2025 Trends in Grandparent Gifting for Grandchildren: Why Personalized Books Are Here to Stay
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What modern grandparents are choosing in 2025, and why personalized keepsakes are leading the way.
Introduction: The Grandparent Gift Shift
Grandparents today aren’t flipping through toy catalogs. They’re on Instagram, Etsy, and FaceTime. They care about meaning, memory, and impact.
The old playbook—a cuddly bear, a plastic toy, a savings bond—is being replaced by something more intentional: gifts that tell stories, reflect family identity, and grow with the child. At the top of that list? Personalized books.
In this post, we’ll explore the key gifting trends for 2025 and why custom books like The Museum of [Child Name] are becoming the signature choice for thoughtful grandparents.
Just read a few of the heartwarming stories from families who gave one. You’ll see why.
Trend #1: Gifts That Prioritize Emotional Connection
In a post-pandemic world, physical presence isn't always possible—but emotional presence is more valued than ever.
2025 grandparents are leaning toward gifts that foster connection across distance:
- Custom books with photo likeness and dedications
- Video books or audio messages
- Memory boxes or time capsules with personal notes
Personalized books hit the sweet spot: tactile, visual, and emotionally grounded.
A gift that says: "Even when I’m not there, I’m thinking of you."
Trend #2: Keepsakes Over Clutter
Minimalism is on the rise among parents of young children, and grandparents are adapting. Instead of noisy or disposable gifts, they’re seeking items that will last, display well, and spark meaning.
Personalized books serve as:
- A gift for now (reading together)
- A decorative object (beautiful on a shelf)
- A future heirloom (stored with baby books and letters)
Wyrd Story books in particular have been displayed on coffee tables and framed as art—blurring the line between children’s gift and cultural keepsake.
Trend #3: Meaningful Customization Is King
In 2025, personalization means more than slapping a name on a mug. Grandparents are looking for gifts that show effort and insight.
Why personalized books?
- The child becomes the subject of 14 iconic artworks
- The dedication captures a personal voice or memory
- The gift feels made for that exact family, not mass-produced
According to a recent Etsy consumer report, 82% of gift buyers in 2024 prioritized meaning and uniqueness over brand or price.
Trend #4: Blending Education with Affection
Modern grandparents want to gift things that matter. That often means looking for items that are:
- Developmentally enriching
- Emotionally resonant
- Visually beautiful
Personalized books do all three. They build early name recognition and attention skills, introduce themes like art and history, and include a personal note that anchors it emotionally.
Books like The Museum of [Child Name] are especially appealing because they spark early cultural awareness in a joyful, playful way—no lectures, just wonder.
Trend #5: Digital Gifting with a Physical Touch
Many grandparents are ordering online but want the gift to feel personal. That’s why options like Wyrd Story work well:
- You choose the photo and dedication
- Preview the full book before printing
- Have it shipped directly with optional gift notes
It’s tech-enabled, but heart-forward. The perfect middle ground for modern families.
Why Personalized Books Aren't a Trend—They're a Shift
Some trends fade. But personalized books meet fundamental needs:
- Storytelling
- Identity
- Connection across generations
As long as grandparents want to say something meaningful, and children want to see themselves reflected in what they read, these gifts will have a place.
If you haven’t created one yet, our Ultimate Guide to Personalized Baby Books will walk you through how to choose, personalize, and deliver a book that makes an impact.
Personalized books aren’t just keeping up with trends. They’re setting the new standard for what a grandparent gift can be.
Create a personalized book today
Start with a single photo and a 150-word message—and give a gift they’ll remember long after the toys are gone.