The 12 Best Gifts for Grandkids in 2026
We’ve rounded up the best gifts for grandkids in 2026, from creative toys to meaningful keepsakes and fun ways to keep them active. Keep reading to discover gifts they’ll love.
- We selected 12 meaningful and engaging gifts for grandchildren of all ages, each designed to bring joy to both grandparent and grandchild.
- The gifts in our guide range from about $17–$175.
- Our team selected these gifts by age group, choosing items to reflect your grandchild’s interests and unique stage of development.
- Here are our top 12 gifts for grandchildren, with great options for birthdays, graduations, or just to say, “I love you.”
There’s nothing quite like the joy of becoming a grandparent—it's a new chapter filled with fun (and adorable) milestones. While cute baby clothes are always appreciated, many grandparents want to give a gift that supports parents as well, making life a little easier during the busy early years all the way through adulthood.
Best Gifts for Grandchildren in 2026
- Hatch Baby Sleep Support
- Lovevery Play Gym
- Wonderbly Personalized Birthday Story Book
- Magna-Tiles Class 32-Piece Set
- Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set
- Creatology Kids Art Set
- Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars
- Fahlo Animal Tracking Bracelet
- Zazzle Personalized Beach Towel
- Positive Prints The Day You Were Born Art
- Yeti Straw Mug
- Govee LED Strip Lights for Bedroom or Dorm
Best gifts for babies and toddlers
The gifts in this section balance delight and practicality, offering thoughtful solutions to nurture the baby and provide real help to Mom and Dad. These are our top choices, selected to please both baby and parents.
Hatch Baby Sleep Support
Hatch Baby is an all-in-one sound machine, clock, nightlight, and sleep guide with a soft look and great tech features.
Hatch Baby Sleep Support
Who we recommend this for
Parents with infants or small children who could use a little help getting their baby to fall asleep and stay asleep
- Price: $100, includes a 6-month subscription to online sleep support
- Special features: Variety of soothing sleep sounds, 1:1 chat with Certified Sleep Consultants, predictive sleep schedule
- Dimensions: 4.5”D x 4.5”W x 6.5”H
- Trial: Commitment-free 30-night nursery trial
Pros
- 6-month subscription included
- Adjustable volume
- Variety of sleep sounds, stories, and songs
- Choose from four colors
Cons
- Tech features may not appeal to all parents
- Requires a secure internet connection
- Pricier than basic sound machines
Our take on Hatch Baby Sleep Support
We love Hatch sleep devices for their sleek, attractive design and simple-to-use features—the Hatch Restore 3 is a top pick in our best gifts for grandmas. Hatch Baby not only looks cute in the nursery, but it also comes with subscription-based features to help mom and dad, like 1:1 chat with a Certified Sleep Consultant and access to sleep guides for baby’s milestones. This is a great gift for new parents who are comfortable with tech, but keep in mind that the subscription included in the initial cost runs out after six months.
Lovevery Play Gym
This play gym features developmental play elements to engage your grandbaby from infancy through toddlerhood.
Lovevery Play Gym
Who we recommend this for
Babies ready to learn and grow during their first year.
- Price: $150
- Materials: Real wood, silicone, cotton
- Dimensions: 23.9”H x 50”W x 47”L (with play zones open)
- Includes: Play guide and five developmental play areas
Pros
- Five zones for sensory and motor skills
- Durable construction and sturdy frame
- Machine-washable mat
Cons
- Larger size may not work for small spaces
- Some accessories sold separately
- Some polyester components (not all-natural)
Our take on the Lovevery Play Gym
This play gym engages babies and promotes healthy development throughout their first year of life. We love the natural wood frame and the expandable play zones, which include detachable activity toys and card sets for tummy time. The double-sided cover has a high-contrast pattern to engage babies and creates a fun fort for older babies to crawl in and out of. Grandbabies and their parents will approve of this special playtime gift.
Best gifts for preschool-age grandchildren
During the preschool years, it’s fun to witness your grandchild’s curiosity, imagination, and growing independence. For this age group, we selected gifts that inspire learning, foster creativity, and strengthen connections among family members. You’ll enjoy watching your grandchildren play with these gifts, and maybe you’ll even want to get in on the action.
Wonderbly Personalized Birthday Book
Kids love stories featuring themselves, and this special personalized birthday story is likely to become a bedtime favorite.
Wonderbly Birthday Book
Who we recommend this for
Grandchildren ages 4-8 who love being read to by parents and grandparents.
- Price: $40 (price varies based on level of personalization)
- Length: 32 pages
- Dimensions: 11.7” x 8.3”
- Personalized elements: Child’s name, age, gender, skin tone, hair color, and birth month
Pros
- Highly personalized gift
- Option for custom dedication
- You can preview all pages before purchase
Cons
- Limited to a preset story template
- Requires an online personalization process
Our take on the Wonderbly Personalized Birthday Book
This personalized book features your grandchild on every page, following their growth through the changing seasons. Customize it with the child’s name and birthday, and choose from a range of hair colors and skin tones for the main character. It’s a meaningful keepsake you’ll enjoy reading together again and again.
Magna-Tiles Classic 32-Piece Set
Found in many preschool and elementary classrooms, Magna-Tiles are popular with kids and a leader in STEM toys.
Magna-Tiles Classic 32-Piece Set
Who we recommend this for
Preschool-age children who love building sets, and parents who appreciate STEM-based toys for their kids
- Price: $50
- Includes: 32 pieces (five shapes and five colors)
- Shipping: Free
Pros
- Engaging for all ages
- Sturdy and simple to use
- Encourages STEM learning
Cons
- Larger projects will require more tiles
- Does not come with a storage container
Our take on the Magna-Tiles Classic 32-Piece Start
This starter set is a wonderful introduction for grandchildren just beginning their Magna-Tiles collection. Think of them as a modern take on the classic wooden blocks many grandparents remember, but with added STEM value through the building of arches and more complex structures. A favorite in classrooms and with families, these sturdy, magnetic tiles will withstand years of imaginative play.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set
A classic railway set to encourage imaginative play for boys and girls, complete with bridges, train cars, and a crane.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set
Who we recommend this for
Preschool-age grandchildren who love imaginative play and parents seeking a toy to keep their child entertained
- Price: $175
- Includes: 100+ pieces
- Returns: Within 90 days of purchase
Pros
- Screen-free play
- Durable wooden pieces
- Compatible with other wooden railway sets
Cons
- Not a good option for small spaces
- Does not come with a storage container
Our take on the Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set
A wooden railway set is a classic toy offering hours of imaginative play to preschoolers. This set includes more than 100 interlocking pieces for building a track and also magnetic train cars, traffic signs, bridges, and a crane. While this toy takes up a fair amount of physical space, it will also entertain grandkids for hours.
Best gifts for school-age grandchildren
Grandchildren moving from elementary school to middle school may be more independent, but they haven’t lost their need to create, learn, and play. The gifts in this section honor your grandchild’s growing maturity while also appealing to their sense of wonder and curiosity.
Creatology Kids Art Set
This set includes everything to encourage a budding artist—paints, canvas, and even a mini easel.
Creatology Kids Art Set
Who we recommend this for
School-age grandchildren who love to share their drawings, paintings, and artwork
- Price: $30
- Includes: 23 pieces (easel, canvases, brushes, paints, palette, and case)
- Returns: Within 60 days of purchase
Pros
- Includes portable plastic storage case
- Budget-friendly gift
- All-in-one starter kit
Cons
- Smaller than some beginner art sets
- Not professional-grade art materials
Our take on the Creatology Kids Art Set
If you love receiving and displaying your grandchildren’s artwork, this gift is a great way to encourage their creativity. With a mini easel, canvases, and even a palette for mixing paints, your grandchild will have everything they need for creative expression.
Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars
These compact, waterproof binoculars help young explorers see the natural world up close.
Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars
Who we recommend this for
Grandchildren who are interested in nature and wildlife and love exploring the outdoors
- Price: $100
- Includes: Binoculars, microfiber bag, lens cloth, strap
- Dimensions: 4.53” x 4.25”
Pros
- Lightweight (.74 lbs)
- Durable enough for kids
- Offer a bright, clear view
Cons
- More expensive than “play” binoculars
- Younger children may require supervision to use
Our take on Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars
These binoculars aren’t intended specifically for children, but that’s part of the reason we like them. They’re sturdier and offer a clearer view than binoculars often included in play sets for children. Plus, they’re waterproof! If you’re a birder or nature enthusiast, this gift is a great way to share your love for the natural world with your grandchildren.
Fahlo Animal Tracking Bracelet
These beaded bracelets help your grandchild track a real animal in the wild, and the company donates money to nonprofits focused on wildlife conservation.
Fahlo Animal Tracking Bracelet
Who we recommend this for
For grandchildren who love animals, this bracelet helps them feel like they’re making a difference in saving wildlife.
- Price: $17
- Includes: One bracelet with an animal of your choice
- Shipping: Free with three or more bracelets
- Options: Choose from eight bead colors and 20 animals
Pros
- Gender-neutral options
- Customizable by color and animal
- 10% of purchase supports nonprofit partners
Cons
- Not all children want to wear a bracelet
- Animal tracking requires access to tech
Our take on the Fahlo Animal Tracking Bracelet
We love that this bracelet is both a meaningful gift and a memorable experience, allowing kids to track a real animal while learning about wildlife conservation. With its relatively low price and personalization options, it's also a good choice for grandparents shopping for multiple grandchildren at once. There's no built-in tech in the bracelet, but each comes with a unique QR code that links to an animal tracked by conservation organizations and displays its location on an interactive map. Note: kids will need access to a smartphone or tablet (their own or a parent's) to track their animal.
Best gifts for tweens and teens
Grandchildren between the ages of 11 and 18—tweens and teens—can be especially hard to buy for, as their personal identity and interests are rapidly changing. These four items are safe bets because they tap into current trends while remaining practical and meaningful. They’re also unique enough to make your grandchild feel special and seen.
Zazzle Personalized Beach Towel
This oversized beach towel is personalized with your grandchild’s name, so they can claim their spot while making a splash.
Zazzle Beach Towel
Who we recommend this for
Teen and tween grandchildren who enjoy time at the pool or the beach
- Price: $40
- Dimensions: 70” x 35”
- Material: Polyester and cotton
Pros
- Simple personalization
- Budget-friendly gift
- Machine washable
- Extra-large towel
Cons
- Not all teens and tweens enjoy swimming
- Polyester-cotton blend could irritate sensitive skin
Our take on the Zazzle Personalized Beach Towel
This beach towel can be personalized with your grandchild's name, and you can also choose from a variety of colors and styles. This is a thoughtful gift for any tween who loves time at the beach or pool, or who has a summer birthday.
Positive Prints The Day You Were Born Art
This framed art print commemorates the day your grandchild was born with a star map displaying the alignment of stars on their birthday.
Positive Prints The Day You Were Born Art
Who we recommend this for
Grandchildren who like decorating their bedroom or dorm room with unique art
- Price: $30-$140, depending on type of display
- Dimensions: Multiple sizes available, from 8”x12” to 18”x24”
- Display options: Poster, framed poster, aluminum print, stretched canvas, or digital file
Pros
- Meaningful personalization
- Ready to hang
- High-quality print
Cons
- More expensive than many posters or art prints
- Some reviews report long delivery times
Our take on the Positive Prints The Day You Were Born Art
This custom star map captures the exact night sky from a person’s birth date and location. It's printed on premium matte paper with archival ink, and you can choose from a variety of displays—from a basic poster to a stretched canvas. We especially love this as a graduation gift for teens who are moving into a college dorm room.
YETI Straw Mug
Straw mugs are a big hit with teens and tweens these days, and this one by YETI is both durable and customizable.
YETI Straw Mug
Who we recommend this for
Active teens and tweens who want to stay hydrated in style
- Price: $45
- Size: 42 oz
- Materials: Stainless steel interior; BPA-free lid, straw, and exterior
Pros
- Large liquid capacity
- Fits in most car cup holders
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Some teens may prefer a screw-on top
- Customization costs extra
Our take on the YETI Straw Mug
This large-capacity travel mug with a straw is sure to please busy teens who want to stay hydrated as they travel from home to school to sports practice. YETI products, such as the cooler included in our guide to the best retirement gifts, are designed to be extra sturdy and withstand heavy use. To make this gift feel extra special, personalize it with your grandchild’s name and favorite color.
Govee LED Strip Lights for Bedroom or Dorm
These multicolor strip lights add ambience to any room and might earn you “cool” points with your teen or tween grandkids.
Govee LED Strip Lights
Who we recommend this for
Teens and tweens who want to add a little extra glow to their bedroom or dorm room
- Price: $50-$150, depending on length
- Shipping: Free
- Smart control: Adjust lighting effects and brightness with voice control
Pros
- Customizable colors and brightness
- Smart control with the Govee app
- Sync to music
Cons
- Requires smartphone access and Wi-Fi
- Some tech knowledge required
Our take on Govee LED Strip Lights
For techy teens, this is a great gift for taking their bedroom or dorm room to the next level. LED strip lights can line the entire room or highlight specific posters or pieces of furniture, creating endless opportunities for creative design. Music-loving teens will appreciate the ability to sync the lights to their favorite songs via the Govee app.
Experience gifts for grandchildren
While physical gifts like toys, jewelry, or art supplies may be meaningful to grandkids, they can’t replace the magic of making memories. Gifts that offer a shared experience can strengthen your bond with your grandchild. If you’re looking to reduce clutter and give a gift that values connection over material things, consider these experience gifts for grandkids:
- Shared excursion to a museum, zoo, or theme park
- Movie night at home or in the theater, including treats
- A special art class, summer camp, or workshop that supports their passions and interests
- Vouchers for one-on-one grandparent “dates”
- Subscription to a magazine or book club
Gift-giving tips for grandparents
When buying gifts for your grandkids, check in with their parents to make sure you’re choosing gifts that match their current interests. This will also help you avoid getting them things they already have. Here are a few more gift-giving tips for grandparents:
- Pick age-appropriate gifts: Be mindful of your grandchild’s developmental stage when purchasing gifts. For babies and toddlers, look for gifts to encourage sensory play and motor skill development, such as soft books or stacking toys. For preschoolers, consider items to encourage imaginative play, like dress-up and play kitchen items. For school-age kids and teens, choose gifts to support their interests, whether that's a specific sport, hobby, or form of creative expression.
- Safety first: Don’t forget to consider safety. If you purchase a scooter or bike for your grandchild, include a helmet. For babies and toddlers, avoid sharp edges or anything that could be a choking hazard.
- If you live far away: Consider giving a gift your grandchild can enjoy when you visit them in person, such as movie or concert tickets. You could also send a thoughtful card and message with the gift, or ask that they join you on a video call when they open it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gift to give a grandchild?
The best gift to give a grandchild depends on your grandchild’s age, interests, and hobbies. Ask them what they’re interested in, and don’t forget to check in with parents for good gift ideas.
When is Granddaughter Day?
National Granddaughter Day is often celebrated on the fourth Sunday in September. In 2026, that falls on Sept. 27. You can also celebrate your granddaughter on National Grandchild Day, which is on May 12.
When is Grandson Day?
There is no single agreed-upon date for National Grandson Day, but you can celebrate your grandson on National Grandchild Day, which is on May 12.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.