For grandparents not as well-heeled, Toys R Us has begun a gift registry. Kids can register their toy wish list free and make it available through all 680 Toys R Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. Annual lists of gift ideas and individualized registries help take the guesswork out of gift-giving. But for making sure holiday presents really hit the mark, there's no substitution for good old-fashioned communication. But it happens.
Parents sometimes see their kids' gifts promoting values inconsistent with what they teach.
Parents sensitive to traditional gender roles might bristle at a daughter getting a doll or a son getting a toy truck. Pacifist parents might take offense to a gift of a toy gun. To prevent hard feelings, you can disburse parent-approved gift lists from the kids. Better yet, grandparents can talk with parents and grandchildren about what the grandchildren need and want. For grandparents who don't have much exposure to their grandchildren, such discussions provide a chance to talk with the kids about their pursuits and interests.