Gifts for Grandmas

I know a lot of hip and stylish grandmas out there, but they get little focused due in the retail market (try Googling the topic and among your first hits will be medication pill boxes). An inquiry from a friend/reader from Los Angeles - whose mom is about to become a new grandma - inspired me to collect some gift ideas that have proven to be winners with grandparents.

Artwork, including anything from sticker collages to scribbles to paint, is at the top of my list; an inexpensive frame adds a professional finish. If you have an infant, however, other picks include photo gifts such as albums, calendars, or photo coasters (ordered easily through services such as Kodak EasyShare Gallery or Snapfish); Laurel's non-local grandparents also love the video clip CDs we burned for them.

Handprint molds are another great option. Check out the nifty handprint towers in blue (shown) and pink from Target. Each set includes 5 graduated tins and easy to use nontoxic plaster to create handprints for every year from ages 1 to 5.

Finally, here are a couple of great gifts that can be presented before the baby is born (or with minimal effort from exhausted parents). L’Occitane carries beautiful gift sets, such as the Best Gift Box (includes Aromachologie hair care products, Verbena scented body care products, and Shea Butter soaps) or the Ultimate Shea Butter Gift Box (includes Shea Butter body cream, hand cream, and soap). And you can never go wrong with flowers; Martha Stewart Flowers offers beautiful single arrangements and monthly flower deliveries (choose from 3, 6, or 12 month plans).