I am a distant grandparent and always buy my grandchildren keepsakes for Christmas in the hope that they will stay with the child throughout their lifetimes.
What do you think of this practice? I am not there with them and can’t imagine buying them something that will be thrown away. Their parents are comfortable and they have a slew of other relatives to buy all the little things….
Would putting the money aside be a better practice? If so,how would you do that? In what form?
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Nappies and wet wipes would be a better deal my friend.
When my grandchildren were born I opened bank accounts for them. Not only I, but other distant relatives can deposit small amounts for when they reach 18 years old. By the time they reach college age, this money may buy some books to help them.
no they are just going to break it
Keep doing what you are doing. I think it is touching. I hope you are including some kind of story with each item….something to perk their interest, you know what I mean. No, I think it is lovely what you are doing.
I think you should put money aside instead for them. Keepsakes to this generation are not what they used to be. They’ll mostly likely end up dusty and lost in some drawer or something or (when they’re older) at a pawn shop when they need extra cash.
I think its sweet, however it would be more meaningful to the grandchildren if you wait until they are of age to understand what they are getting and the meaning behind it. Should you decide to put the money aside, trust funds are good. That way the child can only use the money after meeting certain requirements (like keeping good grades, not getting into trouble, etc)
I think it is very appropriate and a wonderful gift to give. I wish I would have received something like that for my daughter. Great idea.
A tiny child only needs your love and affection. He or she may grow up to have completely different tastes from you. So, although the urge to give is perfectly natural, maybe you should think about what you give.
A keepsake at birth is a lovely thing. A classic christening mug, a silver photo frame with a snap of you and the baby, or something of that sort is always treasured. Even if you can’t get together for the photo, you can send a double frame with a picture of you and your favourite snap of baby, and a little note with the date of both pictures. If you can paint a picture or sew a sampler, or do something else creative, then do so. I make samplers for newborns and have had the pleasure of seeing them hung in pride of place in their homes 25 years later. One woman I know has a beautiful ring-shawl knitted by her great-grandmother and passed on by her grandma, which wrapped her at her christening and has wrapped all her babies. Those two ladies are present in every christening photo in that family, even though they’ve long gone.
But after the christening you’ve got all those Christmases and birthdays, so what then? Personally, I send a small gift and put some money into a savings fund for the child.
As you’re a distant grandma, you might like to send an older child a digital camcorder for a special birthday, so he/she can make a video diary and send it to you on the Internet or on a disc. Or you might like to send a phonecard or digital top-up with your little gift, and a note saying how much you’d love to hear from them.
Let your grandchildren know that they’re important to you now. Even though you’re far away, try and become part of their lives. We are so lucky to live in an age of easy communications, and they will treasure Grandma’s love and interest more than any other keepsake you could give them.
i think its great. My grandfather gave me 8 pocket watches when I was a new born (he made them himself). My mother kept them on display in my living room. It gave me a sense of respect for valuables.. I keep them on display in my room now that im older. They always reminded me of my grandfather and I find it awesome that they have been with me since birth.
keepsakes will not mean much to them until they are older, after that they will cherish them forever. family treasures are very important.
I had a relative that did that for me as a child, and I loooved it. I cherished those things (Until Mom and I had to hock them to have Christmas one year). But hey…even then it worked out perfect.