Grandparents' Back-to-School Guide: Three Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Students of All Ages

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August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing self-care, stress management, and health routines. Here are some ways to focus on health: healthy eating, physical activities, practice mindfulness, enough sleep, social connections and prevention. Some organizations offer screenings opportunities as part of the prevention process. ??

August also marks the end of carefree summer days and the beginning of the back-to-school rush. As children nationwide squeeze in their last fun moments in the sun, parents and guardians scramble to prepare everything for a successful academic year. It's a busy time for families, from buying art supplies for elementary students to sorting out tech gear for high schoolers.

Grandparents and family friends, this is your chance to lend a hand! Show your support for young learners in your life with a thoughtful and practical gift. The Seniors Helping Seniors? team has put together a list of unique, must-have items that students of all ages will genuinely use and love.

Check out our top back-to-school gift ideas for kids across grade levels, approved by grandkids from kindergarten to high school!

Back-to-School Gift Ideas for Grandparents

?As the back-to-school season kicks in, families focus on gathering all the essentials – pencils, notebooks, and backpacks. You can always pitch in by buying some of these necessities. But for seniors who want a more personal touch, the Seniors Helping Seniors? team found useful and fun back-to-school gift ideas for your grandkids that go beyond the basics.

Whether you're just down the street or miles away, these gifts are perfect for shipping or hand-delivery. Before shopping, check in with the parents or guardians to ensure your gift isn't duplicated. Scroll down to explore our best gift ideas for elementary, middle, and high school students!

Creative School Supplies

While a plain wooden pencil gets the job done, many kids would love to write with a funky gel pen instead. Here are some exciting school supplies that might not be on the official back-to-school shopping list, but your grandkids would be thrilled to have. These items will help them stay organized and motivated all school year long.

? Elementary Students: Whimsical sticker packs, erasers in a fun shape, novelty pencil toppers, themed bookmarks.

? Middle School Students: Goal-setting planner, trendy notebook covers, colorful pens and highlighters, a stylish pencil pouch.

? High School Students: Magnetic locker accessories, interchangeable binder covers, high-quality mechanical pencils, a compact desk organizer.

Personalized Back-to-School Gear

Help your grandkid stand out and avoid mix-ups by giving them custom items. Personalizing gifts with their name or favorite color is a thoughtful way to show you care.

?? Elementary Students: Backpack or lunchbox with their favorite animal or character printed on it.

? Middle School Students: Reusable water bottle in their favorite color from a popular brand.

? High School Students: Stylish laptop sleeve or phone case that reflects their personal style.

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Games & Gadgets

School is all about learning, but there’s always time for fun! Keep your grandkid’s mind engaged throughout the year with interactive books or exciting tech gizmos that encourage them to do their best.

? Elementary Students: Activity books with coloring pages or mazes, math or reading games, age-appropriate jigsaw puzzles.

? Middle School Students: Popular youth novels, a Bluetooth speaker, a portable charger to keep devices powered throughout the day.

? High School Students: Noise-cancelling headphones, a smartwatch for tracking fitness, a music streaming subscription.

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As the back-to-school season approaches, you have a wonderful chance to brighten your grandkids' school year with thoughtful and unique gifts. Whether it's creative supplies, personalized gear, or engaging tech gadgets, these items can help them begin the year with enthusiasm and confidence.

If you need assistance with shopping or other tasks, a Seniors Helping Seniors? in-home senior caregiver can make the process much easier. Our caregivers are here to help you select, purchase, and even wrap the perfect back-to-school gifts, ensuring that you are fully prepared to support young learners.

Life's just peachy when you have a slice of this pie!

Ring in National Peach Pie Day, celebrated August 24th, with a Seniors Helping Seniors? caregiver and this deliciously sweet recipe!

Ingredients:

For pie crust:

·???????? 2 ? cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for shaping and rolling

·???????? 1 tsp. salt

·???????? 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

·???????? 2/3 cup vegetable shortening, chilled

·???????? ? cup ice cold water

For filling:

·???????? 3 pounds peaches (about 8 – 9)

·???????? 2/3 cup granulated sugar

·???????? ? cup all-purpose flour

·???????? 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

·???????? 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

·???????? 2 Tbsp. cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

·???????? Egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tbsp. milk

·???????? Optional: course sugar for sprinkling on crust

Directions:

Make pie crust:

1.?Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.

2.?Add the butter and shortening, cutting it into the mixture using two forks. You want a coarse mixture with mostly pea-sized bits of butter and shortening. Do not overwork.

3.?Add ice cubes to ? cup of water. Stir and let the ice melt for a few minutes. From that mixture, measure ? cup of water. Add ice water 1 Tablespoon at a time, stirring after every Tablespoon. Stop when the dough begins to form large clumps.

4.?Transfer dough to a floured work surface, flour your hands, and fold the dough into itself until the flour is fully incorporated into the fats. Once incorporated, form dough into a ball and cut into two equal halves.

5.?Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 5 days.

Make filling:

1.?Peel peaches and cut into 1-inch chunks.

2.?In a large bowl, mix peach chunks, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Set filling in the refrigerator while you roll out your pie crust.

Assemble and bake:

1.?Adjust oven rack to lower 1/3 position and pre-heat oven to 425?F.

2.?On a floured work surface, roll out one half of your chilled dough. Turn the dough one quarter turn every few rolls until you have a circle that is 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place the dough in a 9-inch pie dish and smooth out.

3.?Pour filling into pie dish, spreading evenly. Then, arrange butter cubes on top of filling. Set aside while you assemble the top pie crust.

4.?Remove the other half of your chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll into a circle that is 12-inches in diameter.

5.?Cut your dough into six 2-inch-wide strips and weave into a lattice pattern over the filling in your pie dish. To seal the edges, trim excess dough and fold the bottom pie dough edges over the top, pressing them into lattice edges for a smooth finish. Crimp edges using a fork.

6.?Lightly brush the top of the pie crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).

7.?Bake at 425?F for 20 minutes. Then, keeping the pie in the oven, reduce temperature to 375?F. Place a pie crust shield over the edges to keep from over-browning and continue baking for 45 – 50 minutes, or until the temperature of the filling reaches 200?F.

8.?Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack for at least 4 hours before serving.