Grandparents' Day Ideas: Make Memories That Last
Create Grandparents Day memories that your grandchildren will treasure forever instead of letting it become just another forgotten holiday. These meaningful activities build deeper connections while sharing your legacy in ways that stick.
It's almost here: Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the US and the second Sunday of September in Canada. It's the ideal day to focus on the special place grandparents hold in families and communities. If you are looking for ways to celebrate Grandparents Day, we've got some ideas for you!
When is Grandparents Day celebrated?
Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the United States and the second Sunday of September in Canada.
Let's get this out of the way: yes, Grandparents Day is a real holiday. It's officially recognized in several countries. In the US, it's celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, and in Canada it falls on the second Sunday of September. That means that in years when Labor Day falls on September 1 in the US, the two countries celebrate on different weeks. In 2008, the UK deemed the first Sunday in October as Grandparents Day, though it's not widely acknowledged. Several other countries have similar days to honor grandparents.
Grandparents Day Quick Facts
- US Date: First Sunday after Labor Day
- Canadian Date: Second Sunday in September
- Official Flower: Forget-me-nots
- Created: 1978 by President Jimmy Carter
- Purpose: Honor grandparents and connect generations
What's the purpose of Grandparents Day?
Grandparents Day is a national holiday designed to honor grandparents and help children recognize the wisdom and guidance older generations offer.
The US statute creating the holiday states that the purpose of Grandparents Day is "...to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer".
Clearly, the way to recognize the day depends on who's doing the planning. If you are a parent looking for ways to celebrate the grandparents in your child's life, you can make the celebration as big or small as you want. If your family goes in for big celebrations for Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, make Grandparents Day another chance to share a meal or send flowers. Depending on the age of your child, a handmade card or special outing together will always be appreciated.
For grandparents, the second part of the proclamation is the one that is most important. Grandparents Day is the opportunity for grandparents to show your love for your children's children. Even better, you can do this while sharing your interests, knowledge, and guidance.
Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to do that all year long. So what should you do to make Grandparents Day special? Think of it as the perfect day to emphasize the unique relationship you have with your grandchild.
What's the history behind Grandparents Day?
Grandparents Day was created in the United States through the efforts of Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife and grandmother of 40 grandchildren. She began lobbying for the holiday in the 1970s, believing that grandparents deserved recognition for their contributions to families and that younger generations needed to learn from their wisdom. President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation making it official in 1978. McQuade chose forget-me-nots as the official flower of Grandparents Day, symbolizing true love and faithful memories.
What activities work best for Grandparents Day?
Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to show love and share guidance all year long. So what should you do to make Grandparents Day special? Think of it as the perfect day to emphasize the unique relationship you have with your grandchild.
If you have the chance to spend the day with your grandchild, make it a day that centers on spending quality time with one another. It doesn’t need to be anything special as long as you are focused on being together.
Here are meaningful activities to do together on Grandparents Day:
Look through photo albums and share stories about your own grandparents
Plan a craft or project like building a birdhouse, painting pictures, or making bread
Take them for a ride in a car you restored or on your favorite hike
Teach them a skill like crocheting, fly-tying, or piano
Plan a special outing to botanical gardens, tide pools, or a historic home
Make it multi-generational if your own parents are still living
Connection Sparks offers dozens of meaningful activities designed to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories with your grandchildren. Creating something with someone else is an invitation to share your thoughts with one another. Passing on your values and wisdom happens in small moments like these.
Use Grandparents’ Day as a time to introduce your grandchild to something that is important to you. Give them a piano lesson, or introduce them to your favorite kid-friendly video game. Try for outings that leave plenty of room for sharing family stories, like a trip to a botanic garden or the tide pools. Take a train ride to a nearby city for ice cream, or visit a historic home.
How to celebrate Grandparents Day long distance
If you can't be together, try to arrange a virtual Grandparents' Day commemoration. Ask them to help you draw a family tree, and tell them stories about the people on all the branches. Or send them a special Grandparents' Day letter, talking about what it means to you to be their grandparent. Tell them about your own grandparents, as well.
For grandparents who want to create keepsake messages that grandchildren will treasure for years to come, Grandparent Love Letters provides beautiful templates and guidance for writing meaningful notes that capture your heart and wisdom in words.
Why sharing family stories matters on Grandparents Day
No matter what you do, share stories.
Why do we keep telling you to share your family stories? It’s about far more than entertaining your grandchildren. According to research, children and adolescents who know more of their family history have higher self-esteem, higher social and academic competence, and fewer behavior problems. Passing on knowledge isn’t the important part. The stories themselves connect generations and provide children with a sense of self and belonging.
How do other countries celebrate grandparents?
While the US and Canada celebrate in September, other countries have their own traditions. France celebrates Grandmother's Day in March and Grandfather's Day in October. Poland honors Grandmother's and Grandfather's Day in January. In many countries, the day focuses on family meals, sharing stories, and exchanging small gifts. The common thread worldwide is the emphasis on honoring the wisdom and love that grandparents bring to families.
What makes Grandparents Day celebrations meaningful?
The most meaningful celebrations aren't about elaborate plans or expensive gifts. They're about connection, attention, and the gift of your time. Whether you're playing a simple card game, cooking together, or just talking on the porch, what matters most is that you're fully present with your grandchild.
The beauty of Grandparents' Day is that it gives you permission to be intentional about your relationship. It's a reminder to slow down, put away distractions, and focus on what really matters: the bonds you're building with the next generation.
How does Grandparents Day help build family legacy?
You have the chance to be a major influence on your grandchildren. You can be both a positive role model and source of inspiration for them. Grandparents' Day is the perfect time to highlight and celebrate your relationship, so why not make it a special day starting this year?
Then keep nurturing the relationship all year, and see what amazing humans your grandchildren become.
Frequently asked questions about Grandparents Day
Is it Grandparents Day or Grandparents' Day? The official spelling is "Grandparents Day" without an apostrophe, according to the original 1978 presidential proclamation that established the holiday.
Is Grandparents Day a federal holiday? Grandparents Day is nationally recognized but not a federal holiday, meaning government offices and banks remain open.
What gifts are appropriate for Grandparents Day? The most meaningful gifts focus on time and connection rather than expensive items. Photo albums, handmade cards, or planning a special activity together are perfect.
How do you explain Grandparents Day to young children? Tell them it's a special day to celebrate grandparents and show them how much we love and appreciate everything they do for our family.