From experience gifts, to DIY ideas. Here is a list of our favourite, completely unique Christmas gift ideas for grandchildren. No tech in sight!

Keeping on top of everything your grandchildren have - and everything they want - can feel like Mission: Impossible. Their passions change with the seasons, as do the latest game consoles, and consulting Sainsbury’s toy aisle for inspiration is so last year.

You might avoid asking your grandchild directly, out of fear that they’ll ask for something waaaay out of budget (a new PlayStation? What’s wrong with the one you already have?). Likewise, asking their parents can feel a bit like a cop-out - as though you don’t put in enough effort into getting to know their fleeting interests.

But seeing your grandchildren’s eyes light up after unwrapping the perfect present - there truly is no comparable feeling. So, we’re here to help you this Christmas. These ideas are perfect for grandchildren over 12 years old.

Experience gifts for teenage grandchildren
1. Tickets to a live show
2. Book a class together
3. Family board games
4. Adventurous experiences
5. Gifts for animal lovers

Stocking fillers for grandchildren
6. Mini kits
7. ‘Grow your own’ kits

DIY Christmas gifts for grandsons and granddaughters
8. Personalised gifts
9. ‘Make your own’ sets
10. Home-made food

Subscription gift ideas
11. Magazine subscriptions
12. Subscription boxes

Experience gifts for teenage grandchildren

The joy provided by new material possessions is short-lived. To prevent eye-rolls, experience gifts are likely to be your safest bet. They can’t be thrown away, forgotten about or sighed at.

1. Tickets to a live show

For example, you might search on Ticketmaster for comedy tours, or you could search if their favourite musicians have upcoming concerts.

The safest bet? Make sure your grandchild still has a poster of their idol up in their room. Failing that, try and sneak a peek at which celebrity is posing on their phone’s wallpaper.

2. Book a class together

Spend some fun, and quality time together by booking a class. You can find both local and virtual experiences on Airbnb - where you pick a day, time and location that works best for you. Buyagift is also a great site to search for experience days, as the vouchers are more flexible; they usually expire after one year.

Some unique classes to look out for:

• Pottery classes
• Cooking classes
• Photography sessions
• Art classes
• Chocolate making
• Jewellery making workshops.

Top tip: take some photos on the day to remember for years to come.

3. Family board games

Board games are the perfect present - because, really, it’s a gift that everyone can enjoy. We recommend buying a game that you can play together on Christmas Day. Here are 5 of our favourites:

1. Out of Order: hilarious trivia game (3-6 players)
2. CONFIDENT?: a family favourite quiz game (2-30 players)
3. Articulate: a fast-talking description board game (4-20 players)
4. Soundilicious: ridiculous game, similar to charades (3-10 players)
5. Exploding Kittens: a simple - but intense - card game (2-5 players).

4. Adventurous experiences

Whether your grandchild is a thrill-seeking daredevil, or you just want to live vicariously through their fearlessness. For a present they won’t forget, book an adventurous experience.

You might choose a segway experience, a tree top challenge, a skydive (indoor versions available, too), or a bungee jump.

5. Gifts for animal-lovers

With social media competing for their attention, kids don’t get out as much as they used to. Gifts such as goat or alpaca walking, or visiting a petting farm, is a wonderful idea for animal-loving grandchildren.

Stocking fillers for grandchildren

Whatever your family traditions are, these small (but thoughtful) gifts are ideal for Christmas morning.

6. Mini kits

There are lots of sweet mini kits out there - each occupying your grandchild, while you’re roasting the turkey or making some snowball cocktails. Here are 3 of our favourites:

1. Mini felt keyring kit
2. A mini marshmallow toasting kit
3. Mini lego sets.

7. ‘Grow your own’

‘Grow your own’ kits are fun, quirky, and available in abundance. You can choose practically anything for your grandchildren to grow- from their very own sloth or shark, to a prickly cactus friend.

DIY Christmas gifts

DIY gifts are heartfelt and special. Plus, they won’t break the bank. (For more cost-saving ideas, head to our article: 12 Cost-Saving Christmas Present Ideas).

8. Personalised gifts

Want to give a sentimental gift-with-the-feels this year? Here are 5 lovely personalised ideas:

1. Capture and share your memories with this guided journal. Tell your story and share your aspirations with your grandchild. It’s a priceless gift that can be passed on to future generations.

2. A personalised print for their bedroom - this one is perfect for gamer grandsons!

3. Letters to my Grandchild - a unique present that they’ll treasure forever. With this keepsake collection of twelve letters, you can fill each with words of wisdom that only a grandparent can impart. Then, you can gift this paper time capsule for opening in the future.

4. Jewellery - a special, customisable piece that shows you’ve gone out of the way to find something they’ll love.

5. A Light Up Letter, that they can display in their bedroom.

9. Make-your-own kits

Similar to the ‘grow-your-own’ sets, although a little bit more crafty. There are plenty to choose from, which will keep your grandchild occupied for a good few hours.

Our top recommendations include: a lip balm kit, this candle making set, and a make-your-own neon sign light.

10. Home-made food

If you’ve got a favourite recipe, why not share it with your grandchild? You can print it on a personalised recipe card, cook/bake their favourite food for Christmas Day, or offer an IOU (I owe you) voucher for a home-made meal.

Subscription gift ideas

A subscription is a gift that can be opened again and again. By choosing a subscription that your grandchild will love, you’re bound to earn a bunch of brownie points.

11. Magazine gift subscriptions

This site allows you to browse magazine gift subscriptions for 6 months, 12 months and 24 months. From science, to baking - history, to football. Find a hassle-free gift that your grandchild will love.

12. Subscription box gift ideas

With a subscription box, your grandchild will get a monthly treat - delivered straight to their doorstep. Here are our 3 favourite ideas:

1. Junior Baking Club Gift Subscription (3 months)

2. Craftiosity craft kits (1, 3, 6 or 12 months)

3. Sock Geeks - socks to match your grandchild’s personality (3, 6 or 12 months).

It’s the thought that counts

Remember: it’s always the thought that counts when it comes to giving Christmas gifts. Nevertheless, with those 12 unique ideas, you’ll secure your spot on your grandchildren’s ‘nice’ list - that’s for sure.

We’re wishing the Spring Chicken community a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.