Ways to say Thank You and Gift Ideas to the Grandparents for the end of the Summer Holidays

When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn a commission which helps keep our site running. We only ever publish honest reviews and advice.

Written by Elaine - A very grateful 38 year-old daughter and mum

This summer, I was in the same dilemma as a lot of parents around me. The kids are off from school and toddlers at home from funded ‘term-time’ only hours at nurseries. Yet, the bills keep coming and the world keeps turning.

So like many parents, I turn to my parents. Firstly and foremostly, I am very lucky to be able to have ‘Nanny and Grandad’ around the corner and well enough to care for my girls allowing me to work. But in this scenario, I am reminded (yet again) that parents never stop being parents, even when they’ve technically been “off duty” for a few decades.

My mum and dad spent the past 6 weeks doing what can only be described as superhero work. Both in their late 60s, they looked after our two energetic toddlers a couple of times a week while my partner and I juggled work, deadlines and life.

From impromptu baking sessions and trips to home bargains, to refereeing sibling squabbles and explaining for the thousandth time why we can’t have ice cream before lunch, my parents did it all. With love, patience, and probably a large glass of wine in the evenings once I picked the kids up.

If you’re a working parent, you already know how priceless it is to have someone you trust with your children. But when those people also love your kids with their whole heart? That’s gold.

That’s something you don’t take lightly, and as we approach the end of the school holidays (Hallelujah! I hear from many), it’s a wonderful time to say a big thank you and find a gift for the grandparents who have stepped in this summer.

Now I know we have A LOT to do at the end of August. If your children are of school age, you already have a list as long as your arm, from new shoes (oh the shoe nightmare and queues at Clarks), new pencil cases, backpack and more. So without meaning to add another thing to your list, if you can, don’t forget to say thank you to the grandparents.

The Gift Dilemma: What Do You Get the People Who Have Everything They Need.

Buying gifts for your parents isn’t easy at the best of times. They either say they don’t want anything or insist they “already have everything.” But this time, I’m not taking no for an answer.

I want to find something meaningful and heartfelt to really say thank you.  Just something that says:“We couldn’t have done this summer without you. And we love you more than words can say.”

Here are a few thank you gift ideas I’m considering:

• A weekend getaway OR a trip to the Theatre. They’ve earned a break, and then some. Depending on what budget I’ll have, I’ll be looking at a spa break at the nearby Centre Parcs (as we live so close to one!). Every parent is different, and this will really come down to how well you know your folks. For me, another option is tickets to see David Essex… Yes, I know, more of a gift for my mum, but paired with a voucher for a nearby restaurant they like, and they can have a full night out.  

• A personalised photo album. Have your parents been keeping you up to date with photos whilst you’ve been at work? Perfect! Simply order an album, get some photos printed from the summer and create an album they can look back on (and show to their friends). Don’t have time to create a whole album? Then simple find the best photo of the summer and grab yourself a frame from online.

Grandchildren family photo album available on Amazon #Ad	Simply order an album, get some photos printed from the summer and create an album they can look back on (and show to their friends). We love this Grandchildren Photo Album. Store up to 100 photos from the summer so they can look back and share with friends who visit. Grandchildren Photo Album
Grandparent family photo frame available on Amazon #Ad	Have one awesome photo from the summer? We love this Solid Pine Photo Frame which can sit proudly on your parents sideboard. Pine Photo Frame

• A handwritten letter from the kids. This is a very budget-friendly option and super easy (providing you can get the kids to sit still and write something out) With their wobbly handwriting and hilarious spelling, if they are old enough, ask them to write a little thank you. They can write what their favourite activity was, the best place they visited together, what the loved making and, of course, how much they love them. If they’re too young for a letter, then even a crayon masterpiece will do the job alongside a thank you card from you.

• Flowers and Beer. Speaking of which, if you can pair a thank you card with some flowers for you mum and beer (or whatever is most suitable for your dad – I tip my hat to a gentleman who knows his wines). Obviously you can pick up a bunch of flowers from a local supermarket, or go a bit all out by ordering through Interflora. For Grandad, he’s a massive Jeremy Clarkson fan, so of course I’m getting him another case of Hawkstone which he massively appreciated at Easter.

• Something to relax. Don’t forget you can always fall back on the ‘old faithful’ gifts which have 'parents' written all over. I’m talking a new dressing gown for Grandma as we head into autumn and winter, and of course, socks and slippers for Grandad. Yes, they’re easy gifts, maybe predictable, but who doesn’t love some new comfy clothes to relax in. And after spending the summer running around after your little ones, something to relax in is well worth it.

Grandad socks available on Amazon #Ad	If you are going to get socks (personally, my dad loves snazzy socks!), then check out these Best Grandad Ever socks. Grandad Gift Socks
Comfy dressing gown gift idea available on Amazon #Ad	Going for comfort for Nana? Then we've found this plush Ladies Dressing Gown, which comes in lots of colours so you can pick the right one for your mum. Grandma Gift Dressing Gown

Don’t forget, Simply Saying Thank You, Out Loud and Often

At the end of the day, it’s not about how much the gift costs or how fancy it is. It’s about making them feel loved. Because if I’ve learned anything this summer, it’s that parenting doesn’t have an expiration date. And neither does gratitude.

So if you’re lucky enough to have parents like mine who step in, show up, and love your kids like their own, then don’t wait to say thank you. Say it today.  And if you can, say it with a little something special that reminds them just how much they mean to you.

So from me, and probably from all parents who have been lucky to lean on the Grandparents this summer.

Thank you.

We love you and there’s no one we are grateful for our children to learn from than you.

Thank you gift ideas for grandparents