What about local experiences WITH the kids?

For example, a local ice cream shop gift card? Any local museums with admission fees that you could buy tickets in advance without a specific date? Other special and unique stuff to make more memories with the grandparents?

What about gas cards?

Can you book them a trip? Maybe a weekend somewhere with hotel, dinner out etc?

I would do a $200 gift card to Amazon or Walmart. Then, another $200 for the holidays. In less they need the money and will not take it from you.

Anonymous wrote:A visa gift card maybe? What about a gift card to a nice restaurant in the area, so they can enjoy a nice meal.

I hate those Visa gift cards, I’ve had trouble redeeming them online and at other places. You mentioned your parents like gift cards, not sure if you meant store-specific cards or the bank/Visa cards.

What about paying for an extended family photo session? And you print/frame some photos for them, either now or for future gifts. The session would easily cost $500 (likely more). Your parents may be more likely to accept it because it’s more like a gift than a payment. (My parents are the same way.) Good luck!

Cash. There's no way to guarantee they'll use the gift cards.

NP.

I have sent my kids away since they were 3 to their grandparents in the summer -- we only do a few weeks, but would seriously consider longer if our parents had the availability. Our kids and parents both love it. Go helicopter elsewhere.

Anonymous wrote:Can you get a gift card for something that is a real indulgence for them/where they can't spend their money on something sensible? A spa or a restaurant or a hobby-related store or something like that? Those are the best kind.

OP here. I like this mix of practical and luxury.
And I didn't send anyone, anywhere. They were both thrilled for this experience, and continue to be as the summer continues. This is not unusual in my family. I spent multiple summers with my grandparents and it made for a really strong bond that lasted into adulthood and they passed away.
My DH do talk or face time with the kids multiple times a day, so while I miss them terribly, we all feel well connected.

Can you get a gift card for something that is a real indulgence for them/where they can't spend their money on something sensible? A spa or a restaurant or a hobby-related store or something like that? Those are the best kind.

My mom watches my kiddos every Friday. I use this day to take my middle son to ABA therapy and also do lots of errands that are WAY easier with one kid vs three. (or sometimes none if I can fit in errands during therapy). She would NEVER take cash or check so I just get grocery and Panera cards. Boring but she goes grocery shopping often (amazing cook) and she meets her church group at Panera every Sunday after services. She at least uses them so I don't feel like she gets NOTHING for doing me such a huge favor. I know I would pay a sitter at least 75 dollars so I usually get one 50 dollar (grocery one) and one 25 dollar (Panera) on my way home from errands on Fridays.

Anonymous wrote:A visa gift card maybe? What about a gift card to a nice restaurant in the area, so they can enjoy a nice meal.

+1. Or both. A Visa is more flexible and helpful than a grocery store card by far, also.

Just go to their bank and put the money in their account.

A visa gift card maybe? What about a gift card to a nice restaurant in the area, so they can enjoy a nice meal.

I'm going to give my parents gift cards for caring for our toddler/rising first grader for the majority of the summer. I had offered to send a stipend, but they won't cash a check. I decided to give them $500 in gift cards (a pittance compared to what we saved in child care) when we pick up the kids. What sort of break out would be practical and thoughtful? I was thinking a mix of like Wal-Mart (the major store there), grocery store, Amazon for one parent and maybe Lowe's/Home Depot for the other. I know they'll eventually use gift cards because they love them, and it's the only way to get any money in their hands. Any other ideas are appreciated.