Grandchildren rarely remember every meal they ate at their grandparents’ house.
They remember the rainbow sprinkles that somehow appeared on pancakes, the pumpkin-shaped sandwiches every October, and the birthday candle that came out for reasons no one else celebrated.
Those traditions don’t require elaborate plans. They usually begin with just a few thoughtful things tucked away in the pantry (and can be used whether you live nearby or far away!)
Because ordinary Tuesdays deserve celebrating.
Sprinkles (or “jimmies” as you may call them) turn ordinary food into something memorable. A handful over peanut butter pretzels, yogurt, or waffles instantly makes a snack feel special. Before long, they'll start asking for the sprinkles before you even open the pantry. You could even add a few sprinkles to a peanut butter cracker and call it fairy toast!
These are the sprinkles we keep stocked all year because they’re made with natural dyes and come in a big bag so we never have to worry about running out. Plus, let’s face it, they’ll probably spill some. Prevent a meltdown and have more waiting.
Because they’re for much more than cookies.
Cookie cutters are one of the most versatile things you can keep in your kitchen. Use them for pancakes, sandwiches, toast, brownies, watermelon, or play dough. Before long, your grandchildren will start asking what shape you’re making next.
If your grandchildren live far away, keep matching cookie cutters at both houses. Suddenly you're making the same pumpkin pancakes, even from hundreds of miles apart.
We like this cookie cutter set because it protects little hands. The plastic edge means even preschoolers can help without me worrying about sharp metal edges.
Because children deserve to be celebrated more than once a year.
Keep one birthday candle tucked away in a kitchen drawer. Pull it out for birthdays, but also for losing a tooth, finishing a chapter book, scoring a goal, or simply because everyone is together.
If you’re celebrating over FaceTime, light a candle on both ends of the call and sing together. Even from hundreds of miles away, you can still make the moment feel special.
This candle set with colorful stars feels special. I specifically chose this set because it feels like something you'd save for special family traditions instead of another disposable birthday candle.
Because you don’t want to spend your precious time together worried about broken dishes.
Small snack trays solve some of the biggest challenges when little kids visit: everyone wants something different.
These silicone containers solve that problem and will grow with the kids. They work for babies learning to self-feed and are just as useful for older grandkids during movie nights or homework breaks.
Because children are messy but you can make the mess fun.
Seasonal napkins are one of my favorite "low effort, high reward" purchases. A pumpkin napkin under an ordinary peanut butter sandwich somehow makes lunch feel like fall. They're inexpensive, festive, and easy to keep on hand throughout the season.
I just bought these pumpkin napkins that will last us from September through November.
Because hungry grandkids don’t like to wait.
A small basket filled with applesauce pouches, crackers, and fruit snacks makes your home feel ready from the moment your grandchildren walk through the door. Before long, they’ll know exactly where “their” snacks are, and that little basket becomes part of what makes their grandparents’ house feel familiar.
If your grandchildren live far away, send care packages with the same snacks. They’ll always know to expect a grandparent snack basket!
We keep our snacks in clear divided containers so little hands can easily see what’s inside without digging through the pantry.
If your grandchildren live nearby, choose one tradition they’ll always find waiting at your house.
If your grandchildren live far away, remember that traditions travel better than presents. A matching cookie cutter, a birthday candle lit over FaceTime, or rainbow sprinkles on Saturday morning pancakes can become familiar rituals that make the miles feel a little smaller.
Children don’t need dozens of traditions. They just need a few they can count on.
The kind that quietly tell them, “This is what we always do together.”
Every recommendation in The Grandparent List is carefully curated with grandparents in mind. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we'd be happy to use in our own homes or give to our own families.
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