10 Gift ideas for your Grandkids that won’t add to the clutter

You've got a new grandbaby, and you’re so excited to shower them with gifts! Before you clutter their nursery with a bunch of toys, let’s consider some alternative gift ideas that will keep both your grandchild and their parents happy. Let’s be honest, no one needs a life-size stuffed giraffe or tons of toys with tiny pieces. Here are 10 thoughtful, clutter-free gifts that will make everyone’s life a little easier (and more fun)…

1. Music or Art Classes
   Gift a month of music or art classes to your grandchild. These experiences help develop creativity and give them something new to try out. Plus, you get bonus points for not adding to the pile of “stuff” in the house.

2. Family Memberships
   Whether it's a zoo, a museum, or any other place kids love, a family membership gives parents a reason to get out of the house and enjoy quality time together. This is also something they can use many times throughout the year, not just once!

3. Gift Certificate for a Movie

   Who doesn’t love going to a movie? Depending on the age of the kid, this is a great activity for them to do with their parents or their friends. Pair the gift card with a fun box of candy or another treat and this is sure to be something your grandchildren will love!

4. Customized Family Board Book
   Personalized family board books with pictures and names of your grandkids’ family members are a fun gift for a baby who is still learning to talk. They will learn the faces and names of loved ones while also getting time to look at a book with their family. 

5. Subscription Boxes
   From science experiments to craft projects, subscription boxes can be a monthly dose of excitement. They’re educational and entertaining, and they won't take up permanent residence in the toy box. They’re also great for all ages!

6. Playground Equipment
   If you have a bit more to spend, consider contributing to some outdoor play equipment like a small slide or swing set. It encourages active play and provides a new way for the family to enjoy the outdoors.

7. Day Out with the Birthday Kid

   For older kids, you can set up a day where you take them out to do some of their favorite activities. This could include their favorite restaurant, a trip to the zoo, park or book store and a treat to end the day. This is a win-win because the kid gets a fun day out and the parents get a little bit of a break!

8. Educational Apps
   A subscription to a child-friendly educational app or program can be a great way to give a gift without adding to the pile of toys. It’s a modern gift that will definitely get used and won’t sit in the corner gathering dust.

9. Swim Lessons
   Gift certificates for something like a baby swim class is a great way to invest in your grandchildren in a way that will significantly help their parents also. Having a child is expensive and having someone financially invest in important things like swimming lessons makes these things much more accessible.

10. Photo session
    For younger children, your gift could be more geared towards the adults and involve a photo session when the baby turns one (or any age!). This is a great way to gift something that will last a lifetime.

There you go! 10 gifts that are sure to make your own children very happy so they don’t have to find even more room for toys in the house! Trust me, new parents everywhere will thank you for your thoughtfulness and your gift-giving genius!