10 Heartwarming Grandparents Day Gifts from Kids Ideas They’ll Treasure Forever
Grandparents are more than just family—they’re storytellers, life teachers, and our biggest cheerleaders. Every hug from Grandma and every pep talk from Grandpa has left a lasting imprint on our hearts. That’s why Grandparents Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them with thoughtful, meaningful gifts—especially ones made or picked out by the grandkids themselves.
As someone who’s spent years writing gift guides and curating heartfelt ideas, this blog post was especially touching to write. I grew up with incredibly loving grandparents who proudly displayed every scribbled drawing and glittery card I ever gave them. That kind of pride—pure and joyful—is exactly what inspired these ideas.
Whether you’re a mom helping your toddler craft a handprint card or a teen looking for a cool DIY idea, this list covers gifts that suit every age group—from babies to teens. You’ll find DIY crafts, handmade projects, and Amazon gift ideas they’ll treasure forever.
Let’s dive in!
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1. Handprint or Footprint Canvas Art (Best for Toddlers & Babies)
There’s something timeless about handprints and footprints. It captures a fleeting moment in your child’s growth—and for grandparents, that’s pure magic.
Get a small blank canvas, non-toxic paint, and help your little one press their hand or foot to create a colorful masterpiece. Add their name and the date for an extra personal touch.
Why it’s treasured: It’s a snapshot of a moment in time and one they’ll never outgrow emotionally.
2. "I Love You Because…" DIY Photo Book
This idea is ideal for toddlers and young kids with a little help from mom or dad. Using printed photos and cardstock or a small scrapbook, create a photo book titled: “I Love You Because…” with each page sharing a reason.
For example:
- “I love you because you always bake cookies with me.”
- “I love you because you tell the best stories.”
Why it’s special: It blends art, words, and personal moments in a compact book of love.
3. Salt Dough Ornaments with Baby Imprints
Here’s one of my personal favorites. I once made these with my niece for our Nana—and years later, they still hang on her wall like framed art.
To make salt dough:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
Knead, roll, press a baby’s hand or foot, bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours, then paint.
You can turn these into ornaments, plaques, or even magnets!
4. Decorated Mason Jar “Memory Jars”
Older kids and school-aged grandkids will love this DIY project. Take a mason jar and decorate the outside with paint, stickers, ribbon, or washi tape. Then, fill it with little slips of paper that include:
- Favorite memories with Grandma/Grandpa
- Compliments
- Coupons (like “Free Hug” or “Help in the Garden”)
Why it’s great: It’s simple, heartfelt, and perfect for older or elderly grandparents who love reflection and sentimental notes.
5. Accordion Card: “10 Things I Love About You”
This craft is budget-friendly, quick, and emotional all at once.
Use colorful cardstock folded like an accordion. On each panel, write or draw something your child loves about their grandparent. Add little illustrations or photos.
It’s fun for all ages, and grandparents will feel appreciated and loved in the most personal way.
6. Personalized Fridge Magnets
If your kids love coloring or working with photos, this one’s for you. Print small photos of the grandkids, laminate them (or use clear packing tape as a hack), and glue magnets to the back.
You can also use Shrinky Dinks to create custom designs and initials.
Amazon Gift Recommendation #1: Handprint & Footprint Keepsake Kit
Baby Handprint and Footprint Picture Frame Kit
If you want to create a handprint keepsake without the mess of DIY salt dough, this kit is a lifesaver. It includes clean-touch ink pads, a frame, and space for a photo.
Why I recommend it: It’s perfect for busy parents of toddlers and babies who want a polished final product.
Capture the moment beautifully—click here to order your keepsake kit and create a memory that will last forever.
Amazon Gift Recommendation #2: DIY Scrapbook Kit for Kids
This all-in-one scrapbook kit includes colorful paper, stickers, and fun accessories—perfect for school-age kids and tweens to make their own “I Love You” books or memory scrapbooks.
Why I recommend it: Encourages creativity and adds that extra flair kids love to express.
Start a heartfelt DIY gift today—grab your scrapbook kit and let the kids create something grandparents will treasure.
Amazon Gift Recommendation #3: Grandparents Day Story Book
"Why I Love Grandma" Fill-in-the-Blank Book
This fill-in-the-blank book is perfect for older grandkids or teens. It lets them personalize a ready-made book with prompts like “I love when you…” or “You always make me feel…”
Why I recommend it: Ideal for those who want something sentimental but don’t know where to start with crafting.
Turn feelings into pages—click here to get this sweet gift book that will leave Grandma in happy tears.
7. Recipe Book from the Heart (Great for Teens)
Do your grandparents love cooking or baking? Have your teen collect family recipes and organize them into a handmade recipe book. Add photos, fun illustrations, and even a letter to the grandparents about how much they mean.
It’s a beautiful mix of legacy, tradition, and creativity.
8. “Proud to Be Your Grandkid” Video Montage
Teens can really make this shine. Compile short clips from each grandkid—saying something they love or admire about their grandparents. Use free editing software like iMovie or CapCut, add music, and surprise them on Grandparents Day.
Tip: Share via a USB drive or play it during dinner—it’ll be a moment to remember.
9. DIY Coupon Book from Grandkids
This one is always a hit. All ages can contribute coupons like:
- “One Breakfast in Bed”
- “One Afternoon Walk”
- “30 Minutes of Help with Chores”
Use colorful construction paper, hole-punch the corners, and tie it with ribbon. Simple but SO thoughtful!
10. Handmade Trophy: “World’s Greatest Grandparents”
Use foam, cardboard, or clay to make a mini trophy or plaque that says: “Best Grandma Ever” or “#1 Grandpa”
Paint it gold or silver, add their names, and decorate with hearts or stars. Even toddlers can help with painting!
Final Thoughts: The Heart Behind the Gift
In writing this post, I couldn’t help but think of my own grandparents. My grandfather had a drawer filled with my old cards, and my grandmother kept a crayon sketch on her fridge until the day she moved. It wasn’t about how “perfect” the gift was—it was the love behind it.
So whether you’re helping a toddler press their tiny hand into paint or watching a teen edit a heartfelt video, these grandparents day gifts from kids ideas are more than crafts—they’re treasures. From DIY keepsakes to personalized Amazon finds, every one of these gifts speaks loud and clear:
“You’re loved. You’re appreciated. And we’re so proud to be your grandkids.”