We hear a lot about Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, but what about celebrating the people that came before them—the grandparents? With this year’s Grandparent’s Day falling on Saturday 9 October 2021, just one day after Children’s Day (on Friday 8 October 2021), you can combine the celebrations: Get the kids involved in a craft session to make a DIY gift for grandma and grandpa or the grandaunty and granduncle in your family!

Go beyond the typical handmade cards and decorated photo frames with these DIY gift ideas that are easy to make, fun for the family, and customised to fit your grandparents’ personalities.

1. A special origami gift for the crafters at heart

 In today's digital world of emails and texting, add a homemade touch to a handwritten message with a beautiful, hand-folded origami craft and message card, the perfect keepsake for any occasion. Pick a paper of any colour or design of your choice and put your expert paper folding skills to good use. Make the day extra special for your grands by gifting them with a heartfelt message of your love and gratitude along with a heart-shaped origami or a beautiful arrangement of origami flower bouquet that will never wilt or fade, just like your love for them!

2. A decorated pot for the green thumb

If grandma or grandpa is a proud plant parent, tell them you appreciate them by decorating flower pots or watering cans for their garden. Options abound for any artistic level: If drawing isn’t your forte, print a stencil off the internet, or use hand and footprints to create different designs. 

Those on a budget can get creative and decorate with items at home like ribbons, strings, foil paper or old nail polish. And if you’re feeling more experimental, DIY your own chalkboard paint to coat the pots with, and write a nice message!

3. A trail guide for the fitspo

Walking is one of the best ways to keep healthy, with benefits that include weight loss, strengthening the heart, reducing joint pain and more. If your grandparents are into keeping fit, develop a trail guide to keep them on their fitness journey. 

Pick senior-friendly trails like those at MacRitchie Reservoir, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park or the Southern Ridges. To make your gift extra thoughtful, include advice on transport routes to get there, recommended eateries around the area, and even a list of things to look out for when they are on their walk. As a plus, doing up these trails is and a good way to get the whole family involved in learning more about Singapore!

4. A tote-bag for the shopaholic

If you’ve got a grandparent who loves to shop, gift them a reusable tote bag! DIY by sewing one together from old clothes you’ve got at home, or decorate a plain canvas one with fabric markers and acrylic paint instead.

5. An apron for the home cook

Do your grandparents love to cook? Upcycle some old button-down shirts or dresses at home by converting them into aprons. Besides making a thoughtful gift, it’s also a chance for your kids to pick up some sewing skills, and to learn more about what they can do to help save the earth!

6. A countdown calendar

If your grandparent loves celebrations, whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, someone’s graduation or an anniversary, make them an “advent calendar” to count down the days. Each day leading up to the special occasion comes with a different gift—a photograph, a story about a memory the family has shared, or even just a note about how much you appreciate them. It’s a good way to get them excited, and a thoughtful way to show them how much you care!