Finding a Gift For Grandpa Can Require Extra Work
Finding an appropriate gift for grandpa can be a daunting task. For many men at or near retirement, they have had a lifetime to accumulate tools, knick-knacks, and hobby items. Often, due to a certain level of financial stability and a self-sufficiency that has developed over time, grandpas have developed the habit of just going out and getting (for them) whatever it is they want or need. Invariably, grandfathers answer "nothing" when asked what they would like as a gift, whether it be for a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas.
Despite the fact that your grandfather feels he doesn't need anything, you still have a desire to get him something as a way of showing your love to him. Since it is likely that he won't give you any ideas as to what might make a good gift, you will have to do some extra work. That may mean talking to your grandmother, or other family members to find out if there is something that has caught his eye that he hasn't mentioned to you. Most importantly, it requires that you just know your grandfather. Become a student of your grandpa. Pay attention to the things he likes and dislikes, as well as the things he already has.
While there is no substitute for knowing your grandfather, here are a few general ideas that might get you going in the right direction.
Something technological. Retirement-aged men are not typically technologically savvy. Yet, we live in an ever evolving world in which technology is becoming more and more necessary. With many of the technological items that you may give to your grandpa, consider yourself to be your grandpa's personal tech support personnel. This role should be figured in as part of the gift. You will likely need to help your grandpa set up the item, as well as troubleshoot with him when something isn't working as well as it is supposed to. There are many excellent technological gifts that you may consider for your grandfather, but here are a few:
Something for the workshop.
Grandpas often like to work with their hands. Many grandpas came from a generation where you personally fixed the things you had, and made basic home improvements yourself. Your grandfather may have certain hobbies that involve craftsmanship. A gift for the workshop can be an excellent way to show your grandpa you care, but it can be a challenge to determine what he needs and doesn't need. Chances are he is probably pretty set on most tools, so you will want to make sure you know what he already has. Yet, there are likely still those tools or gadgets that he doesn't have, or maybe equipment that he has that needs replaced. For instance, he may already have a cordless drill, but perhaps the battery on his is old and loses power quickly.
He may already have an air compressor, but perhaps he needs a new air compressor filter or Ingersoll Rand compressor parts to keep it well maintained. He may already own a ladder, but it might not be as sturdy as it used to be, or may not be as user-friendly for someone his age. For grandpas who have well established workshops, consider items that will enable them to keep their workshops up to date. If you are not sure of what your grandfather might need, make your gift to him a trip to the hardware store. There you can pick up an air compressor filter, new battery pack for his power tool, Ingersoll Rand compressor parts, or whatever else he may need to maintain his workshop.
Despite the fact that your grandfather feels he doesn't need anything, you still have a desire to get him something as a way of showing your love to him. Since it is likely that he won't give you any ideas as to what might make a good gift, you will have to do some extra work. That may mean talking to your grandmother, or other family members to find out if there is something that has caught his eye that he hasn't mentioned to you. Most importantly, it requires that you just know your grandfather. Become a student of your grandpa. Pay attention to the things he likes and dislikes, as well as the things he already has.
While there is no substitute for knowing your grandfather, here are a few general ideas that might get you going in the right direction.
Something technological. Retirement-aged men are not typically technologically savvy. Yet, we live in an ever evolving world in which technology is becoming more and more necessary. With many of the technological items that you may give to your grandpa, consider yourself to be your grandpa's personal tech support personnel. This role should be figured in as part of the gift. You will likely need to help your grandpa set up the item, as well as troubleshoot with him when something isn't working as well as it is supposed to. There are many excellent technological gifts that you may consider for your grandfather, but here are a few:
- Cell Phone. Perhaps your grandparents have never seen having a cell phone as a necessity. Yet, cell phones are an excellent tool, and can come in handy, especially if your grandfather does a lot of traveling.
- Digital Picture Frame. These are neat ways to access a high volume of pictures. Load family photos on the device or a thumb drive and have it all ready for your grandpa to place on a coffee table or mount on a wall.
- GPS. If your grandpa travels a lot, this will be very useful.
- Computer. Help your grandfather connect to old friends and family members who have moved away.
- Web Cam. Using Instant Messaging software to video chat from long distances is a neat way for the family to connect, especially for grandparents to see grandkids and great-grandkids.
Something for the workshop.
Grandpas often like to work with their hands. Many grandpas came from a generation where you personally fixed the things you had, and made basic home improvements yourself. Your grandfather may have certain hobbies that involve craftsmanship. A gift for the workshop can be an excellent way to show your grandpa you care, but it can be a challenge to determine what he needs and doesn't need. Chances are he is probably pretty set on most tools, so you will want to make sure you know what he already has. Yet, there are likely still those tools or gadgets that he doesn't have, or maybe equipment that he has that needs replaced. For instance, he may already have a cordless drill, but perhaps the battery on his is old and loses power quickly.
He may already have an air compressor, but perhaps he needs a new air compressor filter or Ingersoll Rand compressor parts to keep it well maintained. He may already own a ladder, but it might not be as sturdy as it used to be, or may not be as user-friendly for someone his age. For grandpas who have well established workshops, consider items that will enable them to keep their workshops up to date. If you are not sure of what your grandfather might need, make your gift to him a trip to the hardware store. There you can pick up an air compressor filter, new battery pack for his power tool, Ingersoll Rand compressor parts, or whatever else he may need to maintain his workshop.
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