Having grandchildren visit your home can be an exciting and joyous experience but also overwhelming. To ensure your home is fully prepared for your grandkids, it is important to ensure you have the must-haves at home for them. From activity centers to kid-friendly furniture, there are various items you will want to consider having in your home to make the most out of your grandkids’ visits. This blog post will share a grandparent’s list of must-haves at home for grandkids.
A safe place to play
Grandparents are always looking for ways to make their home the ideal place for their grandkids. Creating a safe and fun environment is paramount. Here is a list of must-haves that can help grandparents create a safe and enjoyable space for the little ones:
- A Play Area: Create a designated space where your grandkids can play, explore and let their imaginations run wild. Include toys, a bouncer, books, and art supplies to keep them entertained and engaged.
- Safety Gear: Make sure to have safety gear like helmets and knee/elbow pads in your home if your grandkids will be playing outdoors or engaging in activities like biking and skateboarding.
- Kid-Friendly Furniture: Invest in furniture designed for kids, such as low tables and chairs, storage containers with easy access, and soft rugs that are comfortable for lounging.
- Childproofing: Make sure your home is childproofed with covers on sharp edges and latches on doors and drawers. It’s also important to ensure that your home is free of any items that could be choking hazards or contain small parts that can be swallowed.
Electronics
When it comes to being a grandparent, you want to make sure your grandchildren have the best home possible. A few electronics must-haves should be on your list to ensure they have fun and safe activities.
One of the most popular activities for kids is playing video games on their gaming consoles. With the Xbox being one of the most popular consoles, you must provide your grandkids with some necessary accessories. One of the most important is grips for the Xbox controllers. This will help them stay comfortable while playing for long periods and make it easier to grip the controller while their hands are sweaty. These grips will also help protect the controllers since they’ll be less likely to slip out of their hands and break. Grips come in various designs, colors, and materials, so you can pick something special that your grandkids will love. You can even find ones with special logos or designs, like the favorite characters from their favorite video games!
When it comes to finding adorable and huggable gifts for your grandkids, don’t forget to check out Pudgy Penguins for a delightful selection of penguin plushies to add a touch of whimsy to their playtime.
Every grandparent cherishes those moments of sheer joy on their grandchild’s face when they unwrap a gift. If you’ve been on the lookout for a present that encapsulates warmth, charm, and a sprinkle of fun, Pudgy Penguins might just be your answer.
Things to keep them occupied
When it comes to having grandkids around the house, grandparents know how important it is to have activities that can keep them entertained. Keeping your grandkids safe and engaged is essential, and here is a list of must-haves for any grandparent’s home!
- From board games to stuffed animals to puzzles and beyond, toys are a great way to keep grandkids occupied. Look for age-appropriate toys that can challenge their imaginations, build skills, and provide hours of fun.
- Arts and crafts are a great way to stimulate creativity in young minds. Stock up on supplies like paper, glue, crayons, construction paper, markers, paint, and more.
- Whether you’re reading together or providing books for independent reading time, readers can engage kids and help develop a love for reading. Stock up on favorites from childhood and new stories your grandkids haven’t heard before.
- Play Kitchen. A play kitchen can help encourage imaginative play and give your grandkids a place to pretend and explore. Look for options that include pretend food, dishes, and other accessories.
- Outdoor Activities. If you have access to an outdoor space, having outdoor activities like swing sets, trampolines, and even scooters can be a great way to keep the grandkids entertained while they’re outside, getting some fresh air.
- Board games, card games, strategy games – whatever kind of game your grandkids enjoy playing, make sure you have a few ready. Not only will they help pass the time, but they’ll also help foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
First-aid kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit is essential for any home with young grandchildren visiting. It’s always better to be prepared for any bumps or scrapes while playing or enjoying time together. Keep various supplies on hand to ensure you have what you need when you need them.
Start by having basic first aid items such as adhesive bandages in different sizes, antiseptic wipes and cotton swabs, gauze, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, scissors, and an ice pack. Have the supplies organized in a small bag or container to quickly find them.
It’s also important to keep over-the-counter medications in the kit, such as children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief and antihistamines for allergic reactions. Follow dosage guidelines and check expiration dates before using any medication.
Finally, having a thermometer is a must in any first-aid kit. You can monitor your grandchild’s temperature and identify if they are running a fever.
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, grandkids can never have too much! Grandparents should make sure they’re always prepared for any weather by stocking up on plenty of comfortable and durable clothes. A cozy pair of pajamas is an essential piece of any wardrobe for a grandkid. These will ensure that your grandchild stays warm and snug during their sleepovers with you. You should also have an array of long and short-sleeved shirts on hand, sweaters, jackets, kids joggers from Presley, and kids winter coats, depending on the climate. It’s also a good idea to pick up some basics such as socks, underwear, and other accessories.
From toys and games to books and movies, having the right items can make all the difference in creating a space that your grandkids will look forward to revisiting time and time. We hope this list of must-haves gives you some ideas of what you may want to consider adding to your home if you spend time with your grandkids.
Books
When it comes to having grandkids at home, books are an essential accessory to keep them entertained and entertained. Not only can books help foster a love of reading and inspire creativity, but they also have the potential to be shared for generations to come. In addition, books can help grandparents bond with their grandkids over a shared love of reading and expose them to new worlds and new ideas. Let’s take a look at some of the books that are must-haves in any grandparent’s home.
Have a variety of age-appropriate books
A rich resource of age-appropriate books to have on hand is essential for grandkids visiting your home. Having a wide selection of books allows you to nurture their growth and support their educational development by introducing literature at different levels as they grow older.
When it comes to books, your library should consider age, personality, language and interests. Start with board books for the youngest grandchildren and then gradually add different types of picture books and chapter books, which are longer stories that introduce bigger words and more complex plots. As the grandkids become independent readers capable of comprehending more complicated storylines, add young adult literature, historical fiction, graphic novels or biographies that appeal to more mature readers. Consider assembling a collection tailored to each grandchild’s interests — be it sports, science fiction or nature. And don’t forget other forms of art like storytelling tapes or music that can also foster an appreciation for language.
There are endless resources out there – get creative! If one grandchild is a budding artist or musician, consider investing in instructional materials such as How-To drawing manuals or digital music instruments suited for younger children that can help spark creativity — it could open up exciting new hobbies! No matter what you choose, having a wide range of quality selections helps create an immersive atmosphere perfect for reading aloud together or developing skills independently in the comfort of your home.
Have a designated reading corner
Establishing a reading corner in your home is an excellent way to foster a love of learning and stories in your grandchildren. This special area should be bright and inviting, with comfortable cushions and a mini library of books specifically chosen for their age group.
Make sure to include plenty of age-appropriate board books and picture books with big, colorful illustrations. For older children, find exciting story books in genres like fantasy, science fiction, personal growth or even historical fiction depending on their interests. Encourage them to read out loud to you or silently on their own.
You can also make the reading corner come alive by introducing storytelling props such as puppets or sound effects machines that mimic animals or storms. Have fun playing dress-up games that allow children to express themselves imaginatively through costumes and acting out characters from plays or stories they’ve read.
In order for storytelling to truly make an impact on young minds, it is important to ensure the space around them inspires imagination and creativity while providing comfort and security – so get creative! Designate a reading corner today!
Have a selection of board books
Having a selection of board books for children to explore and read is a must for any grandparent! Board books are designed to withstand rough treatment from little hands and can be made specifically for children ages 0-3. From classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales to books about numbers, shapes, colors and animals, there are a multitude of options available that can help even the youngest children learn. Sturdy board books can also introduce Latin-American culture to young readers through bilingual stories. Choose board books that offer lots of colorful illustrations, interesting textures and simple but engaging storylines. Stimulate your grandkids’ imaginations with these wonderful ready-for-play storybooks!
Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your home for grandkids, there are certain pieces of furniture you’ll want to provide for them. Not only will it make them feel more comfortable and at home, but you can also make sure that they’re safe. So, let’s explore your options for furniture when you think about making your home grandkid-ready.
Invest in a comfortable and safe crib
Investing in a comfortable and safe crib for your grandchild is one of the most important decisions you can make as a grandparent. A crib should provide the necessary comfort, ease of use, and safety to ensure healthy sleep for your little one. When selecting a crib, your top priority should be safety considerations — CPSC approved products are an absolute requirement. Additionally, look for a product that has been designed to adjust as the baby grows (most beds can convert from cradles to toddler beds).
In terms of comfort, firm mattresses are best — look for ones made with organic materials or hypoallergenic options if possible. The crib size may also be determined by the space you have available; consider opting for one that is standard size or compact size depending on your needs. Lastly, keep in mind any other needs or preferences you may have when selecting a crib — there are plenty of options available to choose from!
Conclusion
Creating a safe and welcoming home environment for grandchildren can be enjoyable. By taking the time to think through what might be needed and organizing items for their entertainment, comfort, and safety, you can create a space that your grandkids will undoubtedly love spending time in.
In addition to general living areas, outfitting a room or play area specifically for grandchildren is also beneficial to their developing minds and bodies. By choosing developmentally appropriate toys and furnishings, you create an inviting atmosphere that will stimulate their growth while fostering fun memories of shared time together. A Grandparent’s List of Must-Haves at Home For Grandkids serves as a comprehensive guide to creating the ideal spot at home for children of all ages.
