Grandchildren due same time !

suep

Both my sons partners are pregnant and the babies are both due within weeks of each other next April/May. I'm really excited, they will be my first Grandchilden and part of me wants to run out and spend a fortune on baby things but a) I havn't got much money and b) everything I buy, I have to buy 2 of. To make things worse middle sons in-laws are quite well off and are spending a fortune on them, theres no way I can do the same. I've decided I'll just have to try and put a bit by each week and split it between them nearer the time and also look out for BOGOF offers on baby toiletries and nappies so I can make them up a hamper each, if anyone out there has any other good ideas, I would be really grateful, thankyou.
sue

annie-c

I'm sure that lots of people will have helpful moneysaving tips for you soon, but can I just say that first and foremost those grandchildren are going to be really lucky to have an involved and caring grandmother! Babies need love and attention more than things - you'll have enough on your plate dividing your time between the two families - please don't stress about 'having' to buy things. If you were my mum I'd be horrified at the thought that you were worrying about something so unimportant! I don't mean that to sound rude - just to stress that it is YOU that will be important, not the gifts that you can bring!

silvercar

I'm sure your time will be appreciated more than gifts that anyone can buy!

Alleycat

I doubt you will need to buy two of everything, but could buy one of a few things for your home for when they come to visit. They won't be able to play with everything and may not sleep at the same time so no need for two cots etc. Don't worry that you need to spend a fortune, your sons and daughters will still love you for even a small effort.

My mum and dad were in a similar situation to you as ours was born in January 2005 and my sister's was born in August 2005, so only 7 months or so difference! What I found lovely was the effort they made, they bought a cot, bouncy chair, a few toys from their local school fair and charity shops, change mat. Not a great deal but it was so nice to be able to go over without having to take masses of stuff. My dad dug out the old highchair that we used as babies and put it back together.

The cot they got a basic one from Ikea with mattress and sheets etc. Really cheap but really good. I wish we had got that one rather than spending £60!! Cot - £24.90
Mattress - £9.99
5 piece bedlinen set for cot (includes blankets) - £6.99
Changing Mat - £3.49
Cot mobile - £4.99

All from Ikea. Also, have a look on Ebay just after christmas. I bet there'll be loads of unwanted toys listed as people will have been bought duplicates.

Don't feel that you have to go into competition with other family members. You can spend a fortune on rubbish that is really a waste of time. Instead of physical presents, you could always print off some of those 'time vouchers', you know which entitles the bearer to an evening out with you as babysitter, or having a meal cooked. So many people will be buying stuff for the babies and their mums, but its time that is so important. I am sure they would appreciate being offered the time to chill out without having to run around like a loony.

hobo28

Dont go out and buy anything. Get them both a small gift of say a couple of babygro's or something if you must.

There are your grandkids, not your children. Your job is complete and now is the time to enjoy without the responsibility.

Besides, as a parent myself, I'd much rather the grandparents spend time and attention on my kids. Ie. Babysitting!!! That would be the BEST gift! LOL

WestonDave

If your sons are anything like me, and their experience of being new dads is anything like mine, their primary worries won't be a few expensive one of purchases, but getting themselves, their partners and their new babies through each day for the hard first months. Cooking healthy meals will be vital especially if the babies are breastfed, but after a day at work, or at home with baby, and disturbed sleep, slaving over the stove won't be an attractive idea for either mum or dad. Neither will routine cleaning etc.

Making yourself available to keep them in varied meals - maybe go round and cook something for that evening plus something to put in the freezer for the the next day, and doing some cleaning - e.g. so mum can have a bath without feeling like she has to clean it first etc will be worth far more than whatever you can spend on "stuff".

For what its worth and from experience - a grandparent that is willing to take a share in the graft of childcare (the above chores plus changing nappies, getting it off to sleep) etc is appreciated far more than one that throws a bit of money around and just wants to look at "da cutist ickle baby"

annie-c

Ooh, a thought!

A few people have advertised on my local freecycle network, in the past, asking for baby equipment to keep in their homes for when they babysit others' children. You could probably pick up the essentials - travel cot, changing stuff etc for the price of the petrol to collect it. Then you'll save your sons oodles of time and energy because they won't need to pack the car to the gills with stuff everytime they come to visit.....

suep

Thanks everyone, I can be so dumb sometimes, I've just realised I've said the same thing about my Dad in the past. My boys wouldn't have recognised him in the street when they were younger, he always sent money at Birthdays and Xmas but we'd only see him about twice a year, I used to say I'd rather they had a real grandad than money, can't believe I forgot that. He has mellowed a bit as he's got older and does visit us occasionally to see my younger daughter who is a teenager now but it's too late for the boys. Also thanks Alleycat, I hadn't thought about getting bits to keep here, thats a really good idea, I'll keep an eye in the for sale colums in the local paper and Ebay after Xmas.
sue

Trix

Make some vouchers for things like babysitting, making a meal, doing the laundry, doing the housework, doing the shopping etc. It's hard to ask for help when you're a new parent but it's much easier to say 'you know that voucher you gave me? I'm cashing it in!'

The hamper of toiletries idea you already have in mind is great. It's hard thinking of everything you need and easy to run out of things when you've got a newborn. I'd also suggest putting a bottle of pure lavender oil in (99p from Wilkinsons) - very relaxing for both parents and baby. A couple of drops in the bath or on the sheet are great.

Without knowing how much you think you will have to spend, it's hard knowing what to suggest, but here's a few ideas:

Get one special item for the grandchildren like a porcelain doll or other 'collector' type item that they can keep forever (and may gain value!) I got sick of how many baby grows and cardigains I got for mine :rolleyes: They grow so fast and end up with so many clothes they have a short 'shelf life'.

Another idea is a 'watch me grow' photograph session.

The Watch-Me-Grow portrait plan includes 4 photo sessions over a 12 month period, with each sitting being taken approximately 90 days apart.

You will receive one 8x10" portrait of your choice from each sitting.

The one in the link costs £35, but there are are a few places doing this now so someone may tell you of a cheaper one.

If you can say what sort of money you are aiming to spend, it might open up new ideas.

Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a Grandma

tanith

Firstly CONGRATULATIONS what fun two new little ones to love and adore.. there is nothing quite like holding your first grandkids for the first time , looking out for familiar features in those little faces. Your children will be happy whatever gift you give for those coming babies..


One thing I have noticed in some of the posts is the assumption that all grandmothers want to kit our their homes with lots of baby stuff, cots , high chairs etc etc, can I just say that although I love my 7 grandchildren to bits and will happily babysit (although most are above having Nanny sit them now) or have the smaller ones round for tea while my daughters shop or just take a break , I have never made it easy for them to leave them overnight as I have done my share of getting up in the night and some of my friends ended up with youngsters bringing their kids a bit too often at weekends and they took umbridge if Nanny ever said "sorry no can do"............ I am sure there will be lots of people who disagree with me but its just the way I have dealt with things in my family and it worked well for me..:T

Alleycat

I suggested it as it was what my parents did for us. We live over 200 miles away and so when we visit it is a serious excursion. We are a close knit family and my parents love having us to stay, so they thought it would be nice to get a few bits for when we come over. I think it depends on the family. We have never overstayed our welcome and have always asked if we can come and stay. I hate being so far away and them missing out on so much of their first granddaughter's growing up.