Disclaimer: Devoted Grandma is reader-supported. If you purchase anything through my site, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thank you.
As a grandmother, it’s only natural to want to shower your grandchildren with love, affection, and maybe a little bit of spoiling. After all, that’s what grandmas are for, right? But how can you indulge your grandkids without going overboard and turning them into entitled little monsters? Fear not, because I’ve got 18 genius ways to spoil your grandkids while still keeping them grounded and grateful.
1. Quality Time Over Quantity of Gifts
Instead of buying your grandkids every toy or gadget they desire, focus on spending quality time together. Plan special outings, have sleepovers, or teach them a skill you’re passionate about. The memories you create together will be far more valuable than any material possession.
2. Encourage Gratitude and Appreciation
When you do give your grandkids gifts, make sure they understand the importance of gratitude. Encourage them to write thank-you notes, and talk to them about appreciating what they have. By instilling a sense of gratitude, you’ll help them develop a healthy relationship with material things.
3. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
Just because you’re spoiling your grandkids doesn’t mean you have to abandon all rules and boundaries. Work with their parents to establish clear guidelines, and be consistent in enforcing them. Your grandkids will feel more secure and loved when they know what’s expected of them.
4. Prioritize Experiences Over Things
Instead of buying your grandkids the latest toy or gadget, invest in experiences that will broaden their horizons and create lasting memories. Take them to a museum, a concert, or a sporting event. Sign them up for a class or workshop that aligns with their interests. These experiences will enrich their lives in ways that material possessions never could.
5. Teach Them the Value of Hard Work
While it’s tempting to give your grandkids everything they want, it’s important to teach them the value of hard work and earning their rewards. Consider setting up a simple chore chart or reward system that encourages them to work towards their goals. They’ll learn important life skills and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
6. Focus on Their Unique Interests and Talents
One of the best ways to spoil your grandkids is by nurturing their unique interests and talents. If your granddaughter loves to draw, buy her high-quality art supplies and sign her up for a drawing class. If your grandson is a budding scientist, get him a microscope or a chemistry set. By supporting their passions, you’ll help them develop a strong sense of self and a love for learning.
7. Make Ordinary Moments Extraordinary
Spoiling your grandkids doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or expensive outings. Sometimes, the most memorable moments are the simplest ones. Turn a regular afternoon into a fancy tea party, complete with finger sandwiches and silly hats. Transform a rainy day into an indoor camping adventure, complete with blanket forts and s’mores. By making ordinary moments extraordinary, you’ll create a sense of magic and wonder that your grandkids will cherish forever.
8. Teach Them the Joy of Giving
One of the best ways to spoil your grandkids is by teaching them the joy of giving. Encourage them to donate their old toys or clothes to a local charity, or have them help you bake cookies for a sick neighbor. By showing them the importance of kindness and generosity, you’ll help them develop a sense of empathy and compassion that will serve them well throughout their lives.
9. Create a Secret Handshake or Inside Joke
Nothing says “special bond” like a secret handshake or inside joke that only you and your grandkids share. Take the time to create something unique and silly that will make them feel like they’re part of an exclusive club. They’ll love the feeling of having a special connection with their cool grandma.
10. Be Their Confidante and Safe Haven
As your grandkids grow older, they may face challenges or struggles that they don’t feel comfortable discussing with their parents. Be their confidante and safe haven, offering a listening ear and non-judgmental support. Let them know that they can always come to you with their problems, and that you’ll love them unconditionally no matter what.
11. Encourage Them to Dream Big
One of the greatest gifts you can give your grandkids is the encouragement to dream big and believe in themselves. Share stories of your own achievements and challenges, and let them know that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Help them set goals and celebrate their progress along the way.
12. Teach Them the Importance of Family
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for families to lose touch and drift apart. Make it a priority to teach your grandkids the importance of family, and create opportunities for bonding and togetherness. Host regular family dinners, plan group outings, or start a family tradition that everyone can look forward to.
13. Be Their Biggest Cheerleader
Whether your grandkids are starring in the school play or struggling with a difficult math problem, be their biggest cheerleader. Celebrate their successes and offer encouragement when they face setbacks. Let them know that you believe in them and that you’ll always be their number one fan.
14. Teach Them the Value of Delayed Gratification
In a world of instant gratification, it’s important to teach your grandkids the value of patience and delayed gratification. Instead of giving in to their every whim, encourage them to save up for something they really want or to work towards a long-term goal. They’ll learn important life skills and feel a sense of accomplishment when they finally achieve their dreams.
15. Create a Special Nickname or Secret Code
Give your grandkids a special nickname or secret code that only you use. It could be something silly like “Pickle” or “Sunshine,” or a code word that signals a special treat or activity. They’ll love the feeling of having a special bond with their grandma that no one else shares.
16. Teach Them the Art of Gratitude
In a world that often focuses on what we lack, teach your grandkids the art of gratitude. Encourage them to keep a gratitude journal, where they write down three things they’re thankful for each day. Share your own gratitude list with them, and talk about the importance of appreciating the small joys in life.
17. Be a Role Model of Kindness and Compassion
One of the best ways to spoil your grandkids is by being a role model of kindness and compassion. Show them the importance of treating others with respect, standing up for what’s right, and being a force for good in the world. They’ll learn valuable life lessons and be inspired to make a positive difference in their own lives.
18. Love Them Unconditionally
At the end of the day, the greatest gift you can give your grandkids is your unconditional love and support. Let them know that no matter what happens, you’ll always be there for them. Hug them tight, listen to their stories, and cherish every moment you have together. They’ll grow up feeling loved, valued, and confident in their place in the world.
Spoiling your grandkids doesn’t have to mean indulging their every whim or turning them into entitled brats. By focusing on experiences, life lessons, and unconditional love, you can create a special bond that will last a lifetime. So go ahead and spoil those grandbabies – just do it with intention, boundaries, and a whole lot of love.
