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One of my favorite Christmas traditions is something I started about 14 years ago, when my oldest grandson was just two years old. Every December, I would give him a small gift or treat each day leading up to Christmas. What started with little Hot Wheels cars, toys, and candy has grown into a tradition I now share with all my grandchildren.
Over the years, the gifts have changed right along with the kids. What once worked for toddlers has evolved into games, sports-related items, clothing, gift cards, and little surprises for teenagers. Some days it’s something practical, like socks or gloves. Other days it’s simply their favorite candy.
For my younger grandchildren, now ages two and nine, their Elf on the Shelf delivers the surprises. For the teenagers, I put together individual numbered gift bags and arrange them in a large basket. Sometimes the gifts are too big for the basket, especially things like Christmas pajamas or a cozy robe!
I usually start collecting things around September. Sometimes I’ll find something special while we’re traveling or visiting the beach, but most of the gifts are things I discover throughout the fall.
What I love most about this tradition is that it has grown with our family. It isn’t about how much each gift costs. It’s about having a little something to look forward to every day and keeping a Christmas tradition alive, even as the grandchildren get older.
If you’re thinking about starting your own 24 Days of Christmas tradition, I’m sharing how I’ve done it, what has worked for different ages, and plenty of gift ideas to help you make it your own.
How I Organize 24 Days of Christmas
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you don’t need an elaborate setup to make this tradition special. I’ve changed the way I present the gifts as my grandchildren have grown, and that’s part of the fun.
For the Little Ones: A Little Help from the Elf on the Shelf
For my two youngest grandchildren, ages two and nine, their Elf on the Shelf brings a little surprise each day.
The gifts don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes it’s a small toy, a treat, or something related to an activity they enjoy. The excitement comes from discovering what the elf has brought that morning.
For the Teenagers: Individual Gift Bags in a Christmas Basket
My teenage grandchildren are all from the same family, so I prepare individual gift bags for each of them and arrange the bags together in a large basket.
Over the years, I’ve used everything from burlap bags to simple paper gift bags. There’s no need to buy a whole new set of containers every Christmas.
As the kids have gotten older, the gifts have changed, too. Instead of mostly toys, I now include things like socks, hats, gloves, gift cards, sports-related items, activities, and favorite candy.
And not everything fits in a bag! Larger gifts, such as Christmas pajamas or robes, sometimes sit beside the basket.
My Tip: Make the Tradition Work for Your Family
You don’t need 24 expensive presents or perfectly matching gift bags. The important part is finding a way to make each day feel special.
You can use baskets, bags, envelopes, or whatever works best for your grandchildren’s ages and your family’s Christmas traditions.
24 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas by Age
One of the biggest changes I’ve made over the years is adjusting the gifts as my grandchildren get older. What makes a two-year-old excited is very different from what a teenager looks forward to!
Here are some ideas for different age groups, including gifts I’ve used over the years and other possibilities worth considering.
Gift Ideas for Toddlers (Ages 2–4)
When my oldest grandson was little, Hot Wheels cars were among the first gifts I included in our Christmas countdown. Small toys made the daily surprises exciting without needing a large present every morning.
For toddlers, I like the idea of mixing simple toys with practical items and occasional treats.
Some gift ideas include:
- Small toy cars, such as Hot Wheels, when age-appropriate
- Chunky crayons and coloring books
- Board books
- Bath toys
- Play-Doh or other age-appropriate modeling dough
- Christmas socks
- Small stuffed animals
- Bubbles
- Simple puzzles
- Christmas ornaments
- Small toy animals
- Stickers designed for young children
My grandparent tip: Check the manufacturer’s recommended age before buying. Small toys, loose parts, and certain candies can be choking hazards for younger children. For a two-year-old, I would choose items specifically designed for toddlers.
And remember, not every day needs to include a toy. A new pair of Christmas socks or a book to read together can be just as special.
How I Handle Candy and Treats
When my grandchildren are very young, around age two, I focus mostly on little gifts rather than candy. I might occasionally include a small treat, but candy isn’t a big part of the tradition at that age.
As they get closer to four or five, I begin including candy more regularly. Eventually, their daily surprise usually includes a favorite candy, with an additional gift on some days.
This has made the tradition easier to continue as the grandchildren have grown. They still have something to look forward to every morning, but I don’t need to find 24 separate toys or gifts for each child.
For younger children, I always consider age-appropriate treats and choking hazards.
Gift Ideas for Kids Ages 5–10
By the time my grandchildren reach school age, their interests have usually become more specific. Some love sports, others enjoy building things, playing games, or spending time outdoors.
Around age four or five, I begin including a favorite candy in their daily Christmas surprises. As they get older, candy becomes the everyday treat, with an additional gift on some days.
Here are some ideas for this age group:
Games and Activities
- UNO and other small card games
- Mini LEGO sets
- Activity books and puzzle books
- Art supplies, markers, and sketchbooks
- Small building kits
- Craft projects
Sports and Outdoor Fun
- Sports-themed socks
- Mini footballs or other small sports equipment
- Water bottles
- Sports trading cards
- Team-themed accessories
- Flashlights for outdoor adventures
Practical Gifts and Little Surprises
- Christmas socks
- Winter hats and gloves
- Keychains or backpack accessories
- Small souvenirs from family trips
- Favorite candy or treats
- Gift cards for a special outing or activity
My grandparent tip: Pay attention to what your grandchildren are interested in throughout the year. Sometimes a small gift related to their favorite sport, game, or hobby means more than something expensive.
I also love including little reminders of places we’ve visited together. Those gifts bring back memories while adding a personal touch to the Christmas countdown.
24 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas for Teenagers
One of the things I wondered as my grandchildren got older was whether they would eventually outgrow our 24 Days of Christmas tradition.
As it turns out, we’re still doing it!
The gifts have certainly changed over the years. Hot Wheels and little toys have given way to gift cards, clothing, sports accessories, activities, and plenty of favorite candy.
I always tell myself that some days I’ll just include a favorite candy or a special treat without an additional gift. But somehow, I usually end up finding something small to include almost every day!
There aren’t necessarily big presents in the countdown. Most are simply little things I’ve picked out because I know that particular grandchild will enjoy them.
Candy and Favorite Treats
- Favorite chocolate bars or candy
- Special holiday candy
- A treat they don’t get very often
- Their favorite snacks
Practical Gifts
- Fun or cozy socks
- Winter hats and gloves
- Slippers
- Crocs (one of our Christmas countdown gifts one year!)
- Lip balm
- Hair accessories
- Toiletries or personal care items
- Christmas pajamas
- A cozy robe
Sports and Hobby-Related Gifts
- Accessories for their favorite sport
- Sports-themed socks
- Small pieces of sports equipment
- Art or craft supplies
- Accessories related to their hobbies
- Small games or activities
Gift Cards and Experiences
- Gas gift cards for new drivers
- Coffee shop or restaurant gift cards
- Gaming gift cards
- Movie gift cards
- Gift cards to favorite stores
- Money toward an activity or outing
My Grandparent Tip: Teenagers may be harder to shop for than toddlers, but they still appreciate being remembered. I try to choose things that reflect their individual interests rather than buying everyone exactly the same gifts.
And sometimes, a favorite candy tucked into a little bag is enough to make that day’s surprise special.
The tradition has never been about giving 24 expensive gifts. It’s about having something to look forward to throughout December, even when the grandchildren aren’t so little anymore.
As my grandchildren have gotten older, I’ve found that practical gifts can be just as exciting as toys were when they were little. I’ve included everything from slippers and Crocs to gas gift cards for a new driver. Some years the gifts are a little bigger, but many days it’s simply something small and useful that I know they’ll appreciate.
How I Plan and Organize 24 Days of Christmas
After doing this for so many years, I’ve learned that a little planning makes the tradition much easier.
I usually start shopping around September, although I sometimes pick up things throughout the year. If we’re traveling, visiting the beach, or enjoying a special outing, I might find something that reminds me of that experience and save it for December.
I don’t worry about spending exactly the same amount on each grandchild. Instead, I focus on finding things that fit their ages, personalities, and interests.
My Tips for Getting Organized
- Start early. Shopping over several months makes it easier to find thoughtful gifts without rushing.
- Keep gifts separated by grandchild. This makes organizing everything much easier when December arrives.
- Mix inexpensive surprises with larger gifts. Not every day needs to be expensive.
- Include practical items. Socks, gloves, slippers, and other useful things can make wonderful surprises.
- Be flexible. Some gifts won’t fit into a little bag, and that’s perfectly fine.
- Make it personal. A small souvenir from a family trip can mean more than something expensive.
A Tradition That Changes With Your Family
One of the best things about 24 Days of Christmas is that there really aren’t any rules.
You can use numbered bags, baskets, an Advent calendar, or have an elf deliver the surprises. You can give candy on some days and gifts on others.
What works for a two-year-old probably won’t work for a sixteen-year-old, and that’s okay.
The fun is finding ways to keep the tradition going as your grandchildren grow.
The Gift Bags I Use
I’ve used these reusable burlap drawstring bags for our Christmas countdown gifts, and I love that I can save them and use them again the following year. The 7 × 9-inch bags are a great size for smaller gifts, and the package of 25 is perfect for our 24-day tradition, with one extra!
Shop the 7 × 9-inch reusable burlap gift bags on Amazon
For Larger Christmas Gifts
I also use these larger 10 × 14-inch red burlap drawstring bags when a gift won’t fit into the smaller ones. They’re especially handy for clothing, slippers, and bulkier surprises. I like having both sizes available, and the red bags add a little Christmas color to our countdown!
Shop the 10 × 14-inch red burlap gift bags on Amazon
Small Gifts I’ve Given My Grandkids
Cozy Winter Socks
Cozy socks are one of my favorite practical gifts to include in our Christmas countdown. I love finding colorful patterns, and a multipack makes it easy to choose different pairs for different grandchildren. They’re a fun little surprise that they’ll actually use!
Shop FYC Cozy Winter Socks on Amazon
Funny Christmas Socks
Funny socks are another favorite for our Christmas countdown, especially for the older grandkids. I love finding designs that match their personalities or make them laugh. Christmas-themed socks are an easy way to add a little humor to the countdown, and a multipack makes it affordable to have several pairs on hand.
Shop Funny Christmas Socks on Amazon
Download Your Free 24 Days of Christmas Gift Planner
Final Thoughts: Keeping the Christmas Magic Alive
When I started our 24 Days of Christmas tradition all those years ago, I never imagined I’d still be doing it when my oldest grandchildren became teenagers.
What began with Hot Wheels, little toys, and candy has turned into something our family continues to enjoy year after year.
The gifts have changed, the way I package them has changed, and each grandchild has developed their own interests. But the excitement of having a little surprise to look forward to every day has stayed the same.
You don’t need 24 expensive gifts or perfectly coordinated Christmas bags to create a tradition your grandchildren will remember.
Start with what works for your family, make it personal, and don’t be afraid to change things as your grandchildren grow.
Sometimes the simplest traditions become the ones that last the longest.
Looking for More Christmas Countdown Gift Ideas?
I’ve put together a separate shopping guide with specific gift ideas for grandchildren of different ages, including LEGO sets, sports gifts, crafts, cozy socks, and fun surprises for teenagers. Most are around $10, with a few special splurges.
🎁 See My Christmas Countdown Gift Guide: Mostly Under $10
Want to Start Your Own 24 Days of Christmas Tradition? 🎄
I’ve created The Grandparent’s 24 Days of Christmas Gift Guide & Planner to make this tradition easier to organize!
It includes 96 gift ideas for toddlers through teens, printable 24-day planning sheets, budget trackers, gift history pages, and festive numbered gift tags.
For just $6.99, you can download the complete 16-page printable guide and use the planning pages year after year.
I hope it helps you create wonderful Christmas memories with your grandchildren!
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