful gifts to consider keeping at grandma and grandpa's house.

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(Left to right) Ahimsa Mindful Mealtime Set; Genuine Fred DINNER WINNER Kids' Dinner Tray in Pirate.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Ahimsa Home; Genuine Fred)

1. Fun dishes for mealtime

Getting toddlers to eat can be an adventure. They may be much more inclined to munch on the healthy snack you whipped up for them if you serve it on a dinosaur, unicorn, or shark plate! Melli Suction Plates, $12.99, meliibaby.com. Age 6 months +

These rainbow dishes are made of stainless steel (a safer alternative to plastic according to the American Pediatric Association ) but are far more exciting than plain old silver. This set includes everything you need for a meal and comes with a lifetime guarantee –perfect for little plate throwers! Ahimsa Mindful Mealtime Set, $68, ahimsa.com. Age 12 months+

Picky eaters meet your match! This fun plate turns mealtime into a game. It has different sections to guide kids through their breakfast, lunch or dinner with 8 different stops along the way. Fill each section with small portions and encourage your great grandkids to sample from each as they progress to the end of the track. It also features a treasure box where you can pop in a dessert. Genuine Fred DINNER WINNER Kids' Dinner Tray, Pirate, $12.99, amazon.com. Age 3+

(Left to right) iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Hopping Unicorn Horse; Step2 Whisper Ride Cruiser in Blue; 12V Kids Ride On Truck Car w/Parent Remote Control.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: iPlay, iLearn; Target (2))

2. Something fun to ride around on

This unicorn bouncy toy will provide hours of entertainment. Your little one can climb on top and bounce around your living room – or even perch on it while watching TV. It also comes as a cow, fox, and horse. iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Hopping Unicorn Horse, $39.99, iplayilearntoys.com. Age 18 months+

Want to take your grandchild for a spin around the block without having to strap them into a stroller (which is sometimes a tantrum you don’t feel like troubleshooting)? They'll have a blast riding in this little push car, equipped with a seatbelt, cup holders, a steering wheel, and storage under the seat for snacks. Step 2: Whisper Ride II, $54, walmart.com. Age 18 months+

Give your great grandkids the freedom to take the wheel behind a car with this 12V electric car. You can let them drive on their own or control the car with a remote control. It even has a built-in AUX outlet so kids can plug in the music of their choice before they hit the road. Best Choice 12V Kids Ride On Truck Car w/Parent Remote Control, $159.99, amazon.com. Age 3+

(Left to right) Contemporary Kitchen Helper Toddler Tower; HARPPA Foldable Toddler Kitchen Tower, Standing Stool.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Guidecraft; Harppa)

3. A kitchen stool so you can cook together

This kitchen tower provides a safe way for your little sous chef to reach the counter and help you prepare their meals. It features a non-stick pad, a safety net to keep kids secure, is Greenguard certified for safe materials and folds up so you can tuck it away when you don't need it. Contemporary Kitchen Helper Toddler Tower, $189.95, guidecraft.com. Age 18 months+

This model is a great option for smaller kitchens and little helpers who don't need a safety net. It has adjustments for ages 18 months to 5 years and can be folded to be used in a sitting or standing position. It’s made of natural New Zealand wood and can hold up to 130 pounds. HARPPA Foldable Toddler Kitchen Tower Standing Stool, $109.99, walmart.com. Age 18 months+

In addition to helping them reach kitchen counters, this training stool can also make it easy for kiddos to brush their teeth and even toilet train. Onasti Foldable Step Stool, $74.99, amazon.com. Age 18 months+

Make It Cute Modern Farmhouse II.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Make It Cute Kids (2))

4. Playhouses to make your house the coolest

A spaceship-themed tent, a ball pit and a crawl tunnel all in one. This ultimate indoor play space folds up and comes with a carrying case so you can use it indoors or at the park. Pick up some balls for the pit and you’re good to go. TTLOJ Gift 3pc Rocket Ship Kids Play Tent, Ball Pit, Crawl Tunnel, Toddlers Playhouse Castle, $42.99, amazon.com. Age 3+

Mamma Mia! mother of two and actress Amanda Seyfried teamed up with her childhood best friends to create these adorable and sustainable playhouses. They can be set up in 60 seconds and can flatten to fit underneath a bed or in a closet. You can also buy accessories to decorate them for occasions like the holidays. Make It Cute Modern Farmhouse II, $220, makeitcute.com. Age 2-6

This cozy cottage playhouse can be set up indoors or outdoors and is outfitted with a working doorbell, a cozy fireplace, a skylight, sink, shelves to store their favorite toys and even flower boxes. Step 2: Charming Cottage., $389.99, walmart.com. Age 2-6

(Left to right) Lulyboo Toddler Sleep Mat.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target)

5. A place for them to rest

No room to have a designated crib or bed set up for your grandchild? This travel crib folds out and back up whenever they come over. It can also serve as a play yard, providing a safe area for your younger great grandbabies to hang out indoors or outdoors. Lotus Travel Crib, $229.95, guavafamily.com. Age newborn-3 (or until child can climb out)

This play tent is a great spot for them to curl up with a book for some relaxing time on their own. Kids can take their toys inside to play or have a snooze. It comes with LED lights and a padded mat to make it an extra cozy hideaway. Tiny Land Play Tent, $69.99, amazon.com. Age 3+

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A nap pad is also great to toss on the floor in front of the TV to make things extra cozy for movie nights. This one folds up and has its own carrying case. Lulyboo Toddler Sleep Mat, $39.99, target.com. Age 3-6

(Left to right) Uncle Goose Classic ABC Blocks; MAGNA-TILES Castle 25-Piece Set; LEGO DUPLO Town Alphabet Truck Toy.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Uncle Goose; Target (2))

6. Blocks for building imagination

Blocks provide endless entertainment for young kids. This classic set is made of real wood and adorned with non-toxic ink. Each block contains letters, numbers, and animals, for added entertainment and an educational bonus. Uncle Goose Classic ABC Blocks, $39.95, amazon.com. Age 2+

Kids love playing with these colorful tiles that magnet together to form geometric shapes. These come in everything from squares to dinosaurs, glow-in-the-dark, and cars-themed. This kit has all the pieces needed to build a colorful castle, complete with a drawbridge, spiral staircase and storybook window. MAGNA-TILES Castle 25-Piece Set, $39.97, walmart.com. Age 3+

LEGO sets are a classic toy favorite. This DUPLO kit is a great introduction to the world of LEGOs and comes with ABC blocks to build in the bed of a truck. It also comes with two little figurines who can climb on board when the building is done. DUPLO Alphabet Truck, $29.99, lego.com. Age 2+

(Left to right) Best Choice Products Kids Sand & Water Outdoor Activity Table

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target)

7. Imaginative play spaces

This Mid-Century style play kitchen is fully equipped with an interactive faux stovetop that lights up and makes noises when pans are placed on it. It includes dishes, a coffee pot, cutting board, storage bins and condiments for hours of imaginative play, plus a refrigerator, freezer and oven that open and close. All parts are plastic and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Step 2: Cooking Time Kids Kitchen Playset, $105, amazon.com. Age 2+

This work bench has gears that can turn, nails that can be pounded and wood that can be “sawed.” There’s a shelf for storage and a rack to hold tools. All parts and accessories are made of real wood with non-toxic water-based paint. Get your grandkids started with pretend tools and they’ll be repairing things around the house in no time! ROBOTIME Kids Tool Bench Set, Large Wooden Work Bench, $69.99, robotimeonline.com. Ages 3+

One side water, the other side sand box, this versatile table will keep kids occupied for hours. it even comes with an umbrella for shade. Best Choice Products Kids Sand & Water Outdoor Activity Table, $59.99, amazon.com. Ages 3-7

(Left to right) Tangerine Monthly Art Kit Subscription.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Tangerine)

8. A subscription kit

This subscription box comes every three months packed with an array of fun and developmentally appropriate toys for babies and toddlers ages 0 to 4. The kits feature everything from rattles to stacking cups, teething rings, and puzzles. Lovevery Play Kits $80 per month (or you can purchase individual kits), Lovevery.com. Age 0 - 4

This kid’s book club has books for littles ones from infants to teenagers. Grandparents can choose from a variety of plans and curate books to arrive in the mail based on their great grandkid’s interests. Literati Kids Book Club, Starting at $9.95, literati.com. Age 0-12

Stock up with a new arts and crafts kit for your great grandchildren's visits. This subscription box has what you need to make everything from clay creations to Shrinky Dinks, paintings and more. Marketed for ages 5 to 102, it’s the perfect way to get creative with your loved ones. Tangerine Monthly Art Kit Subscription, $65 per month (you can also purchase standalone kits), tangerine.com. Kit Options for Ages 5-9 and 10+

Water Lily Bath Toy.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Oli & Carol (2))

9. Bath toys to occupy them in the tub

Kids will love that when you dip the book into the water, vibrant colors appear. This one features an array of colorful animals that come to life when wet, including a sea turtle, sea horse, and crab. Color Me: Who's in the Ocean? Baby's First Bath Book, $9.59, amazon.com. Ages 1+

Bring some foliage to the bathtub with a floating lily pad bath toy. Handcrafted with natural pigments, this toy is made with 100% rubber, making it safe for the tub. It’s also great for teething kiddos to grab and sink their gums into. Water Lily Bath Toy, $21.99, oliandcarol.us. Age 0+

Place a color cartridge inside this plastic volcano and watch your little ones squeal with delight as it erupts non-toxic pigment into the tub. Who wants to take a bath in pink water? We bet your great grandkids do! Erupting Dinosaur Bath Volcano, $27, uncommongoods.com. Age 3+

(Left to right) Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons; Little Partners Learn 'N Play 2-Sided Art Easel.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target (2))

10. Some art-inspired fun

If you don’t want to stress about your furniture, drawing with water is the way to go. This mat rolls out and comes with markers that fill with water instead of ink. It comes with stencils for painting letters, numbers, and shapes. Water Doodle Mat, $25.64, amazon.com. Age 2+

This wooden easel is one side magnetic dry erase board and the other side chalkboard. It has a spool for paper crafts. It also comes with storage baskets to house art supplies. As a bonus, this easel is Greenguard certified to ensure it’s made of kid-safe materials. Little Partners Learn 'N Play 2-Sided Art Easel, $149.99, target.com. Age 3+

These non-toxic crayons are chunky, making them great for little hands. Kids as young as one can grab ahold of them and start scribbling. And if they should happen to make it into the mouth, grandparents can relax knowing they are made of pure beeswax and food pigments, Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons. $23, maisonette.com. Age 1+

(Left to right) All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse; Melissa & Doug Wooden Fold & Go Dollhouse; Fisher-Price Little People Friends Together Play House.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Hape Toys; Target (2))

11. Classic dollhouses

This three-story dollhouse has everything from a functional front door to a bathtub and solar panels. It comes with an open-floor plan that makes it easy for kids to rearrange the accessories to fit their unique vision for the home. Hape All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse, $79.99 (accessories available separately) toys.hape.com. Age 3+

12. The latest in kid tech

This screen-free player allows kids to listen to stories, music, and podcasts. You can download content from the Yoto website ($4.99 a month or $39/annually for unlimited access to Yoto originals, members-only radio stations and more) or purchase audiobook cards. This smaller version of the regular Yoto Player is great for moving around the house or taking in the car. Yoto Mini, $69.99, yoto.com. Age 3+

Your dog, a flower in your yard, a portrait of their sibling? This tech-savvy sketching assistant allows kids to snap a photo, project it on paper, and then sketch it. It also comes with 60 preloaded drawing activities to follow. Flycatcher smART Sketcher® 2.0 Projector, $69.99, store.flycatcher.toys. Age 5+

Give little ones the ability to practice snapping photos and capturing video memories with their very own digital camera. They can even take selfies of the two of you together. It comes with a 32GB memory card and is available in different colors and themes, including dinosaur or unicorn. Dinosaur Toddler Digital Camera, $32.99., amazon.com. Age 3-12

(Left to right) Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set; Avenlur Majesty Balance Beam.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Dick's; Target)

13. Sports equipment to get their game on

A portable mini soccer net is a fun way for great grandkids to get their energy out. It comes with a mini ball and pump for easy inflation. Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set, $26.75, amazon.com. Age 3+

Remember playing “Hot Lava” as a kid and putting pillows all over to avoid the floor? This balance beam is a fun way to bring out that sense of play in your great grandkids. It’s great for a budding gymnast and provides a fun challenge for all. Avenlur Majesty Balance Beam, $79, target.com. Age 2-8

This inflatable bowling set comes with six pins and a large ball. It can be played indoors or in the backyard and will keep kids of all ages busy for hours. Little ones will have fun rolling the ball around, while older grandkids will hop into competition mode trying their best to get a strike. FUNBOY Classic Kids Backyard Bowling, $49.00, funboy.com Age 3+

(Left to right) HABA My Very First Games - First Orchard Cooperative Board Game; Bright Littles Conversation Cards.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target; Bright Littles)

14. Games to play together

This game is often touted as a great first game for kids to play and is made for ages two and up. Players take turns rolling a colored dice and picking corresponding fruit from a tree. If you roll a raven symbol, the raven moves closer to the orchard. It’s a race to harvest all your fruit before the bird comes and eats it! First Orchard Toddler Game, $23.39, amazon.com. Age 2+

These conservation starter cards are a great way to get kids talking. They also inspire fun activities like challenging a kid to spend a week learning about another country, which is something fun you can do together. Bright Littles Conversation Cards, $19.95, brightlittles.com. Age 4+

This wacky game will have everyone laughing as an elephant blows a bunch of butterflies up in the air through his trunk. Give everyone a net and have them scramble to catch them. Whoever captures the most wins! Elefun and Friends, $75.90, walmart.com. Age 3+

Charlie The Honey Bear.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Cuddle + Kind)

15. Stuffed animals to snuggle with

An adorable stuffed animal that also gives back. This teddy bear is stylish in his blue button romper and is sustainably hand knit with 100% cotton yarn. He also provides 10 meals to kids in need when purchase. Charlie The Honey Bear, $74, cuddlenadkind.com. All ages

This cozy gingerbread stuffed animal doubles as a tabletop holiday decoration when the season comes around. Your great grandchild will love cuddling with him, especially as he can be heated in the microwave, which warms him up and releases a soothing lavender scent. And on those hot summer days, he can be placed in freezer to offer cooling hugs. Gingerbread Boy Warmies, $29.99, warmies.com Age 3+

This mouse lights up with a soft glow and plays calming music and sounds. It also leads kids through guided meditations with stretching and breathing exercise, helping them to calm down before bed or relax after you spoil them with too much sugar! Fisher-Price Toddler Toy Meditation Mouse, $24.95, amazon.com. Age 2+

All toys reviewed by Gia Gambaro Blount, a parent education and child development instructor in Los Angeles. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

Nicole Pajer writes about health for The New York Times, Woman’s Day and other publications.

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