Gifts for Grandchildren From Grandparents: Secondhand Gift Guide

We pride ourselves in being unbiased gear experts. Learn more about how we research, expertly review and curate products here.

With so many options — and the worry that toys will be outgrown in just a few months — it’s easy to feel a little stressed about finding gifts that feel meaningful, useful and right for your grandchild’s age and interests. That’s where secondhand gifting comes in. Choosing open-box and gently used toys, playgyms and infant gear isn’t just smart, it’s thoughtful, sustainable and budget-friendly.

Shop The Holiday Gift Guide

And, you’re already leading the way in this trend: grandparents make up 20% of secondhand GoodBuy Gear shoppers. It’s never been easier to find high-quality, durable gifts your grandkids will actually use, while stretching your holiday budget.

In this guide, we’ve pulled together the best gifts for grandkids — from toddlers to babies — all carefully selected for quality, safety and longevity to help you give joy, reduce waste and make holiday shopping a little easier.

Skip Ahead to Your Grand Little’s Age:

• Gift Ideas for Babies (0 to 12 months)
• Gift Ideas for Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
• Gifts for Grandkids in Preschool (3 to 5 years)
• Gifts for Grandkids Ages 5 to 8
• Experience Gifts and Practical Gifts
• Smart Baby Gear Gifts That Make Parents’ Lives Easier
• Gift Cards

Gifting Tips & Ideas for Grandparents 

Holiday shopping is never easy, but picking out a gift for a grandchild is especially difficult when you’re so far removed from the baby phase. Here are some parent-sourced pointers and a downloadable checklist to help take the pressure off:

• Ask what the kids like: Just because you think they might like it, doesn’t mean they will. Ask the parents what kinds of activities keep the kids most engaged. You can also inquire about any favorite TV shows or movies to help guide you. 
• Buy educational gifts: When in doubt, buy a gift that will support your tiny human’s development. Montessori and STEM toys, like building sets, are a great start. 
• Run it by the parents: Before you make a purchase, snap a picture or send the parents the product link. Chances are they’ll be able to tell you if the kid will like it or if they already own it. 
• Get gifts that will grow with the child: Look for toys that will stand the test of time—durable items that kiddos can enjoy at various stages of development. For example, some push cars can evolve into ride-on toys both babies and toddlers will love. 
• Consider the child’s age: Toys are labeled with age guidelines for a reason. They not only signal whether a toy will be appropriate for a child’s developmental stage, but they also help make you aware of any important safety concerns. For example, toys labeled 3 and up are generally labeled as such, because they may contain small pieces that can pose a choking hazard. 
• Avoid loud toys: Babies may like the stimulation, but homes with young kids are chaotic enough, and parents certainly don’t want to be assaulted with bright lights and loud noises all day long. 
• Don’t get toys with tiny pieces: Even if the tiny human you’re shopping for is over the age of 3 and past the phase where they may put small parts in their mouth, it’s a good idea to avoid these kinds of toys. For starters, they may have a younger sibling that could get a hold of a dangerously small part. Beyond that, small parts are hard to keep track of, which creates a mess in the short-term and renders the toy unusable in the long-term when something inevitably goes missing. 
• Avoid toys with batteries: If you’re going to give something that needs batteries, make sure you include them. There’s nothing more frustrating than fielding a meltdown about the toy not working when you realize you don’t have any batteries on hand. But try to avoid battery-operated toys, if possible. They not only tend to be noisy, but kids often leave them on, which means parents are constantly replacing batteries—a wasteful and expensive endeavor. 
• Don’t buy something that is hard to store: A gift like a giant teddy bear may wow the kid, but what are parents supposed to do with such large items? There are plenty of smaller items, like a baking kit, that can make just as much of an impression on a child. 

Keeping these small considerations in mind will help you pick something that sparks joy for your grandchild and earns a grateful smile from the adults in charge.

Gift Ideas for Babies From Grandparents (0 to 12 months)

Shopping for babies can feel tricky since little ones grow so fast, but grandparents can still give meaningful, long-lasting gifts. These secondhand-friendly ideas are durable, easy to clean and developmentally appropriate for babies in their first year. 

• Activity gyms or play mats, like the Lovevery Play Gym, that support early sensory play and tummy time.

• Soft baby books made of cloth or crinkle material that hold up to drool and daily use.

• Lightweight rattles and grasping toys that encourage fine motor development.

• High-contrast toysthat help stimulate early vision.

• Baby carriers, like the ever-popular Ergobaby Omni Breeze, that let parents enjoy hands-free snuggles.

• Bouncers or loungers, like the BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss, that keep babies comfortable while parents get things done.

• Stacking cups or simple shape toys that babies can grow into over the year.

Shop Gifts 0-3 Months

Shop Gifts 3-12 Months

Gift Ideas for Toddlers From Grandparents (1 to 3 years)

Toddlers are tiny tornadoes of energy who somehow always gravitate toward toys that light up, make noise and drive parents a little crazy. But with the right picks, you can spark their creativity, encourage exploration and give them a taste of independence — without driving mom and dad nuts or presenting something they’ll immediately toss aside. 

• Push carts or ride-on toys, like the Radio Flyer Classic Tricycle, help kiddos develop balance and coordination.
• Wooden puzzles and shape sorters, like Hexablox, encourage problem-solving and fine motor skills.
• Stacking blocks or building sets that inspire creativity and imaginative play.
• Pretend play items,such as the Tiny Land Wooden Play Kitchen or dress-up clothes that spark imaginative adventures. As a nice bonus, these are the kinds of toys grandparents can actually play along with, so you don’t just have to watch from the sidelines. 
• Pull-along toys or wagons, like the Radio Flyer Push and Pull Walker, that combine play with movement.
• A play tunnel to crawl, hide and explore while supporting gross-motor skills and imaginative play.

Shop All Gifts for Toddlers

Best Gifts for Grandkids in Preschool (3 to 5 years)

Preschoolers are little bundles of curiosity and imagination, so this is your chance to pick toys that inspire creativity, problem-solving and active play. Think building sets, art kits or anything that gets them moving and thinking. Many are the kinds of toys you can join in on too, because, let’s be honest, half the fun is playing along with them.

• Pretend play sets like kitchens, tool benches or dollhouses that inspire imaginative adventures.
• Ride-on toys, balance bikes or small scooters that support gross-motor development and outdoor fun.
• Art easels, chalkboards or dry-erase boards that make drawing and learning extra engaging.
• Play tents, tunnels or climbing blocksthat create cozy spaces for exploration and pretend play.
• Dolls, doll accessories and furniture that inspire pretend play, storytelling and caring for “friends.”

Shop Gifts for Preschoolers

Best Gifts for Grandkids Ages 5 to 8

By this age, kids have opinions and a growing “I can do it myself” attitude. Pick gifts that challenge their brains, get them moving and can handle being loved, and tested, every single day.

• Scooters or balance bikes that help develop coordination, balance and outdoor confidence.
• Board games and card games that build strategy, social skills and family game-night fun.
• Outdoor exploration gear like binoculars, bug-catching kits or gardening tools for curious adventurers.
• Sports equipment such as soccer balls, basketballs or jump ropes to encourage physical activity and teamwork.
• High-durability toys like wooden trains, action figures or building blocks that can withstand rough play.
• Dolls, figurines or playsets that encourage imaginative storytelling and role play.

Shop Gifts for 5-9 Year-Olds

Experience Gifts and Practical Gifts Grandparents Love Giving

Not every gift has to be a toy. Here are ways you can give something memorable and useful, while scoring major grandparent points:

• Experiences that create memories: Zoo or museum memberships, art classes or music lessons are gifts that give your grandkids something to talk about long after the wrapping paper is gone.
• Practical and brainy picks: A favorite book series, puzzles or art projects that keep little hands and minds busy. Just never, ever give slime or kinetic sand if you don’t want major side-eye from the parents. 
• Everyday essentials: Snack boxes, fun dining sets or other staples are practical gifts that quietly make you the hero to everyone involved.

Smart Baby Gear Gifts That Make Parents’ Lives Easier

If you’re worried another toy will just get lost in the basement pile, smart baby gear is the way to go. These practical and genuinely useful gifts make parents’ lives easier and earn you major grandparent points — especially for the littlest ones, ages 0 to 2, who don’t quite get the gift-giving process yet.

• Monarch carrier for hands-free comfort during walks, errands or snuggles from about two to three months through two or three years old in most cases (the weight limit is 35 pounds).
• Toddlekind playmat for a safe, cushy play space that looks great in any room.
• Snuggle Me Organic Lounger Curve for cozy supervised lounging and comfy floor time (this is not a safe sleep product).
• Portable sound machine that helps with naps at home or on the go.
• Movement or kick gyms, like the Lalo Play Gym, that provide stimulation while giving parents a much-needed break.
• Compact bouncers, like the Boon Slant Bouncer, that easily move from room. They even fold flat, so they can bring it to your house. 
• High-quality stroller accessories like organizers, cup holders or rain covers that parents use every day.
• Travel must-haves, like the SlumberPod to keep baby sleeping soundly away from home (like at your house!). 
• Easy-clean feeding gear like baby bowls, spill-proof cups or utensils for independent eating from brands like Munchkin, ezpz and OXO Tot.

These items are durable, easy to clean and often look like new when purchased secondhand, letting grandparents gift premium gear for much less while making life a little easier for busy parents.

Gift Cards

Sometimes you’re simply not sure what the kids want and the parents need. That’s ok! When in doubt, a gift card goes a long way. Studies show that what people really want is a card, but they typically feel too guilty to ask for one. With that knowledge, may we suggest a GoodBuy Gear gift card, so parents can choose the perfect thing for their family? 

Get a Gift Card

Why Secondhand Gifts Make Sense

Secondhand gifts are a win-win for grandparents and families alike: They’re budget-friendly, sustainable and, in many cases, just as high-quality as new items. By choosing secondhand through GoodBuy Gear, where everything is carefully checked for quality, grandparents can confidently give gifts that are meaningful, practical and tailored to their grandchild’s interests — all while saving an average of 55% off retail prices. This year, holiday gift-giving can feel joyful, thoughtful and truly stress-free for everyone. 

Need more inspo? Check out our curated gift guide for hand-picked gift ideas based on your little one’s interests and age. 

About the Author, Brigitt Earley

GoodBuy Gear Contributing Writer