Top Ten Must-Haves at Grandma School

When you’re a full-time grandma like me, you quickly learn what works and what doesn’t. Grandma School runs on creativity, messes, and lots of Grandma Gear. Over the years with my grandkids, these ten things have proven to be absolute essentials:

1. A Play Table Instead of a Coffee Table

It took a few years for me to discover how useful this would be. We had a coffee table that I really liked, and I was a bit stubborn about it. Unfortunately, it had sharp edges and I was worried someone would cut their head open if they fell on it. We had to put foam guards around the edges.

A few years ago, my nephew came through town as he and his family were moving to another state. He asked me if I would like a play table that he had built with his grandpa, my dad. His kids had outgrown it. I agreed to take it and am so glad I did!

The table is the height of a coffee table. It is just painted white, nothing fancy. It is built so well, very sturdy, nice smooth rounded edges.

One of my favorite things about this table is the raised edges. Those little borders around the top keep crayons, blocks, puzzle pieces, and all the tiny treasures from sliding right off onto the floor. At Grandma School, that’s a lifesaver. It turns the table into a contained play space—almost like a giant tray—so the kids can spread out their projects without me chasing runaway pieces across the rug. I cannot overstress how helpful this is.

The table opens up and has four sliding tops to choose from all contained inside. There is a chalkboard, and the rest are just painted white. They were meant to have scenes painted on them. You could also make a Lego base, a whiteboard, train tracks, etc. We just keep ours on white. Sometimes my grandson likes to pull out the chalkboard and play with it on its own.

This table was designed by my dad and nephew, but there are a few options available online.

2. Washable Paints and Markers

Take it from me—washable is the only way to go. Kids want color. Bright, bold, every-color-in-the-rainbow kind of color. After enough disasters (the kind that still haunt a few of my walls), I made a firm rule: only washable paints, markers, and crayons come through the door. Thankfully, there’s a huge selection on Amazon, so we’re never short on creative supplies.

3. Silpat Mats and Cookie Sheets

Silpat mats and rimmed cookie sheets are Grandma School essentials. They turn any table into a mess-friendly workspace—perfect for kinetic sand, paints, slime, glue, etc. Everything stays on the tray, and when we’re done, I just lift, rinse, and we’re back to clean in a minute.

I use these in baking too. I don’t use the same ones. For baking my favorites are these. For grandma school a basic cheap set works.

My must have baking silicone mats. These are the best. I don’t use these for playtime.

These are great for Grandma School

My baking sheets. I like them for grandma school because they are sturdy. I use them new for baking, then the old ones go to the grandma gear cabinet.

4. A Water Table and Pump

There’s something about water that keeps kids endlessly entertained. Cups, spoons, and a little pump turn into whole afternoons of fun. The water table was from Costco. It did not come with a pump. Someone suggested that I buy one for it. You can get them on Amazon. Originally they were made for water coolers but they work for playtime too. The one I have now is made for water tables. It’s nice because the hose is attached to the side and not the bottom of the pump. This makes it easier to set up. They are inexpensive and rechargeable. Keeping the water circulating brings an extra layer of fun.

Sometimes I will use the pump inside. My grandson likes like to play in the sink with the running water. This is a good alternative so I don’t waste water and minimize the mess.

Octopus Water Pump on Amazon

5. A Dollhouse

Imagination blooms here. I’ve watched my grandkids create whole worlds, stories, and even arguments between dolls—it’s pure magic. Boys and girls enjoy it equally. I also love a nice set of dolls for the dollhouse. Well made dolls are worth the extra money.

This is the brand of dollhouse dolls that I love. There are several to choose from. Very well made.

Our dollhouse. Great price for the quality

6. Fisher Price Little People

Ah, Little People. The official mascot of Grandma School. My grandson and I go way back with these, and I’ll share more of that story in a future post. I remember the ones I had when I was little, which makes playing with them now feel extra special. There’s just something about these cheerful little figures—they’re sturdy, timeless, and they spark the kind of pretend play kids never tire of. Honestly, I’d buy every set they make. They’re a true Grandma School favorite, and I absolutely love them.

7. Kinetic Sand

Soft, squishy, calming—and it never dries out. Hours of fun, guaranteed. I have many different kinds of sand and rotate through the sets. My biggest recommendation is to not mix the sets together. The sand is made differently and mixing colors or brands just kind of ruins it. It globs together and doesn’t work right.

Do not be afraid of the mess. It is not like real sand. It’s soft and not gritty. It is easy to clean. Trust me on this.

8. Science Experiment Ingredients

This is where the magic happens: white vinegar, glue, Elmer’s Magical Liquid, dish soap, shaving cream, and washable paint. Add a little curiosity, and suddenly you’ve got foam volcanoes, bubbling potions, or the perfect slime. These are the building blocks of science experiments. You can use borax and contact solution in place of the magical liquid.

I like to buy glitter glue for the slime. Sometimes you can find it at the dollar store way cheaper than at craft stores. So much better than adding glitter. Much less mess.

For the shaving cream you want to get unscented foam. Not gel. You can also find this at the dollar store. I don’t have kids play with this until they are at least 3. It is irritating to the skin.

I color the slime with washable paint and not food coloring. Works just as well with less mess.

9. Your Own Gear

I keep my own car seats installed in my car, and it has been a game-changer. I highly recommend the rotating car seats—they make getting infants in and out so much easier, and your back will thank you later. I also keep a booster on hand for when I need it. Right now, I’ve got two car seats permanently set up, ready to go at a moment’s notice. It saves time, stress, and makes every pickup or outing so much easier.

I also have my own strollers, trikes, bikes, etc.

10. Deseret Industries (or Your Local Thrift Store)

Don’t underestimate the thrift store. I’ve found books, toys, costumes, and furniture that have become staples here. Half the fun is the treasure hunt. I have found our local Deseret industries to be the best overall. We have found quite a few treasures there.

The grands love to visit the thrift store. We visit the DI about twice a month.

Grandma School isn’t about perfection—it’s about building a place where the kids feel completely at home, and where I can enjoy the moments too. This list was created with full-time grandmas in mind—the ones caring for grandchildren day in and day out. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”; they’re the essentials that have kept us busy, creative, and happy through the years.

Do you have anything to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!