Often we can worry a lot about how our gifts for Christmas will be received. We just hope our children and spouse like what we got them and don’t have to put on an Oscar-worthy performance, hiding their true feelings. However, what we sometimes forget is, gifts matter to the older generation too. Have you ever thought about what grandad might want? It’s tough shopping for elderly people because we tend to think they wouldn’t like the kinds of gifts we normally buy. However, it’s not really all that difficult. Just think about the categories in which you shop, and then date them back a few decades. If you’re buying someone a particular gift, how could you do something similar for your grandparents? Something simple and that reminds them of how things used to be would be great. But grandads like to have fun too, they like to enjoy the finer things in life, just like your children.

Creating a model

They say aviation had its golden years after the war. During the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s are when jet aircraft really started to become more and more advanced. They were also, not so tied down with aerodynamic desires so they were also much more beautiful. No doubt your grandparents have a memory of two, of the kinds of airplanes they saw with their own eyes. That’s why you should buy a model aircraft kit for your grandad this Christmas. It’s a hark back to his days when he witnessed the jet age. It’s great fun because a model aircraft kit is similar to a puzzle. It requires patience and dedication but at the end of it, there’s a big reward. In fact, the reward is even greater because the model aircraft can be hung from ceilings or displayed in cabinets.

Try to be subtle when asking your grandad what kinds of aircraft he likes from his younger days. You may find that he likes fighter jets more than passenger airliners. On the other hand, he may be infatuated with World War Two aircraft such as the Spitfire, Tempest, P51 Mustang, Messerschmitt, etc. When you find out exactly what he likes and holds as his most fond memory, go onto Airfix to find the model.

A touch of class

Back in the old days, trains were the most advanced form of transport. Even the earliest jet liners weren’t as advanced as some of the trains that were skipping around the country. In fact, the jets were much simpler, with far fewer moving parts.

Trains, on the other hand, were still using steam power with many pistons, camshafts, gears and pressure valves all working at the same time to produce monumental amounts of horsepower. So, to take your grandad back to those days where travelling on trains was a classy thing to do with these model trains. These classic models many of which are from the 50s. Able to hit 75 mph in their heyday, there’s something so elegant about these somewhat antique machines. They also have 60s models which slowly began using diesel-powered engines. You can see the evolution of the trains from being blocky to much more streamlined and sleek while moving through the air.

Sleek and fast

The Le Mans racing event has never been as huge as it was during the 50, 60s and 70s. It was a time when aerodynamics was just starting to become the most important factor in car design. It was also when racing cars began to punch through 200mph down the straight. If your grandad remembers these days of GT racing, then you should give him a classic car model kit for Christmas. It’s easily one of the more fun things to build when it comes to model kits. It’s simple, easy and doesn’t have too many fiddly bits. These cars were sleek and fast. They were also the most beautiful cars ever created, some might say. Pick from the Jaguar D-type, Ferrari GTO, Aston Martin, Bentley and Porsches. All kinds of manufacturers took part in these events, so you have quite the selection of model kits to choose from.

Christmas is about the simple things and enjoying what you love to do. So, give your grandad a present that he will love to put together himself. Whether it’s model trains you can put on an electric track to play with, a model airplane of a fighter jet, or perhaps a 200mph sleek Le Mans racing car that can be fitted together, it’s a blast from the past that will play up to fond memories.

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