Dear Grandparents: Why Your Time Matters More Than Another Toy
This post is part of a two-part series on gift-giving, clutter, and choosing experiences over excess for families.
Dear Grandparents: Why Your Time Matters More Than Another Toy
If you’re a grandparent, chances are your love language includes giving.
You see something sweet, fun, or special and think, “Oh, they’d love this.” And you’re not wrong. You give because you adore them. Because you want to spoil them. Because watching their eyes light up brings you joy.
That love is beautiful. And it matters.
But here’s something I gently want to share with you, from the heart and from years of working closely with families.
When “More” Starts to Feel Like Too Much
Many parents today feel overwhelmed by the amount of toys, clothes, and things coming into their homes. And surprisingly, the children feel it too.
I see it often. Playrooms full of toys that don’t get played with. Closets overflowing. Kids who feel overstimulated, bored, or unsure where to begin.
It’s not because they don’t appreciate the gifts. It’s because too much can quietly steal the joy.
And this is where grandparents can play the most meaningful role.
What Children Remember Most Isn’t What You Buy
When I help seniors downsize later in life, they rarely talk about objects. They talk about moments.
Trips. Traditions. Sitting at the kitchen table. Laughing. Feeling loved.
One day, your grandchildren won’t remember most of the toys. But they will remember:
The lunches you shared
The stories you told
The walks, the baking, the games
How safe and seen they felt with you
That is the real gift.
Grandparent teaching their grandchild how to play guitar.
Experiences Are the Heirlooms of This Generation
Today’s families are learning that experiences create memories that last far longer than things.
Instead of another toy, consider:
A lunch or ice cream date
A zoo, museum, or park outing
Baking a favorite recipe together
A movie day or game afternoon
A simple walk and good conversation
These moments become the stories your grandchildren carry with them.
A Gentle Invitation
If parents ask for fewer gifts, it isn’t rejection.
It isn’t ungratefulness.
It isn’t a lack of appreciation.
It’s an invitation.
An invitation to love differently.
To connect deeply.
To be present in ways that truly matter.
Your time. Your attention. Your stories.
That is what they’ll hold onto forever.
A Clover Note
Grandparents, your love is powerful. And when paired with intention, it becomes unforgettable.
Thank you for loving so generously, so faithfully, and so deeply. Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t wrapped. It’s shared.
If you’re a parent navigating toy overwhelm or hoping to simplify your home with intention, I’ve written a companion piece sharing practical steps and encouragement for choosing less stuff and more meaningful experiences.
👉 Link: “Experience Over Gifts: Helping Children Thrive With Less Stuff and More Meaning”