Becoming a grandma for the first time is one of the biggest moments in a family, and it's easy for her to get lost in all the baby excitement. If you're looking for first time grandma gifts, I'd love to help you find one that means as much to her ten years from now as it does the day she opens it.

Me and my sons build wooden boxes one at a time in our family shop in Murfreesboro, TN. Our Grandma's Magic Box was made for exactly this moment. Below are a few gift ideas, a list of what to tuck inside a grandma keepsake box, and answers to the questions folks ask us most.

First Time Grandma Gift Ideas

Most new grandmas already have plenty of mugs and picture frames. What they don't have is one good place for all the little things that are about to start piling up: the first photos, the birthday cards, and the drawings that come home with "for Grandma" written across the top.

That's why a keepsake box makes such a good first time grandma gift. It's a gift for right now and storage for every memory after. She opens it the day she becomes a grandma, and it fills up a little at a time for years. Personalize the lid with her name or the baby's name and birth date, and it becomes something only she has.

What to Put in a Grandma Keepsake Box

If you'd like to give the box with a few things already inside, here are some ideas:

• The ultrasound photo. Often the very first picture anybody has of the baby.
• A copy of the birth announcement with the baby's name, birth date, weight and length.
• The hospital bracelet (or a copy of it). Small, easy to lose, and one of a kind.
• A tiny first outfit or a pair of baby socks.
• A printed photo of Grandma holding the baby. Phones get replaced; prints in a box don't.
• A letter to Grandma from Mom and Dad, or written "from the baby." It's the part she'll read over and over.
• Room to grow. Leave space for the cards, school pictures and drawings still to come.

A Gift for a New Grandma: Our Grandma's Magic Box

Our Grandma's Magic Box is built by hand from natural Red Oak, Maple or Cherry hardwood, with Gold, Nickel or Antique Brass hinges. You can add a decorative latch or lock, or keep it to hinges only.

• Size: 12" L x 9" W x 4¼" H outside, 11¼" L x 8¼" W x 3½" H inside. Plenty of room for photos, cards and little treasures.
• Engraving: For $10 we'll engrave the lid with Grandma's name, the grandchild's name and birth date, a loving message or a custom image. We design it with you and send a proof before we engrave anything. (Here's how our custom engraving works.)
• Shipping: Free U.S. shipping. It ships 1 to 3 days after you approve the proof, so it's days, not weeks.

Gifts for the Rest of the New Family

Shopping for Mom and Dad too? Our Extra Large Personalized Baby Memory Box (16½" x 10¼" x 4¾" outside) holds the baby's own firsts and can be engraved with birth stats. I wrote more about it in The Most Meaningful New Baby Gift Isn't on Any Registry. And for a different design for Grandma, take a look at our First-Time Grandma Keepsake Box.

Questions Folks Ask

When should I give a first time grandma gift?
Any time feels right. It makes a sweet gift at a baby shower, with a birth announcement, on Mother's Day from the grandkids, or for her birthday or Christmas.

What should I engrave on it?
Grandma's name, the grandchild's name and birth date, a short loving message, or a custom image. Lid and inside-lid engraving are both available. If you're not sure, just ask. We'll help you figure it out and send a proof first.

How big is it?
12" x 9" x 4¼" on the outside and 11¼" x 8¼" x 3½" inside. That's roomy enough for photos, cards and little keepsakes.

How fast does it ship?
We ship from our Tennessee shop 1 to 3 days after you approve your proof, and shipping is free anywhere in the U.S.

Make It Hers

Every box is built here in Tennessee by me and my sons, one at a time, from natural American hardwood. Tell us a little about her and we'll help you make it personal. We'd be honored to build the box that holds her first grandbaby memories.