A growing number of grandparents are rethinking what it means to give a “gift” — moving away from toys and gadgets that lose their charm after a week, toward presents that leave a lasting legacy and teach values. Whether it’s a personalized storybook that shares family history, an investment account starter, a handwritten letter, or a donation in a grandchild’s name, grandparents are choosing gifts that build connection, character, and continuity. This trend reflects a cultural shift: baby boomers and Gen X grandparents don’t just want to spoil their grandchildren — they want to shape them. With social media, technology, and short attention spans competing for kids’ focus, grandparents see themselves as anchors of wisdom and tradition. They’re using gifts as a way to pass on life lessons, family identity, and a sense of purpose.
I had a chance to interview Bruce Campelia, author of the Light Passers book series and a grandparent himself. Campelia is seeing this trend first hand. He says today’s grandparents prefer meaning over materialism. Gifts like charitable donations, books, or heirlooms can shape a child’s worldview. Legacy-based gifting helps grandparents stay emotionally connected in an increasingly digital age and even after they are gone.Why is it important to grandparents to pass on traditions and wisdom?
Grandparents have lived longer and so have simply experienced more things, especially more ups and downs. They are at a point in their lives where they want to share this information before it’s too late. They see this as part of their legacy. The anchor of tradition and the undeniable value of wisdom provided by grandparents serve as a solid foundation to act as a guide for anyone.
Historically the best way for this information to carry on through generations is via stories, and grandparents have the time and acceptance from the kids to deliver these messages…as well as the desire.
How are we witnessing gift giving from grandparents changing?
Traditionally, gift giving (either via straight gifts or as an intended legacy) has occurred in a few basic ways:
Professionally…by significant achievements, innovations, or leadership in a field, or teaching in general
Materially…by transferring tangible assets like wealth, property, shares in a business, etc.
Culturally …through art, literature, donating to worthy causes
Personally…influencing others through character, relationships, traditions, and values
The shift I think we see happening is from short-lived, tangible gifts like money, property to more intangible gifts that may have a longer shelf-life. These longer lasting gifts I see as true legacies…resilient, durable gifts like creating foundations, giving books, writing letters, sharing important life experiences, and teaching values of things like compassion, empathy, courage, and service.
Why do you think this is happening?
We live in the information age, but it seems we are now drowning in it…like drinking from a firehose. And we are finding less satisfaction and happiness from money or “having things”. The older generation of Baby Boomers want to cut through the noise and get to the meaning. And they are looking and a way to pass this meaning on…a new legacy.
There is also a growing angst, not only here in the United States but worldwide…economically and politically. The stress is harming our health, and we are seeking a better way for our kids and grandkids.
How can older generations use gift-giving as a way to pass on what they value?
It’s always nice to share material things, if you have them, to give kids a “leg up”. But those gifts are often relatively short lived. Our elders have great experience and the time to share with grandkids…to explain the values they think are not only good for the kids but a way to teach them how they can do this in their lives as well. The best way to assure that a legacy lives on is to give a gift of meaning, explain that meaning, and ask that they pass this on to their children when they grow up.
I encourage people to look at the new way of gift giving is really just focusing on our intuition of knowing what is good to make kids truly happy and the will help all humanity in the long run. In this way everybody wins.
What is legacy-based gifting and how can it help grandparents make connections?
I see legacy-based gifting as finding the things and values that are most meaningful to you and have the power to transform lives. Ones that can live indefinitely: like an education, love, helping others, donating to a meaningful cause, etc. At Light Passers we try to encourage people to become involved in sharing these important values by supporting our messages, newsletter and passing this light to others.
If you are looking to target legacy-type gifts to kids, medical foundations, underserved communities, or other specific areas the best way is to simple research the non-profits and trends. These are always valuable general gifts for humanity and make the future brighter for many.
Other ways that help direct the way you make specific gifts already exist in the form of things such as wills, contracts, community service, and scholarships.
Your books could be defined as legacy or issue impactful, did you have this in mind when you wrote them?
Yes, I did.
I tried to look at what I wish I knew when I was younger—what would have helped me recognize the common gifts we all have or could learn…that we could use to teach others. This I believe is what will help us create the groundswell we need to start to transform the world.
The book series Light Passers Chronicles (which is for kids 12-102) is a mystery/adventure series featuring young protagonists from different parts of the world, and is structured to show how our differences make us stronger, and how by sharing these superpowers the world can finally become a better and safer place for all.
Have you tried to inspire your grandchildren with the messages from the books?
In connection with the series, we have an online store (https://lightpassersmarketplace.com/) where the messages from the books are available to “wear and share” …on t-shirts, clothing, and even on fun things like stuffies. I also send out a LightPassers newsletter through direct mail and posts (via Substack). One of the sections is what I call “Notes from Nono” …letters to kids from me as a grandfather, and read with them by their parents and grandparents. These notes simplify the topics of the stories and messages so they can be better understood by kids.
Why is it so important that we begin shaping children’s views and insight into the world at an early age?
We spend most of lives taking in all kinds of messages from parents, friends, teachers, coaches, business associates (many of these messages are negative: about what we can and cannot do, our limitations, our failures, judgments on how we look, how smart we are, etc.). The earlier we see ourselves as being connected to all other people, perfect as we are, needed, important, having our own special gifts, being lovable and loving…the better the future will be for all of us.
Why do you think when gifts such as these come from grandparents, they are so impactful?
Grandparents tend to have a very special relationship with kids. While parents have limited time due to ever-demanding work schedules, time is an asset that grandparents do have. This means children don’t feel rushed by their grandparents. And kids are typically not disciplined by them, either, so they feel less judged. This builds a sense in them that things their grandparents say to them, or ask of them, come truly from the heart…with love.
All of this contributes to children being more accepting of these gifts and messages, which ultimately makes them more impactful.
No comments:
Post a Comment