A family planned a sweet and unique surprise for their crafting-loving grandma by buying her every item she touched in a gift shop.
Tonja Cottingham, 69, from North Port, Florida, was on a trip with her daughter, granddaughter and grandson in Venice, Florida, when the wholesome surprise played out.
Tonja loves visiting the beach, collecting seashells and making crafts out of them, her granddaughter Samantha Williams, 27, said, and one of her favorite things to do is to visit small stores and thrift shops with her family.
While walking around Sea Pleasures & Treasures in Venice, Samantha and her brother, Nick, 28, came up with the idea of secretly recording Tonja and purchasing every item she touched as a gift.
With Tonja “in her element,” Samantha and Nick purchased the likes of shells and gifts, before waiting to present them to her at breakfast.
In a sweet video, Samantha then captured Tonja’s beaming reaction as Nick presented her with the gifts, before an excited Tonja told her grandkids and daughter, Amanda, 49, what she likes about each one.
Samantha later shared the videos on social media, where one post received more than a quarter of a million views.
The 27-year-old said it was uplifting to see the video receive such a positive response, and she hopes such surprises can now become a trend for loved ones.
Samantha said: “She lives in Florida – she loves the beach, collecting seashells, and making crafts out of them.
“While walking around the store with our grandma, my brother came up with the idea of buying everything she touched as a thoughtful and funny Mother’s Day gift.
“I thought that this would make a cute video, so I filmed as we grabbed everything she touched.
“It felt so nice to make her feel loved and appreciated. She deserves the love and care that she gives to everyone around her.
“She is such a special person and a one-of-a-kind grandma.
“It was a wholesome moment.
“I hope others take the time to appreciate their grandmas in a unique way like this.
“I think that gift-giving feels more special if you think outside the box.
“I’d love to see this video become a trend.”
