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1. A nifty car seat buckle release tool so you don't have to sacrifice your thumbs (or your manicure!) to unlatch your grandchild. This handy little gadget will make transporting your grandkids a breeze!
Promising review: "What a fantastic invention! I am a new grandma with thumb arthritis, and opening the buckle on my grand daughters car seat was next to impossible for me. This little device was the best purchase ever! No effort, I simply place it over the buckle, press down and the buckle unlocks! I ordered two and I’ll keep one in my daughter's car and one in mine. You’ve made a happy grandma even happier!" —Shopping Maven
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five colors).
2. A classic Playskool Sit ‘n Spin toy that'll bring back so many fond memories from when your littles were, well little. What's better than bringing the same joy to your grandkids and watching life come full circle, or should I say full spin?
Recommended for ages 18 months+.
Promising review: "Wonderful classic toy. This is really one of the ‘must have’ toys of childhood. My children had them and I have purchased them for my grandchildren. This is a one-piece, active toy, that can be played on inside or out. Kids love it and adults enjoy watching the little ones go crazy on it. My youngest granddaughter is almost 5 and still loves this toy and can easily spin on it." —B Thomas
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
3. A clever sight word Bingo game; if you've ever asked yourself, "How do I take the frustration out of practicing sight words for my grandkids and make it FUN?" then this game is for you.
The set comes with 36 playing cards, 264 playing chips, caller's mat and cards, and a storage box. This version is a fun twist on the classic, but instead of calling out numbers, the leader calls out words (there are 46 most-used words), players search their cards for a match and place a red chip on the match. Once a player has covered the spaces on their card needed to win, they call BINGO!
Promising review: "My 4-year-old granddaughter and I go to the library every weekend. Once she's chosen her books for the week, she loves to 'check out' the games in the children's section. This was one that she wanted to play over and over and over. After the third go-round, I noticed that she was beginning to recognize some of the words on her own. That sold me! The minute I got home I purchased the game so she could play it at home. Every time I go over to her house, we play at least one round of this game, and I can tell her reading skills are increasing. And when we go to the library, she STILL wants to check this game out and play it there! The words on these bingo cards are words that can't be illustrated well — words like 'them,' 'her,' 'go,' 'if' — small, mostly conjunctive words, but essential to reading. This game makes it easy and fun to learn those words. I simply can't praise this game enough." —Molly Harrington
Get it from Amazon for $9.06.
4. A pack of spillproof Munchkin snack catchers because you find yourself spending *less* time with your grandkids and *more* time cleaning the trail of crumbs they leave behind. These feature flexible flaps that'll allow easy access for little hands BUT prevent Cheerios from *flying everywhere*.
Promising review: "These things are wonderful! My grands use them all the time and they keep the mess to a minimum. I've seen them carry them upside down, sideways, and yet the treats stay in the cup and not on the floor!" —cwilkes13
Promising review: "Wish we had had these when my kids were small! I bought several of these for my grand babies when they visit or are in my car. They are awesome — easy for little hands to use and hold, but the snacks aren’t so likely to spill. Now I need adult size ones for the rest of the family!" —Jo
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.95 (available in two color combos).
5. A Tushbaby hip carrier if you simply adore your grandbaby (or toddler) but dread the inevitable back strain from holding them for long periods of time. This ingenious baby carrier will do all the heavy lifting for you. The best part? It has a ton of storage pockets for your snacks, phone, wallet, and more!
It's recommended for children between 8 and 45 pounds.
Tushbaby is a small biz run by three California mamas and specializes in products that bringing a little more ease to everyday parenting life.
Promising review: "Best baby carrier ever made! I am a 60-year-old grandma with a weak back. Carrying my three little grand babies age 5-months-old, 1-year-old and 2-years-old has been a back breaker until I got my first Tushbaby! Now my back no longer hurts after carrying them around. The Tushbaby is easy and quick to put on and extremely comfortable to wear. Baby can be put on front ways or facing out and you can position the baby in front or to one side. No more carrying baby on your hip and getting a sore back from pushing your hip up! With Tush Baby, your hips remain level and your back is supported! My grand babies all love it and so do I! Best invention ever!!!!!I wish I had this when I was younger too! Worth every cent! Saves me from seeing the chiropractor!" —Cher
Get it from Amazon for $84.99+ (available in three colors).
6. An inexpensive Pop2Play foldable indoor slide that'll win you "coolest grandparents ever" status. It LITERALLY pops up in seconds to instantly transform any room into a playground filled with gleeful shouts of "Wheeeee!" Plus, it folds down flat for easy storage once playtime's over.
The slide's capable of holding up to 50 lbs.
Promising review: "I was looking for an active, indoor toy for my toddler grandson, and decided to take a chance on this slide. It is exactly what we needed. Lots of fun on cold days when he is trapped indoors, first sliding himself and then running back and forth to give every stuffed animal a turn. Best of all, it folds down flat to be stashed out of sight at other times, so it seems new and exciting whenever it comes out. A very good purchase." —Elena Jane
Promising review: "Best purchase ever! My granddaughter has had hours of fun on this slide! I bought it for indoor activity when she was 15 months old. By 18 months, she was a pro and asked for it every day. And when she’s not using it, it’s so easy to fold up and put away." —PR
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in two styles).
7. A detangling brush that grandparents can't stop raving about. A lot of reviewers mention this has done a stellar job of stopping their grandkids' tears and fussing when trying to brush out their tangles.
Reviewers swear this brush works on all hair types: straight, wavy, or curly (from 3a–4c hair).
Promising review: "Bought this for my 8-year-old granddaughter who has very thick hair that tangles so easy. I have tried other brushes for her, I am in charge of hair duty before school and nothing seemed to make it easier. This brush made it so easy that she has been able to get the tangles out herself now. Our morning routine has become so calm and peaceful now, we no longer have to struggle with hair brushing and for that we are so grateful! Cheers, from one happy YaYa xoxo" —Pamela Brown Gatlin
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in six colors).
8. An ingenious bath seat to make bath time a whole lot easier for BOTH of you. It's designed to safely support baby and keep them upright, while giving them the independence to splash around. Plus, it'll leave you hands-free so you're not stressing about holding a wiggly, mobile baby the entire time. Win-win.
P.S. Reviewers say it's the perfect solution for bathing twins!
Promising review: "So happy I bought this for my granddaughter and ME!!! She is 8-months-old and loves her bath seat way better than the bath tub we had. She loved it so much I bought one for her mommy. It is so much easier for me to bath her." —Diane C.
Promising review: "OMG, love seeing my grandson in this bath seat! I swear he thinks he can swim! He's able to sit up and play with all his toys. He used to hate his bath because he felt he had no control. This gives him the ability to sit up and enjoy the world. He LOVES his bath now!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $36.49+ (available in four colors).
9. And a ~whaley cute~ padded bath kneeler your knees will thank you for because it'll prevent them from being victimized by the hard tile each time you give your grandkids a bath. The best part? It comes with a handy strap so you can hang it to dry on a towel bar or shower rod!)
Promising review: "This was a great buy, no more sore knees when bathing my granddaughter. Highly recommend to all parents out there that still have to kneel while bathing." —Tracey
Promising review: "A grandparent's friend. This works well as a knee pad at bath time, especially if you're a grandparent with 'experienced' knees. It works well enough, it's cute, and I recommend." —Kokomo
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in two colors).
10. An Inglesina Fast table high chair if your grandkids' stuff is threatening to take over your entire home. This ingenious thing will save wayyyy more space than a traditional high chair. Simply clamp it onto a table or kitchen counter to free up floor space *and* to ensure your grandkiddo can hang out happily at the center of all the action.
Promising review: "I love this highchair, it's the perfect highchair for grandparents, and saves on space when my grand babies go home." —Ginger Cook
Promising review: "Perfect for my grand daughter who is one. We bought it when she was a few months old when she could sit. We take this chair whenever we take her to restaurants. It has a nice cushion and she can sit there for longer periods and not fuss. Restaurant high chairs are usually not all that clean, and the wooden seats, even plastic seats, are not comfortable for her. Installing, and removing, is simple as it involves unscrewing the upright bars that go under the table." —john t.
Get it from Amazon for $79 (available in eight colors).
11. Or an easy-to-fold portable booster chair that conveniently folds up into its own little carry bag so you can hang it in the guest closet after the grandkids leave. It quickly and securely straps onto regular chairs or pops up to provide a safe floor seat.
Recommended for ages 6 months–3 years.
Promising review: "As grandparents, we were looking for a high chair that doesn't take up too much space or you have to have a science degree to pack it away. This product is just what we needed and it has room for our grand babies to grow into toddlers!" —Yvonne P Tillyer
Promising review: "A must have for parents or grandparents! I have three grandchildren. I purchased this for grands when they are here and when we go on about adventures and travel. I love everything about this product. Folds into a small carry case. Sturdy and easy to clean. If you're at the beach, on a picnic, or just at the park or need a safe place for your baby to watch TV and eat snacks, this is an awesome product." —Thomas family
Get it from Amazon for $39.92 (available in two colors).
12. A pair of GeoSafari Jr. binoculars your grandkids will be thrilled to receive so they can look at birds, planes (and other fascinating things) up close!
Promising review: "Great for our 3-year-old grand-daughters! Our granddaughters recently discovered birds outside at the bird feeders. we purchased these as a gift for them. These work soooo well! The girls can use them easily and just love to look at the birds with them. I purchased these because of their "heavy duty" construction too! There are other binoculars, but they're poorly constructed. These binoculars are durable, yet didn't cost nearly as much as others made by "big name" companies. We couldn't afford buying children's binoculars at over $100.00! These have met and exceeded my expectations. Thank you!" —RK
Promising review: "We have four grands, ages 18-months-old to 5-years-old. They LOVE this Kidnocular! Much more kid-size than imagined, it lets them see things across the street, and the airplane colors and tail designs from a few miles away much better. We can't wait to see ants and spiders close up." —Erin
Get it from Amazon for $11.98.
13. And a personalized critter case to accompany you and your Curious George on nature walks so you can study fascinating critters — before returning them to their natural habitat.
USA Woodshop Co. is a small biz based in Barstow, California that specializes in handcrafted wooden items and children's furniture.
Promising review: "These bug barns are so cute!! I haven't given then to my granddaughters yet but I know they will be thrilled. Perfect for the lady bugs they love to catch. They appear to be very well made and they are personalized which is so special."—Cathy Davidson
Get it from USA Woodshop Co. on Etsy for $11.99.
14. Otrio, a twist on the classic tic-tac-toe if you're looking for a game that you can play together that's equally fun for all ages. Next time they come over, I guarantee they'll be begging you to play with them. (Recommended for ages 8+)
To win, players must get three circular pieces of their color in a row in either ascending or descending order; get the same-sized pieces in a row; or get three concentric pieces in the same space, but beware of other players attempting to block you!
Recommended for two to four players ages 8+.
Promising review: "I love playing this game with the grandkids. When you have four players, you really have to pay attention to your next move! A fun way to play tic tac toe." —JnLHuber
Promising review: "I am a grandparent who has never been a game player but this one is really fun! It seems quite simple (like tic tac toe) but is amazingly strategic. The problem is I keep getting beat by my very smart 8-year-old grandson! But it keeps him off screens when he comes to stay with us, it is something we can do together & I enjoy it too. It is also a well made and colorful game for all ages!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.98 (also available in plastic).
15. A pack of silicone pouch lids if your grandkids enjoy squeezing pouches all over themselves, and on your rugs and couches 😬. This clever lid boasts a flow-control valve that prevents them from making a huge mess.
Choo Mee is a small biz based in Northern California, owned by a mom, that specializes in innovative products that solve everyday feeding challenges.
Promising review: "This is a wonderful item!! My grandson is getting so independent and wanted to walk around with his applesauce or other squeezable pouches, but I couldn't allow him to because of the mess!! These toppers have solved the problem!! He gets to be independent and I don't have the mess!! The one way valve prevents him from squeezing it out everywhere yet he can suck it out without any difficulty. Great product!!" —Lydia
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five color combos).
16. An aptly named Grandma's Secret stain remover especially great for stubborn stains like grass, oil, or blood. You can count on on this concentrated spot treatment to make messes from your grandkids' clothes disappear...because grandma always knows best!
Promising review: "Best stain remover ever. I have two new grandbabies and this stain remover has eliminated all stains, including stains that has been there for 2+ weeks and washed repeatedly. Highly recommend this!" —Leslie Thiel
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.19 (available in three sizes and various multi packs).
17. A wooden puzzle because you're looking for fun ways to get those tech-obsessed kids to put down the iPad or video game controller. This is equivalent to playing Tetris but in tactile form that'll ~exercise their brain~ without any screentime.
Reviewer's say this is a great toy for all ages — from 3 to 12.
Promising review: "Bought this for my granddaughter and everyone plays with it. Great brain teaser for the mind. Inexpensive, keeps you thinking. Great for eye hand coordination. Well made and just plain fun. Great to get as a gift! Awesome puzzle." —V1955LA
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
18. A sleek touchless forehead thermometer boasting a built-in sensor so you can measure your grandbaby's temperature in seconds without disturbing them while they're sleeping.
Promising review: "This is a superior thermometer! It is easy to use, and truly touch less. I tried it on myself and husband over several days, works perfectly. I tried it on my 1-month-old granddaughter and worked great. Silent, no beeping and to need to touch sleeping baby's forehead. I highly recommend the this thermometer!" —BearDownChi1
Promising review: "Best purchase!!!! So easy to use — no need to touch forehead and results in seconds. No more fuss from my grands when I take their temps." —D. Duvall
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
19. A pack of inconspicuous corner guards so you can babyproof your home for visiting grandkids without a lot of effort or changing the look of furniture. These will give you peace of mind as a wobbly new walker zooms around the living room (and comes precariously close to a sharp coffee table).
Promising review: "We highly recommend this product. The protectors work very well. Our grandbaby can freely walk around without our anxiously following her everywhere. We like the clear and plain style in that they allow the beauty of the furniture to shine through." —Jennye Cantu
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $8.98.
20. A machine-washable Tiny Twinkle full-sleeved bib because it'll will cover your messy eater's arms and save their clothes from food stains. Not to mention, it'll save you from doing a million loads of laundry throughout the day.
Tiny Twinkle is a small biz based in Phoenix, Arizona that creates high quality, safe products for babies, children and parents.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this bib. They fit great, protect the toddlers clothing from food stains and makes cleanup so much easier. They wash great and the material is good quality. I bought four of these for my daughter and three for myself to use when our granddaughter visits." —Dennis Wheeler
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 14 colors and in two sizes).
21. A pack of sink extenders to save your back the strain of hoisting little ones over the sink. Not to mention they'll love the independence of washing their hands all by themselves.
Promising review: "I love these for when our "grands" come to visit or any other child is at our house. It is quick to pop on and helps them reach the water without dangling them over the sink! I put one in each guest bath — ready to go!" —truffles 01
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $10.95.
22. A set of kid-safe plastic knives perfect for any grandparent who wants to bond with their mini sous chef by letting them help with dinner prep. While these do a pretty decent job of chopping, they're not sharp enough to slice a finger.
Note: Children still need supervision while using them, of course.
Promising review: "Little hands are protected while learning how to slice and cut. When my twin grand daughters are here, they help me in the kitchen. These are good for slicing tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, and lettuce." —Deborah
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.95.
23. A two-pack of super soft and stretchy sheets designed to fit most pack-n-play mattresses like a glove, eliminating any bunching. And, if the reviewers are to be believed, these feel softer than 1,800-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. What more could your precious grandtot ask for?
Promising review: "I purchased a Graco Pack N Play to keep at my house for when my new grand baby comes to visit. I wanted to buy sheets for the mattress. These are great. They are super soft. They fit the mattress perfectly. I am very happy with them!" —VCA
Promising review: "These were so soft and easy to put on my pack ‘n play. Love them for my grand babies! My daughter loved them also so she took them with her when they went home! Lol. If they come back while he is still in the pack n play, I will order more!" —Kathe Bergin
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.99 (available in nine patterns).
24. And a compact, lightweight Graco pack 'n play if you're looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly playard without a ton of bells of whistles. Reviewers say you can put this together, and fold down for storage in MINUTES.
Promising review: "I love this version of the Graco Pack n Play. No frills, just a nice streamlined play yard. I purchased this one so we would have two for our 7- month-old twin grandsons. Lightweight and super easy to break down and store in the included carry bag. Better than having the heavier, more expensive Graco's if you don't need all the silly add ons. The inside mattress is exactly the same size as the more expensive Gracos with all the extra's, and takes up less space. Highly recommend!" —Perri
Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in five colors).
25. A marble run set so you can spend a fun afternoon together building elaborate structures together — all while developing their problem-solving skills. Your grandkids will be ~ah-mazed~ at the results when the marbles roll through the mazes they create.
Promising review: "This is an amazing toy. I spent hours playing with it with my 6- and 3-year-old granddaughters. I enjoyed it as much as they did. While I was reading the instructions and trying to pick a figure to assemble, they started putting it together. My help consisted mostly in trying to maintain stability. They were very creative in finding ways to use the pieces. Highly recommend." —Seaford
Get it from Amazon for $40.99.
26. The Ollie Swaddle that'll make bedtime less of a struggle when you're babysitting. It wraps snugly to prevent your lil' escape artist from breaking out and boasts an opening at the bottom to make diaper changes a breeze. The best part? Moisture wicking fabric to prevent overheating.
The Ollie World is a small biz based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, founded by a foster mom, who set out to make her own swaddle that could meet all of her foster son's needs.
Promising review: "The Ollie swaddles are without a doubt the best swaddles! My grandchildren sleep soundly with them ! Well worth the money! Quality outstanding!" —Charmain C.
Get it from The Ollie World for $59 (available in five colors) or from Target for $59.99.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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