For many of us, December’s going to be pretty quiet this year. We might not get to see our grandkids, and that’s a pretty big deal. There’s also the small things I know I’m going to miss, like shopping at holiday times, for instance. I’ll miss the atmosphere, the store displays and the browsing. Truth be told, COVID19 has put a quite a kink in all of our holidays, including our grandkids. So what can long-distance grandparents do to help? I’m thinking a little enhancement of FaceTime is in order. Let’s turn that regular chat into a mini virtual home shopping spree. So roll up your sleeves, throw open those closet doors, display cases and plastic containers. We’re going to take the grandkids on a holiday gift hunt!

Virtual Home Shopping with Grandkids

First, a few thoughts about why this kind of remote holiday gifting can be so special.

1. It’s a nice opportunity to share your interests and passions.
2. Kids love to make their own decisions, so what could be better than choosing their own gift(s)?
3. You’re a living instruction book who can explain how to use the gift or take care of it.
4. You’ll get to see your grandchild enjoy something that you’ve enjoyed. (Note: I got that idea from my mother).

Finding home treasures for gifting

For a virtual home gift hunt, you need… things that could be gifts! I stumbled on one source by accident. My grandkids and I happened to be going on one of our virtual home tours during a FaceTime chat. We “entered” my art room. WOW! Talk about excited. “This is better than Michaels!”, they exclaimed. In an instant, I transformed myself into the Vanna White of art supplies. Drawers were opened and shelves were explored. What was their favorite, you might ask? Answer: the bead boxes.

So many beads! So many colors! After a quick parental approval check, I laid out the boxes on my art table so they could choose their beads. Using my cell phone, I slowly scanned each box. In very serious tones, they directed me to the beads they wanted. As each bead was chosen, it was carefully set aside. Afterwards, I sent their prized beads, along with some beading string, in the mail.  Success!

What I learned right out of the gate is that the things we use without thinking, might be treasures to our grandkids. Carrie, for example, is an avid quilter. Quilting is pretty synonymous with fabric saving. Now, can you imagine how much fun it might be to go on a fabric shopping spree with Savta (grandma), even if it’s remotely? In the hands of her grandkids those fabrics could be anything from dress-up clothes, craft supplies or basic tent material.

So think about what you do. Then consider what you use to do.

Just remember, whatever kinds of things you pick for your virtual home shopper, keep in mind age appropriateness and get parental approval.

Gifts from your collections

Another great source for virtual home shopping is your collections. I happened to be very fortunate to receive my mother-in-law, Frances’s, huge collection of second hand jewelry. To be sure, it was the stuff of legends! Because of her tireless efforts, many friends, former coworkers and local charity organizations own some fun, zany, “Franny” jewelry.  Although I gave a great deal away, one of the things I did set aside was a large group of her pins (the photo is a selection). I had my grandkids in mind.

Now clearly, this collection is for older grandkids who can safely enjoy using the pins. But, let me tell you, I just can’t wait until my grands are ready for me to share them. In fact I’ve even discovered lots of ways the pins can be used when the time comes.

So what kinds of collections do you have? Need ideas? Here are some items to consider for gifting:

• scarves, hats, gloves or shoes for dressing up
• collectables like figurines, tea pots, snow globes, holiday items, comic books, travel souvenirs or trophies
• books of special interest
• a musical instrument you’re no longer using
• pretty much anything else, let your grandkids be the guide

Wrapping it up

WIth holiday plans most likely changed this year, we’re all looking for alternative ways to connect with our long-distance grands. I hope you’ll have fun with this idea! My guess is it will be memorable.

Do you have any other ideas for a virtual shopping trip? Please let us know!

One final word. Virtual home shopping can be done at anytime. You could even start out with something fun in 2021!