Gifts Your Tween and Teen Grandkids Will Love
By Deborah Jeanne Post
Giving presents to tweens and teens can be challenging for grandparents. Although children like receiving money, cash seems impersonal. Gift cards can be fun but also are restrictive. But how can you possibly keep up with what’s popular with tween and teen grandchildren these days? Try these tips to give “peak” gifts they’ll love.
• Tap into their pursuits but elevate the gift. The artsy grandchild is likely past the generic paint brushes and “little kid” paint sets. Buy instead professional-grade products. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive items. A smaller set of good quality is better than a large set of cheap quality. The same goes for any passion your grandchildren have. The dedicated bookworm would appreciate a used hard-to-find book over a mass-produced paperback. If you want to give anything related to technology, research it well. It can be a tricky thing to buy unless you know exactly what they want and the latest version.
• Pass along something of yours. If you’ve taught your grandchildren how to bake, for example, give them an heirloom baking item of yours like your mom’s rolling pin, along with handwritten recipe cards. This gift shows thoughtfulness and appreciation for the time you spend together. If it’s just a random object from your house, it won’t have any special meaning.
• Give an experience. Think of something you can do with your grandchildren like ax throwing (teens only) that’s not a typical school trip. These are memories they’ll treasure all their lives, unlike forgettable tchotchkes and trinkets.
• Give lessons — and facilitate them. If your grandchild is a budding musician and would love lessons, spring for a year’s worth of lessons and instrument rental and volunteer to provide transportation. This could apply to any pursuit, from martial arts (give a set of sparring pads with the gift certificate) to horseback riding (wrap up riding boots with the gift certificate). Providing the transportation helps out your children and can provide a great time to bond with your grandchildren.
• Start a New York 529 Savings Plan. Teens with an eye on college will appreciate the headstart in saving for school. You can open an account as its facilitator with any dollar amount. The favorable tax benefits and option to roll the plan over to a relative or into a retirement account makes the 529 plan a win for teens.
Where to Take Your Tween or Teen Grandkids
• Bad Axe Throwing, Rochester. Throw axes, knives and more, all in a safe environment.
https://badaxethrowing.com/locations/axe-throwing-rochester
• Roc City Ninja or The Warrior Factory Challenge your balance and strategize your movements on the high ropes course and other obstacles.
www.rochester.thewarriorfactory.com
• The Strong National Museum of Play. Fans of video games and toys and games of all sorts will enjoy the hands-on exhibits.
• The Great Escape Rooms. The Nut House Escape Rooms and Locked all challenge logical thinking while the clock is ticking.
https://thegreatescaperoom.com/rochester
https://lockedarochesterescaperoom.com
• iSmash, Rochester invites guest to relieve their frustrations by tossing bottles and breaking glass, all while wearing proper safety gear.