Faith Gifts for Grandchildren That Aren't Just Stuff
Why do faith gifts from grandparents matter?
When Paul wrote to Timothy, he named the people who passed faith to him. "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well." (2 Timothy 1:5, ESV)
Lois is mentioned only once in the Bible, and she is remembered for this. Her faith reached her daughter and then her grandson.
Children learn who God is partly by watching the people who love them. Many grandparents have something parents of young children are often short on: a slower pace and a long record of God's faithfulness. A gift can be the way you hand some of that over.
What makes a faith gift last?
A faith gift lasts when it carries something of you and gets used instead of sitting on a shelf. A devotional book with your note in the front will be opened more often than a plaque on the wall. A story told in your own words will be remembered longer than one read from a card.
The best faith gifts also point past you. The goal is for your grandchild to know God, and your part is to show them what His faithfulness has looked like in one real life.
What are some faith gifts for grandchildren that aren't just stuff?
Most of these cost little or nothing. Pick one or two. You do not need to do them all.
Your faith story. Write down or record who taught you about Jesus, when you began to trust Him, and one time God carried you through something hard. Keep it short and in your own words.
A written blessing. Choose a verse you pray for your grandchild, write it out by hand, and tell them why you chose it. Date it and sign it.
A prayer journal for them. Each month, write a few lines about what you prayed for them. Give it to them on a birthday or when they are older.
A Bible with their name in it. Write a note in the front and mark a few verses that have mattered to you, with a line about why.
Your voice reading aloud. Record yourself reading a Bible story or a favorite book, so they can hear you on the nights you are not there.
A standing time together. A weekly phone call that ends with prayer, or a regular walk where you look for things God made.
A remembering notebook. When Israel crossed the Jordan, God had them set up twelve stones so their children would ask what they meant (Joshua 4). A plain notebook where you write down what God has done for your family can do the same thing.
What faith gifts work for very young grandchildren?
Young children learn through repetition. They ask for the same story again and again for a reason. For a toddler or preschooler, a faith gift can be as small as a short prayer you always say at goodbye, or a song you always sing together. They will not remember the first time, but they will remember that it always happened.
A board book Bible kept at your house, read in the same chair every visit, gives a young child something to look forward to.
How can grandparents share faith from far away?
From far away, you can still share your faith. A recorded story, a letter in the mail with a verse, or a video call that ends with "Can I pray for you?" all carry your faith across the miles. Children love getting mail with their name on it, and a short note that says "I prayed for you today" is easy to keep.
Try this tonight
Write down the name of the person who first taught you about Jesus, and one thing they did. That is the first page of your faith story. The next time you are with your grandchild, tell them. "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
A story to share this Christmas
If you are looking for a book to read together, The Keepers of Wonder, the second Olive the Traveling Sparrow book, is about a legacy of faith that has been waiting for Olive and her friends. Signed, gift-wrapped copies are on my website. Each one comes with a Keeper packet: a 5x7 double-sided Keeper card of the Sonflower Fields friend you choose (Olive, Theodore, Chrisandra or Ben-Jammin), plus a sticker, character card, and a bookmark. https://sonflowerfields.com/what-is-sonflower-fields
If you would like to read more about developing faith in children, I have written another blog for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good faith gift for a grandchild who cannot read yet?
A recording of your voice reading a Bible story, a board book Bible kept at your house, or a short prayer you always say together. Young children hold on to what is repeated.
Should I talk to my grandchild's parents before giving a faith gift?
Yes. Parents lead their children's faith, and a short conversation shows respect. It also gives them the chance to tell you what fits their family.
How do I start my faith story if I don't think it's very interesting?
Start with one name and one memory. A plain story is enough. What your grandchild needs to know is that God was real in the life of someone they love.
What Bible verse can I use for a faith gift?
Psalm 78:4 is a good place to start: "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." (ESV)
