Best Gifts For Grandchildren

There is a particular pleasure in choosing a gift for a grandchild. You are not chasing the latest craze; you are looking for something that will still matter next year, and perhaps the year after that.

The best presents tend to be the ones that invite a child to sit down and play, often with you beside them. A game on the table earns its keep in a way a screen rarely does. It is worth choosing pieces made to last, from responsibly sourced FSC-certified timber and tested to UKCA and CE safety standards, so the object itself can be handed on.

What follows is a considered guide to picking well, whatever your grandchild's age.

What To Look For In Gifts For Grandchildren

Start with longevity. A good gift for a grandchild should outlast a single afternoon, and ideally a childhood. Wooden toys and games hold up to years of handling in a way that plastic seldom manages, and they age gracefully rather than cracking or fading.

Safety comes next. For younger children especially, look for well-made pieces with no small parts that can come loose, and for the reassurance of UKCA and CE testing. Sound construction matters as much as the marking on the box.

Consider the material itself. Timber from responsibly managed, FSC-certified forests means the gift sits lightly on the world it is being handed down through. Our wooden toys are built with this in mind.

Think, too, about who plays. The finest presents are shared ones. Research published by the American Journal of Play has found that traditional board games and physical play support children's cognitive development, including problem-solving and social skills. A game gives you a reason to sit down together, which is often the real gift.

Match the present to the child, not the calendar. A quietly observant five-year-old and a boisterous eight-year-old want different things, and the same age can mean very different stages. Our traditional games span a wide range of ages, so there is usually something that fits.

Finally, favour open-ended play. Toys that can be used many ways, and games that can be replayed endlessly, give far better value than a single novelty. For more ideas on this theme, our guide to gifts from grandparents to grandchildren is a useful companion.

The Best Gifts For Grandchildren By Age Group

For a first birthday, keep things simple and tactile. Chunky shapes, stacking pieces and things to grasp suit little hands, and they reward repetition. Our roundup of first birthday gifts gathers pieces that work at this early stage.

Around two and three, children begin to sort, build and pretend. This is the age for wooden toys that encourage imaginative play and early counting. Our selection of wooden toys covers much of this ground, and our guide to birthday gifts for a three-year-old narrows the field further.

From four to seven, simple rules become a delight. Snakes and ladders, ludo and picture lotto teach turn-taking and gentle competition without frustration. Many of these sit in our board games, chosen so the youngest player still has a fighting chance.

Between eight and eleven, strategy starts to appeal. This is a natural moment to introduce draughts and chess, where a child learns to think a move ahead. Something with a little challenge to it also makes a fine educational gift.

For teenagers, and for the whole family gathered together, the classics come into their own. A proper chess set or a garden game can hold the attention of every generation. Our outdoor games are especially good at drawing everyone off the sofa and onto the lawn.

Across every age, the aim is the same: a gift that meets the child where they are and grows a little with them.

The Best Toys And Games For Grandchildren From Jaques of London

Some games earn their place across generations, and chess is chief among them. Jaques of London produced the first standardised sets of chess pieces, known as the Staunton pattern, in 1849, endorsed by the chess master Howard Staunton. It remains the design tournaments use today, and a fine set is a gift a grandchild may keep for a lifetime.

For younger players, our board games include the timeless favourites: snakes and ladders, ludo, draughts and dominoes. These are the games that teach a child to wait their turn, to win graciously and to lose without despair.

Our wider range of traditional games stretches from tabletop puzzles to parlour classics, each made to be played again and again. The British Toy and Hobby Association reported that traditional games and puzzles saw a significant sales increase during 2020 and 2021, driven by more family time at home, and their appeal has not faded since.

Outdoors, our outdoor games bring the same spirit to the garden. Croquet, giant games and skittles suit a summer afternoon with several ages playing at once. They make particularly generous gifts, as our notes on outdoor games as gifts explain.

For the very young, our wooden toys offer stacking, sorting and building pieces made from FSC-certified timber and tested to UKCA and CE standards.

The thread running through all of it is craft. A well-made game is not merely a purchase; it is an heirloom in waiting.

How To Choose A Gift Your Grandchild Will Actually Use

The most thoughtful gift can still gather dust if it does not suit the child. A little observation goes a long way. Notice what already holds their attention: puzzles, building, competition, movement. Choose in that direction rather than against it.

Be honest about attention span. A game with a long set-up and complicated rules will defeat a younger child, however handsome it looks. Simpler games that start quickly tend to be played far more often, which is the whole point.

Match the gift to their home life, too. A garden game is a joy for a child with outdoor space; a compact tabletop game suits a flat or a caravan holiday better. Our outdoor games and our board games cover both settings.

Think about who they play with. If they are an only child, choose something they can enjoy with an adult, or a game that works well two-handed. Chess and draughts from our traditional games are ideal here, giving you both a reason to sit down together.

Leave room to grow. A game a child cannot quite master yet, but will manage in a year, keeps its interest longer than one they have already outgrown. A gift that offers a small stretch tends to be treasured.

When in doubt, err towards the classic and the well-made. Our guide to educational gifts can help you weigh play value against learning. The best measure of a good choice is simple: a game that comes off the shelf again and again.

How To Care For Wooden Toys And Games So They Last A Lifetime

Wooden toys and games are made to last, but a little care helps them last longer still. Kept well, a set bought for one grandchild can pass to the next.

Keep timber dry. Wood dislikes prolonged damp, so wipe pieces with a barely moist cloth rather than washing them, and let them dry fully before returning them to their box. Avoid leaving them out in the rain or in a steamy kitchen.

Store away from direct heat and strong sunlight. Radiators and sunny windowsills can dry timber out and fade colour over time. A cupboard or shelf out of the glare keeps our wooden toys looking their best.

Deal with knocks calmly. A small dent or scuff is part of a well-loved toy's character, not a fault. Should a wooden surface feel rough, a gentle rub with very fine sandpaper smooths it again.

Keep sets complete. A missing draughtsman or chess pawn spoils the game, so a small bag or the original box for loose pieces is worth the habit. Our traditional games reward this small discipline with years of play.

Outdoor equipment needs a little more attention. Wipe down garden game pieces after use, let them dry, and store them under cover through winter. Our outdoor games will happily see out many summers when packed away dry.

Cared for in this way, a good game becomes part of the family. Many of the sets in our board games are designed with exactly that long life in mind, ready to be handed on when the time comes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Gifts For Grandchildren

What is the best gift for a grandchild?

The best gift for a grandchild combines lasting quality with genuine play value. Traditional games and puzzles from a trusted maker such as Jaques of London — established in 1795 — offer exactly that. Research published by the American Journal of Play confirms that traditional board games support children's cognitive development, including problem-solving and social skills. A beautifully crafted set, whether Chess, Ludo, or a classic puzzle, becomes something a child grows into rather than grows out of, making it far more rewarding than a disposable novelty.

What are good gifts for grandchildren you don't see very often?

When you see a grandchild rarely, a gift that invites shared play across visits is ideal. Classic board games and card games from Jaques of London work perfectly — they give grandparents and grandchildren a ready-made activity to enjoy together. Research by the American Journal of Play shows traditional games build social skills, making them especially valuable for bonding. A high-quality Chess set, draughts, or family game creates a shared ritual, giving every visit a natural, enjoyable focus regardless of the child's age.

What should I buy a grandchild who has everything?

For a grandchild who seems to have every toy imaginable, choose something with heritage and craft quality they are unlikely to own already. A Jaques of London Staunton Chess set is a compelling choice — Jaques produced the first standardised Staunton Chess pieces in 1849, endorsed by chess master Howard Staunton, and they remain iconic today. Unlike mass-produced gifts, a beautifully made traditional game carries history and skill-building value. It stands apart precisely because it is not a fleeting trend, but a classic that rewards repeated play.

Are wooden toys worth buying for grandchildren?

Wooden toys are an excellent investment for grandchildren. They are typically more durable than plastic alternatives, withstanding years of enthusiastic play, and can often be passed down to younger siblings or future generations. Jaques of London has crafted wooden games and toys since 1795, reflecting the enduring appeal of natural materials. Research from the American Journal of Play supports physical, hands-on play for children's development. Well-made wooden toys also tend to be safer, free from electronic components that break, and more environmentally considered than disposable plastic toys.

What age are board games suitable for children?

Board games can be introduced from around age three, with simpler games focusing on colour-matching, counting, or memory suited to younger children. From age five or six, children typically manage rule-based games with turns and basic strategy. By age eight and above, games such as Chess — famously standardised by Jaques of London in 1849 — become highly accessible and rewarding. The American Journal of Play notes that board games support cognitive development at multiple stages, so there is a suitable game for virtually every age and ability.

What is a good gift for a grandchild from grandparents that will last?

A gift built to last is one made with quality materials and timeless appeal. Jaques of London, Britain's oldest games maker founded in 1795, crafts games designed to endure decades of play. Their Staunton Chess sets, first produced in 1849, are still treasured today — an example of genuine longevity. According to the British Toy and Hobby Association, traditional games saw significant sales growth in 2020–2021 as families rediscovered their enduring value. A finely made board game or wooden toy from Jaques is a gift that genuinely outlasts trends and passing fashions.

How do I choose a toy that is right for my grandchild's age?

Begin by checking any age guidance on the packaging, which reflects both developmental suitability and safety standards. For younger grandchildren, look for simple, tactile toys that encourage physical interaction and imagination. From around five years, rule-based games with straightforward mechanics become enjoyable. Older children from eight upwards can engage with more strategic games such as Chess. Jaques of London offer a wide range across age groups, and their knowledgeable team can advise on suitability. When in doubt, choosing a game slightly above the child's current level gently stretches their thinking and keeps them engaged longer.

What are the best educational gifts for grandchildren?

The best educational gifts combine learning with genuine fun, so children engage willingly. Traditional board games are particularly effective — the American Journal of Play has found they support problem-solving, logical thinking, and social skills in children. Chess is widely regarded as one of the most educational games available; Jaques of London produced the first standardised Staunton Chess sets in 1849 and continue to make them today. Puzzles, strategy games, and classic card games also develop concentration and reasoning. Gifts from Jaques of London carry both educational merit and the quality to last throughout a child's development.

What should I look for in a quality toy for a child?

A quality toy should be durable, safe, and genuinely engaging rather than relying on novelty alone. Look for solid materials — wood and non-toxic finishes are a strong indicator of considered craftsmanship. Check that the toy meets British or European safety standards. Beyond materials, the best toys grow with a child, offering increasing challenge or varied play. Jaques of London, founded in 1795, exemplify these qualities across their games range. Research from the American Journal of Play also suggests toys that encourage social interaction and problem-solving deliver greater developmental benefit than purely passive entertainment.

Are traditional toys better than electronic toys for children?

Traditional toys offer distinct advantages that electronic alternatives often cannot match. The American Journal of Play has found that hands-on, physical play with traditional board games supports children's cognitive development, problem-solving, and social skills. Traditional toys also tend to be more durable, require no batteries or software updates, and encourage face-to-face interaction. The British Toy and Hobby Association recorded a significant rise in traditional game and puzzle sales during 2020–2021, reflecting renewed appreciation for their value. Jaques of London, makers of fine games since 1795, represent the very best of this enduring tradition.