When you’ve got a new baby or one on the way, it’s easy to give your parents and in-laws “memorable” gifts that will do more than just touch their hearts.

Here are six gifts for grandparents that can set the stage for a lifetime of connection. (This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!)

Grandparent’s journal: Memories for My Grandchild: A Keepsake to Remember

After my grandmother died at 95, I discovered that had she kept a 3 X 5 inch spiral-bounded notebook about stuff that happened, starting in 1969.

Her jottings were mostly about current events in the world and in our family. In 2007, for example, she wrote: “Sandy was on TV in April 27 the second time to discuss her latest book.” I didn’t think Gram knew much about my professional life, or that she was actually keeping track! So cute.

I love that Gram had the urge to keep an event timeline. But what I would have really loved is for her to actually share more of her own thoughts and feelings in those pages about all she experienced over her almost ten decades. That would have been the ultimate legacy. I’d love for my mother to capture her life in writing and photos for my daughters too.

Fortunately, today’s family heirloom/scrapbooks make it easy for grandparents to do just that and share their lives with your kiddos so they can bond across the generations.

“Memories for My Grandchild: A Keepsake to Remember,” is just one example of a journal for your mom, dad, mother-in-law and father-in-law to write down their life story for your baby to enjoy some day and get to know Grandma and Grandpa on a whole new level.

In the book, there are questions for Grandma/Grandpa to answer at their leisure related to all aspects of their lives, including their love life, parenthood and, of course, grandparenthood. There’s plenty of room for photos too and other keepsakes.

There’s also a companion journal specifically for Grandfathers: From Your Grandfather: A Gift of Memory for My Grandchild.

Keepsake, the app that lets you turn any photo on your phone into a professionally framed print

The best gifts for grandparents don’t have to be pricey. For as low as $29, Keepsake allows you to turn any photo on your phone into a gorgeous professionally framed print, with free shipping always included. Keepsake frames are individually handmade in the U.S. from wood or metal, and prints are made using high-end industrial printers to ensure top quality at all print sizes, including Instagram photos.

Grandparents’ Brag Book—to make sharing baby photos a cinch

Brag books make it easy for Grandma and Grandpa to show off your baby to family and friends. Even if your parents have a smart phone, it’s still nice to have actual photos handy. Brag books typically hold 20 to 40 4 X 6 or 3 X 5 photos. There’s a grab book for every style—from cutesy to sophisticated.

Great gifts for Grandparents: A framed picture of your parents and your inlaws

This is a surprise gift you can give to your parents and in-laws anytime they visit your home to show them that although you’ve taken a deep dive into babydom, they’re still important to you.

“If you really want to score points with your mother-in-law, put a photo of her with your kids somewhere in your house,” says Linda Della Donna, 63, grandmother of Hunter, 2, and Zoey, 1, who babysits for them weekly. Confession: After interviewing Ms. Della Donna, I realized that amidst all the photos of my kids, I didn’t even have a photo of my own parents in my own house. How could that be? Soon after, unbidden, my mother sent me a framed photo of her and my dad. Apparently, she had noticed!

A photo collage

A photo collage like this one, is a fun way to display multiple family photos. It’s personalized inexpensive wall art that’s invaluable. Create one for Grandpa and Grandma filled with family memories.

Not sure what to put on your own holiday get list? Check out this post for ideas.

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