An indirect object is one of those grammar pieces that seems confusing, but I can explain it in a simple way.
The trick is to see the connection between an indirect object and a prepositional phrase.
Here is a sentence with a prepositional phrase using the preposition to:
I gave my cookie to Grandma.
The prepositional phrase is to Grandma.
The preposition is to. The object of the preposition is Grandma.
Now let’s take Grandma – the object of the preposition – and make her an indirect object.
I gave Grandma my cookie.
All we did was take away the preposition to and put Grandma right after the verb gave.
Grandma is now the indirect object.
Sam told a secret to his mom.
Sam told his mom a secret.
We showed our new car to the neighbors.
We showed the neighbors our new car.
Dad brought flowers to Mom.
Dad brought Mom flowers.
Here are more examples. Each of these sentences has a prepositional phrase using the preposition to:
I gave the toys to Mom.
I showed the box to my friend.
I brought the book to the librarian.
I handed the hammer to Dad.
I told the secret to Betty.
Now we’ll use the same sentences, but we’ll take away the prepositional phrase.
Move the object of the preposition – Mom – to follow the verb. Mom becomes an indirect object.
I gave Mom the toys.
I showed my friend the box.
I brought the librarian the book.
I handed Dad the hammer.
I told Betty the secret.
Remember – anytime you have a prepositional phrase using the preposition to, you can change the object of the preposition into an indirect object. An indirect object is always a noun.