Learn how to make them smile, today (goodluz / Shutterstock.com)
Freshly baked cookies, staying up late, hugs and smiles. These are just a few of the wholesome, happy memories that arise when we think of our grandparents. For those of us who are lucky enough to have grandparents - or maybe a great aunt or great uncle - it’s time to return the love.
INFOGRAPHIC: How to Make Your Grandparents Smile
These six ideas are simple to implement and sure to bring a big smile and some warm, fuzzy feelings to your cherished nana and pop - today!
1. MAKE A FAMILY PHOTO ALBUM
With most of our photos ending up on Facebook and Instagram rather than paper these days, the older generation often misses out. Using recycled material wherever possible, you can either make your own album, or use one of the many online tools out there to design a personalized album that your grandparents will love.
FOR AN EXTRA SMILE: Get creative! Ask your children or nieces and nephews to design the cover.
A family photo album can bring hours of happiness (Bojan Milinkov/ Shutterstock.com)
2. PICK UP THE PHONE
It’s simple, effective and sure to make your grandparents’ day. Clear a few minutes and call your grandmother or grandfather for a good ol’ chat - they’ll love hearing about all the details of your life, as well as the chance to fill you in on theirs.
FOR AN EXTRA SMILE: Make it a regular call - put a reminder in your calendar and stay in touch weekly or monthly.
A regular phone call makes for a regular smile (Dragon Images / Shutterstock.com)
3. PLAN A FUN DAY
Getting out of the house and doing something together is a great way to bring your grandparents joy. Depending on how mobile your relatives are, you could either put together a picnic (remember comfortable chairs!), head out for a walk in nature, or visit the local art gallery for some cultured fun.
FOR AN EXTRA SMILE: Take your grandparents somewhere that you enjoy - they’ll love being a part of your everyday life.
Fun outdoors (Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com)
4. COOK UP AN OLD FAMILY RECIPE
You know that dish your grandmother used to cook that brings up fond memories just thinking about it? Now’s the time to return the favor! Get your hands on the recipe and surprise your grandparents with your culinary efforts.
FOR AN EXTRA SMILE: Why stop at one dish when you could whip up a whole nostalgic meal? An ethnic or traditional feast will bring back treasured memories for your grandparents - and probably stir up a good story or two.
Enjoying family favorites, together (Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com)
5. INTERVIEW THEM FOR POSTERITY
The older generation has amazing stories and so much wisdom to impart - imagine if you could pass that on to your children and your children’s children. Planning an interview is a great way to keep your family tales alive for generations to come - either on video or by recording and taking notes, depending on your preference.
FOR AN EXTRA SMILE: Get to work after the interview, editing the video, audio or written notes into a present for each member of the family to enjoy. Talk about spreading the love!
Find the story and enjoy (Tyler Olson / Shutterstock.com)
6. SET UP SKYPE OR FACETIME
While our grandparents might not be the most tech-savvy people around, they’re sure to enjoy modern technology such as video chat. By setting up a computer or tablet with Skype or FaceTime installed and set up, your grandparents will be able to see their loved ones regularly - as well as talking to them on the phone.
FOR AN EXTRA SMILE: Be available to provide patient, friendly tech support if they’re having trouble using the technology! They’ll love you for it even more.
Skyping with the grandparents (Aleksandra Suzi / Shutterstock.com)
