Becoming a grandparent is a joyous occasion worth celebrating. Discover heartfelt ways to congratulate the new grandparents in your life and make their experience even more special.

A few years ago on Christmas, my son and his wife gathered my husband, my daughters and me together in my mother’s dining room. My head was swimming with the overstimulation of nearly 30 people and several dogs celebrating the holiday. So when my son summoned us to the dining room, it didn’t even occur to me to wonder what was going on. When they handed us an ultrasound picture, I was completely and totally surprised.

And I was thrilled. Thrilled that my son was going to be a father. Some people are just born nurturers, and he is one. I had no doubt that he and his wife were going to be the best parents in the world. I was so excited for them!

I didn’t realize it was normal to congratulate grandparents, so I was again surprised when I showed the ultrasound picture to my sisters. They congratulated me. 

That was when I realized that in addition to my son becoming a father, I was going to be a grandmother!  I had barely even considered what being a grandparent would mean, since I was still a full-time parent. I wasn’t expecting congratulations for my new status—after all, it wasn’t due to any achievement of my own.

The word “congratulate” is defined by Merriam-Webster as a way “to express vicarious pleasure to (a person) on the occasion of success or good fortune.” And what is being a grandparent, if not a vicarious pleasure? We congratulate new grandparents because we are excited that they will have a new person to love and dote upon. When it is someone who we know has been longing for grandchildren, our pleasure for them is even deeper and more sincere.

If you are wondering how to congratulate grandparents, it’s easy. A simple spoken “Congratulations! I’m so happy for your family!” is plenty. If you want to send a card or note, here are some ideas for what to say:

1. "Congratulations on your new role as grandparents! Wishing you countless moments of joy and laughter."

2. "Welcome to the wonderful world of grandparenthood! Your family's love has just grown exponentially."

3. "Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! Your grandchild is so lucky to have you in their life."

4. "Your family tree just got a beautiful new branch. Congratulations on becoming grandparents!"

5. "Wishing you all the joys of a new baby without the 3 a.m. feedings. Congratulations!"

6. "Congratulations on your promotion to grandparents! It's the best job you'll ever have."

7. "Your hearts just got a little bigger. Congratulations on welcoming your new grandchild!"

8. "Here's to a new chapter filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Congratulations, new grandparents!"

9. "Congratulations on becoming grandparents! Get ready for a whole new level of love you never knew existed."

Gifts for new grandparents are never necessary. However, you may want to mark the occasion for a close friend or relative.  Here are some gifts that new grandparents love getting.

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A necklace with the baby’s birth month flower, like this one from Uncommon Goods.

A tote bag packed with small necessities for outings with their grandchild. 

A book on modern grandparenting, like Nanaville by Anna Quindlan or Unconditional Love by Jane Isay.

A digital frame to display all those pictures of the new grandbaby.

A scarf that acknowledges their importance to your family

A Grandma’s keepsake box and journal set to record their memories. Here’s one for Grandpa.

A complete guide to their new role: New Grandparent Essentials

A necklace that proclaims their new status

It's tempting to shower a new baby with gifts. However, it's best to give these directly to the parents. Giving baby gifts to grandparents might send the wrong message, or make parents upset. It could also create confusion about caregiving responsibilities.

Instead, focus on celebrating the grandparents' new role. Let them enjoy the experience without managing baby supplies. If you want to give something for the baby, give it to the parents. They can decide how to use or store items based on their needs.

Grandparent showers are a newish trend that some parents are strongly against, so tread carefully before organizing one. You can read more about grandparent showers here.

Sharing your experiences is the most meaningful way to celebrate a new grandparent. Your insights can provide valuable guidance and support. You might want to:

• Share stories about your own experiences navigating new family dynamics.

• Share tips on respecting boundaries with new parents.

• Suggest ways to create special bonds with grandchildren.

• Offer strategies for balancing grandparent duties with personal life.

This approach not only celebrates their new role but also builds a supportive community. Sometimes, simply listening to their hopes and concerns is enough. Your wisdom is more valuable than any material gift. It's the gift of experience and support.

Welcoming a new grandchild is a occasion that deserves recognition. Whether you choose to send a thoughtful card, give a meaningful gift, or share your own wisdom, your support will mean the world to new grandparents.

Remember, the grandparent journey is filled with both joys and challenges. After you’ve congratulated the new grandparents, make sure you send them to More Than Grand! We offer resources and advice to help grandparents make the most of this precious time in their lives.