Gifts for Grandpa Who Has Everything: Ideas to Share

A grandfather has had a lifetime to collect what he needs, and he has usually started giving things away. Ask him what he wants and he will tell you he wants to see more of the family. Believe him. The best gift for a grandpa who has everything is a reason for people to gather around him — and the second best is a small thing that carries a memory.

The test: will it bring someone to his table the next time they visit?

Games to play together

A game is the easiest way to turn a visit into an afternoon. Classic, simple games work best, because every generation can play them.

• Dominoes. A double-six set plays dozens of games, from the simple block game to the long, noisy train game. Easy for anyone to learn, satisfying for a lifelong player. How to play dominoes and Mexican train dominoes rules.
• A cribbage board. Many people learned cribbage from their grandfather. If he taught it, a new board says thank you; if he never learned, it is a game to learn together. How to play cribbage.
• Shut the box. A wooden tray of numbered tiles and two dice. One rule, two minutes to learn, and it suits any age at the table. Shut the box rules.
• A magnetic chess set. For the grandfather who plays, a folding set means a game can be left mid-move until the next visit.

Easier card games

If he plays cards but has started holding them at arm's length, two small things make a real difference.

• A large-index deck. Jumbo numbers in the corners, readable across the table without glasses. Plastic, so it lasts for years of games.
• Card holders. Curved wooden trays hold a whole hand upright on the table, for hands that tire or stiffen in a long game. See playing card holders for seniors.

These are the kind of gifts that are used every week rather than put in a drawer.

Something for his pocket

• A pocket compass in an antique bronze case. "So you can always find your way back to us" — the note writes itself.
• A pocket watch. For the grandfather who would wear it to every family wedding. How to wear a pocket watch.

Gifts for grandpa from the grandchildren

Grandchildren of any age can make a gift personal:

• Write in it. A note inside the cribbage board, a date on the box of dominoes, a message tucked into the compass case.
• Promise a game. A gift plus a standing date — "the first Sunday of every month" — is worth more than the gift alone.
• Ask him to teach you. For many grandfathers, being asked to teach a game they love is the best part of the present.

How to choose

• Pick something that needs two or more people. Games bring visitors back.
• Make it easy on the hands and eyes. Big indices, solid pieces, nothing fiddly.
• Choose classics. He already knows them, or can learn them in minutes.

For more ideas, see retirement gifts for men and gifts for dad who has everything.