Grandma’s house doesn’t need to be filled with toys to be a place the grandkids love to visit. I’ve learned that a few things they actually use—and a comfortable place to hang out—matter much more than having a house full of stuff.
Here I’ll share the things that have worked at our house, from games and activities that get used again and again to simple ways to make space for grandkids of different ages.
Games & Toys That Actually Get Used
Over the years, I’ve learned that the toys that get used the most aren’t necessarily the newest or most expensive ones. At our house, the favorites are the things the grandkids can come back to again and again—and often the simplest things work for the widest range of ages.
Building & Creating
Building toys have probably had the longest life at our house. Legos work for almost every age, and the Picasso tiles have been especially popular with the younger grandkids. What I like about both is that there really isn’t a “right” way to play with them. They can build for ten minutes or spend an afternoon creating something, take it apart, and start all over again.
Games We Keep Coming Back To
Some games seem to work no matter how old the grandkids are. UNO is probably the one that gets pulled out most often at our house. Jenga is another favorite, and having a chess board around gives the older kids something different to pick up when they’re in the mood. I’ve found that the best games are usually the ones that are easy to start, don’t require a lot of setup, and can include different ages.
Simple Things That Keep Them Busy
Some of the things the grandkids enjoy most don’t require much planning at all. Sidewalk chalk, helping in the garden, shooting baskets, kicking a soccer ball around, or jumping on the trampoline can keep them busy without turning the afternoon into a big production. I like having a few easy options around that they can pick up and do whenever they feel like it.
Projects & Traditions
I’ve also learned that having a project gives us something to do together without needing to entertain everyone every minute. Baking has always been a favorite at our house, especially when we turn it into something fun like a gingerbread competition. Around the holidays, simple projects like making birdseed ornaments have been a hit too. The project doesn’t have to be elaborate—the fun is really in doing it together.
Making Space For Older Grandkids Too
As the grandkids get older, what they want from Grandma’s house changes. They may not be looking for toys anymore, but they still want a comfortable place where they can relax and be together. At our house, a couple of beanbag chairs and a place where the older kids can play video games together have gotten far more use than I expected. Sometimes making your house welcoming is less about finding another activity and more about giving them a space that feels like theirs when they visit.
What’s Actually Worth Having
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need a house full of toys to make your grandkids want to visit. A few things that work for different ages, are easy to pull out, and can be used again and again are usually the best choices. I’d rather have a handful of things they genuinely use than closets full of things they’ve forgotten about.
Throughout The Practical Grandparent, I’ll share the things that have worked well for our family, along with ideas I think are worth considering. When I recommend a product, my goal is simple: it should make life with the grandkids easier, more fun, or both.
More Ideas From The Practical Grandparent
Best Toys and Activities for Grandkids of Different Ages: What Actually Works
24 Days of Christmas for Each Grandchild: A Tradition That Grows With Them
24 Christmas Countdown Gift Ideas for Grandkids: Mostly Under $10, With a Few Splurges
