Class Act
Jessica, a Washington, D.C., mom of two, was pleasantly surprised when her in-laws gave an experiential gift to their granddaughter. They found a family-based yoga studio that offered a
semester of toddler yoga classes and registered the then-2-year-old as a gift to her.
One place to start browsing for experience-as-gift ideas is excitations.com, a Web site that does exactly that — ties up experiences in nice, neat little
bows so they can be given as presents. Items are searchable by region; prices start at $50 and climb to the upper hundreds. Its “Kid Zone” section offers everything from indoor rock climbing to an
overnight stay on a historic World War II battleship in Philadelphia to a recording-studio experience or a chance to feed sharks in an aquarium.
That’s the Ticket
Want to give them a secret pass to a stash of knowledge? Another item parents may like to have as an extra for their children, but wouldn’t necessarily shell out for is membership to a museum.
And many children’s museums, such as the Boston Children’s Museum, offer a gift membership.
The museum also participates in the Association of Children’s Museum Reciprocal Program, which includes free admission to more
than 150 other kids’ museums nationwide. Want to attach an incentive to your grandchild’s learning? Throw in a gift-shop budget for each museum visit. Astronaut ice cream all around!
Family Ties
Katie, a Washington, D.C. mother of a 2-year-old son, would love the gift of a family reunion for her son. With family up and down the East Coast, she’d like to see an annual or semi-annual
family gathering happen, in hopes that it would become a family tradition.
George G. Morgan, author of Your Family Reunion: How to Plan It, Organize It and Enjoy It,
suggests starting to plan a reunion at least three to six months in advance (even further if it’s a destination reunion) and setting a budget early.
have the contacts within the travel industry,” he says.
What Parents Want… for Themselves
It may not be the most outlandish gift on the market, and it’s not specifically for the grandchildren, but it’s like pure gold to parents. Karin, a mom of two in Alexandria, Va., was thrilled
when her New Zealand in-laws joined her, her husband, and their two young children in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Not only was it great bonding time for the kids to have with their faraway
grandparents, but when Karin’s in-laws volunteered to babysit, that gave the parents a much-needed night out. “As parents, it gave us the opportunity to have some alone time,” she says.
Plus, you will likely find that gift of one-on-one bonding time with your grandchild equally valuable. The 10 days granddad Bryan spent traveling with his grandson on the Harry Potter trip created
lasting memories. And, he won’t soon be forgetting his grandson’s excitement at opening the gift. “Seeing the stars in his eyes,” he says, “was the best memory for me.”
Clues & Cues
Uncovering the items topping your adult child’s wish list of things he or she wants for your grandchild — but won’t ask for — may be as simple as listening for clues and cues. Has your child
casually mentioned something friends gave their child that your son or daughter might also like to give — but just can’t swing financially? The response to that question could lead to the makings
of a perfect surprise.
More tips for grandparents:
How Finance Pros Advise Their Grandchildren
Sharing the Wealth With Your Grandchildren
Dueling With the Doula
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