What gaming gear would give a grandpa the best value for gaming?

The growing GRAY economy is driven by those over 50, many of whom are well up the property ladder, well into their careers, or even retired with a nice pension. In recent years there has been a tendency for these people to become SKIers, which has nothing to do with sliding down snow-capped mountains, but rather spending the children’s inheritance!

This often means releasing the equity tied up in the property to avoid paying inheritance tax. While some of this money is just spent on hedonistic cruises, or the purchase of the car, camper or yacht of your dreams, for your retirement, a good proportion goes to your children and your children’s children, as a early gift, or possibly even to offset any little pangs of guilt as they set sail for the Caribbean.

What better way than to create a beautiful play area for your grandchildren, in your garden, or even in your grandparents’ garden. This has the hidden benefits of attracting the kids to come (every day is like a holiday), or possibly inviting the whole family while you’re on your cruise, to house sit for you.

However, it’s always important to get good value for your hard earned pounds and by this, I don’t mean buying cheap, often a false economy, but in terms of play value, which can be expressed in terms like, “more bang for your buck”, or more importantly, maximum, long-term use and enjoyment. Perhaps “more smiles for your pound” would be a better phrase.

The best play value almost certainly comes from buying a good quality trampoline, the largest size you can afford. The frames usually have a 10-year guarantee and it is a long-term investment, which children can use from the age of 2 or 3 to adulthood. It will be great for having fun, excellent aerobic exercise, sharing with friends and neighbors, and even trying it out for yourself.

A well-built mid-range 12ft all-in-one package of trampoline, safety enclosure, access ladder and winter cover will set you back around £300. Not a bad 10 year investment! If you buy yours from a reputable local dealer, you should be able to replace any damaged soft furnishings (pads and safety nets, etc.). This can be more difficult with a Superstore, or a cheap internet purchase, as it gets a couple of years into its lifespan.

If money and space are less of an issue, a good versatile home climbing frame with swings and slide can be bought for between £750 and £1500 quite easily and will provide many years of good fun, exercise and physical development. and imagination at the same time. It would be hard not to see such an investment being very popular with your children and your children’s children. You’ll also have the benefit of being able to expand and update it as “Jack and Jessica” grow and need more features to keep them active and involved. This also gives you the opportunity to add future Christmas and birthday gifts that will last longer than the 12 days of Christmas.

So if you have some extra money, by all means, indulge in that dream you’ve always wanted, but after that, get the benefit of watching your grandkids have fun.