Q:  Our grand kids have everything under the sun.  Both their parents and other grand parents shower them with clothing, electronics, and toys.  They have more than they can wear and more than they can play with.  We cannot compete in gift giving.  We have birthday coming up in March.  We don’t want to appear cheap but we do want them to remember us.  Do you have any ideas? 

A:  Dear Grandma:    I once heard a speaker discuss a letter from a child.  The child had been asked why grandmas were important and the child had responded by saying that “grandma’s are the only ones who have time”.  Might I suggest that the things others are purchasing are nowhere near as important as the time you give your grandchild.  You want them to remember you?  On this next birthday, may I suggest three tickets to the zoo – one for your grandchild, one for you and one for Grandpa.  Or maybe three tickets to a movie.  Or maybe even four tickets so they can bring a friend.  The gift of a fun time with Grandma will have far more value than that electronic toy that is just one dead battery away from being useless.

Love

Mom