If you’re looking for some last-minute Crhristmas gifts that can add a few more goodies under the tree, I’ve got a sweet, sentimental idea for you. It costs nothing (well, maybe a few cents), and it might just end up being the favorite gift of the year.

This year I’m asking each of my kids to write a personal letter to their grandparents.

They’re illustrating their letters and using their best handwriting. Bonus points for cursive — because, grandparents.

Related: 12 cool DIY Christmas gifts from the kids, for parents, grandparents, teachers and friends

For my teens, who sometimes aren’t as talkative as their grandparents would hope, this will be especially meaningful. If you have younger kids, allow them to narrate a letter that you can write out, word for word.

For my own kids, I left the “assignment” pretty open ended but provided them with some writing prompts:
     -What was your favorite memory with your grandparent this year?
     -What’s your favorite Christmas tradition with your grandparent?
     -What do you love most about your grandparent?

If you can’t hand the letter to the grandparents in person on Christmas, or make mail delivery in time, take a good quality photo of the letter and e-send it to them for now — but be sure to follow up with the real deal.

Taking the time for a heartfelt message like this will mean so much to the grandparents, and I can’t wait to see their faces when they read their notes. Who knows, maybe we’ll even gift them in a festive scrapbook so that my kids can add to the collection each year.

Photo at top by Raphael Jeanneret on Pixabay