The Mom I Want to Be

Honor your grandparent’s on National Grandparent’s Day, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September – the 12th in 2010. It is only right and fitting that one day of the year is set aside to honor our grandparents. It is time to celebrate those special people who are always there with a hug, a kiss, a cookie, something special,  or take us somewhere.

 

National Grandparent’s Day originated in 1978. Then President Jimmy Carter declared it to be the first Sunday after Labor Day.

 

If you can, enjoy the day with them. That is the greatest gift they can receive from you. If you can’t see them, call them. When you call, make sure you have the time for a long conversation. Remember, grandparents will always ask about you first and listen intently to everything you have to say. They are never rushed or in a hurry. They are there just for you.

 

•Draw a picture of your grandparents.

•Make cards for your grandparents.

•Make a collage by cutting pictures out of magazines of people you think look like grandparents.

•What makes your grandparents special. What do you call their grandparents?

•Learn how to say grandma and grandpa in different languages.

•Put on a special play or performance for your grandparents. Or, have a special dinner.

•Write a special poem for your grandparents: Or write down questions/sentances about your grandparents, such as “I love it when my grandma and grandpa………..”

 

Good Gifts .. by a Grandparent

 

1. Photographs of Grandchildren

 

After a visit, the most-favored gift is probably a family photograph or snapshot. Framed photos are especially nice, as we don’t have to remember to buy a frame in the correct size. For those grandparents who don’t display family photos or who are running out of room, a photo album or photo box with snapshots should work. One of the nice things about this gift idea is that it works for both grandparents, or for grandparents of either gender. A variation of the usual photo frame is this collage frame.

 

2. Something Handmade by the Grandchild

 

When it comes to handmade gifts, there are two kinds of grandparents. The first will love anything made by a grandchild and will find a way to display or wear it, even if it is a coffee can covered with macaroni and spray painted gold. The second type will enjoy something handmade only if it looks fairly attractive. Both types would enjoy a handmade greeting card, since it doesn’t have to be permanently displayed. If you are not a crafter, lots of stores sell kits which come with explicit directions for making items such as picture frames or personalized plates. Makit is one of the standards in the creation of personalized plates.

 

3. Something With a Personalized Message

 

I always smile when I see my oldest grandchild’s picture in a frame that says, “I will love you forever.” What a great message for a grandparent! Since many of us are trying to go green and take our own bags to the store, how about a canvas bag with a photo or the grandchildren’s handprints and a personalized message? For grandfathers, we like this “Hooked on You” line.

 

4. Something to Help Us Keep Up With Things

 

Not that we’re in our dotage, but most of us will tell you that we have a harder time remembering things and keeping up with things. Shopping list pads, a key rack to hang inside the back door, eyeglasses holders—all of these could make our lives easier. Peeper Keepers are the most unusual eyeglass holders I’ve seen, and part of each purchase goes to preserve endangered species and their habitats.

 

5. A Book to Share

 

This can be an inexpensive children’s book, or something more expensive, such as a nice anthology. I especially like the Little Big Book for Grandmothers and the Little Big Book for Grandfathers, for their mixture of games, projects and stories, along with beautiful vintage illustrations. Whatever book you choose, be sure to write an inscription, or have your child write an inscription, on the flyleaf. My grandchildren love to see books in my collection with inscriptions from many years ago.

 

6. Something to Use Daily

 

Most grandparents enjoy receiving small gifts that they can use daily. When we see the items, we think of our grandchildren, and that’s a good thing. Choose a coffee mug, pencil cup, pocket knife or writing pen. Specialty coffees or teas are great choices for who enjoy them. We like these tea baskets and gift assortments from Prettywood Tea.

7. A Collection of Classics on DVD

 

Lots of vintage TV shows are now available on DVD. You can choose from collections of classic cartoons, comedy shows and westerns. There are even collections of classic commercials. Choose something that grandparents and grandchildren would enjoy watching together. Our choice would be the Classic Looney Tunes Collection from Warner Brothers.

 

8. What Lots of Grandparents Don’t Want

 

Most of us have far too many candles, lots of them purchased as school fundraisers for the grandchildren! Most of us don’t want candy because it doesn’t fit our diet. Most of us don’t want knick-knacks as we are tired of dusting. Although we probably love flowers, we’d rather have a hand-picked bouquet or a inexpensive bunch from the grocery store than an expensive arrangement. Most grandparents are notoriously enthusiastic about anything that has to do with their grandchildren and will receive most any gift with genuine joy.