My granddaughter called me last Tuesday.
“NanaTee,” she said. “How do you spell LADYBUG?”
She didn’t ask Siri. She didn’t Google it. She spelled it out loud.
"L-A-D-Y-B-U-G". Letter by letter.
She learned it playing Scrabble Junior at the kitchen table.
That’s when I knew: the best gifts don’t need batteries. They need NanaTee.
THE TOOTHBRUSH RULE FOR TOYS
My Aunt Corrine had a rule for gumbo: You clean every blue crab with a toothbrush. If you won’t eat it, don’t serve it.
I have the same rule for gifts. If it won’t teach them something, I don’t buy it.
These 5 gifts passed the test.
They’ve survived my house, Pawpaw’s lap, and 3 grandkids under 7. No screens survived.
1. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
Why it made the list: My granddaughter says “gato” now instead of “cat.” It teaches Spanish and English. She touches the page, it talks. No WiFi needed.
NanaTee Tip: Keep it in the car. It’s saved us in every doctor’s waiting room.
Shop it here: https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E
2. Scrabble Junior Board Game
Why it made the list: That’s how she spelled LADYBUG. Start with the simple side where words are already printed. Then flip the board when they’re ready.
NanaTee Tip: Play for M&M’s, not money. One letter = one M&M. They’ll beg to spell.
Shop it here: https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E
3. Learning Resources Cash Register
Why it made the list: This is the “future CEO starter pack.” She counts real quarters from Pawpaw’s jar. She knows a quarter from a dime now.
NanaTee Tip: Buy the extra play money. The register runs out fast when they “make it rain.”
Shop it here: https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E
4. Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Why it made the list: Pawpaw acts out every page. Monkeys, hats, and all. My granddaughter now “sells” me hats from her head. It teaches counting and business.
NanaTee Tip: Read it, then go outside and “sell hats” on the porch. Free entertainment.
Shop it here: https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E
5. Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzles, 4-Pack
Why it made the list: Quiet time. Real quiet time. They’re wooden, so Pawpaw can’t say “that plastic junk broke again.”
NanaTee Tip: Hide one piece. They have to ask politely for it. Manners lesson included.
Shop it here: https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E
WHY I MADE THIS LIST
I’m Tina, a Louisiana Nana from Pearl River. My storefront is NanaTee's Cajun Home: Recipes, Wellness & Gifts.
Every gift on my list is in my grandchildren's houses right now.
I don’t do sponsored posts. If I won’t give it to my grandkids, I won’t link it.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means when you buy your Scrabble Junior through my link, you help me keep these stories and recipes free for everyone. Merci for that.
YOUR TURN, SHA
What’s the best “no batteries” gift you ever gave a grandkid? Tell me in the comments.
Pull up a chair. Let’s raise them smart, not spoiled.
With love and a little Tony’s,
NanaTee
P.S. Shop all 5 gifts here: NanaTee’s Grandkid Gifts That Teach List: https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E
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