Grandparents Day 2025: How to Celebrate and Honour Your Grandparents

Grandparents Day is a heartwarming occasion that celebrates the invaluable role grandparents play in our lives. It's a day to honor their wisdom, love, and the unique bond you share with them. Whether it's through stories, traditions, or simply their comforting presence, grandparents enrich our lives in countless ways.

What is Grandparents Day in the USA?

Originating in 1978 through a proclamation by President Jimmy Carter, Grandparents Day was created to recognise the importance of families and encourage stronger connections across generations. 

Today, families often celebrate with gatherings, shared meals, and simple gestures like handwritten letters, personalised gifts, or outings that create lasting memories. Although it is an observance holiday rather than a public one, meaning it doesn’t typically include a day off work, its purpose remains clear: to pause and honour the love, wisdom, and guidance of grandparents.

When do we celebrate Grandparents Day?

You celebrate Grandparents Day on the first Sunday after Labor Day each year. In 2025, this falls on September 7. The date may change annually, but the purpose remains constant.
The Forget-Me-Not: Symbolism and Significance

This year, the forget me not has been chosen as the official flower of Grandparents Day, symbolising love, respect, and the promise to remember and honour our grandparents
Planting or gifting these blooms on the day offers a lasting tribute, a gentle way of saying “you will never be forgotten.” Beyond their charm, forget-me-nots are a living reminder to treasure the wisdom of older generations and to keep family stories and traditions alive for years to come.

Why should I celebrate?

Grandparents Day is more than a date on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to show appreciation for the people who have shaped your family’s story. Taking time to celebrate helps strengthen bonds, create memories, and show gratitude for their love and guidance.

Even the smallest of gestures can make grandparents feel truly valued. These moments not only brighten their day but also pass on family traditions, stories, and values to younger generations.
Celebrating also has a positive impact on well-being. Regular contact and shared activities boost happiness and create a sense of belonging for everyone involved. In short, Grandparents Day is about honouring the past while nurturing connections for the future.

How to celebrate Grandparents day

Celebrating Grandparents Day involves meaningful interactions that strengthen family ties. Consider the following activities:

• Plan a family gathering: Organize a family reunion or dinner. Invite extended family members to share stories and create lasting memories together
• Create personalized gifts: Make handmade gifts such as photo albums or scrapbooks. Include pictures and notes that reflect cherished moments
• Write heartfelt letters: Write letters expressing your appreciation. Share specific memories and qualities you admire about your grandparents
• Host a game night: Organize a game night featuring board games or card games that all generations can enjoy together. Engage in friendly competition and laughter
• Attend local events: Participate in community activities organized for Grandparents Day. Look for events like picnics, fairs, or storytelling sessions that promote connection
• Cook their favorite meal: Prepare a meal featuring your grandparents' favorite dishes. Involve them in the cooking process to share recipes and traditions
• Go on an outing: Plan a day trip to a local park, museum, or botanical garden. Spend quality time enjoying each other's company in a new environment
• Share a hobby: Engage in a favorite hobby of your grandparents, like gardening or crafting. This shared experience fosters bonding and knowledge transfer
• Host a virtual get-together: If distance prevents an in-person celebration, set up a video call. Share stories, play games, or have a virtual dinner together.

These thoughtful gestures show appreciation and honor the role of grandparents in your life. Make Grandparents Day a time for reflection, gratitude, and joy.

Grandparents Day Gifts

You don’t always need to buy a present — often, your time is the most meaningful gift of all. Simply sharing a meal, going for a walk, or sitting down for a long chat can mean more than anything you could wrap.

But if you’d like to show your appreciation with something physical, here are some thoughtful ideas:

• Personalised keepsakes: Photo albums, framed family pictures, or a scrapbook filled with special memories.

Personalized Fishing Photo Album

• Experience-based gifts: A day out at a museum, theatre, or spa — experiences often mean more than objects.

Special Lavender Spa Gift Set

• Handmade tokens: Baked goods, crafts, or a handwritten letter can feel deeply personal and heartfelt.

Fresh Baked Jumbo Cookies

• Practical gifts: Cosy blankets, favourite books, or hobby supplies like gardening tools or knitting yarn.

Embroidered Navy Sherpa Blanket

Whatever you choose, whether it’s your presence or a present, the key is showing love and appreciation in a way that feels genuine.

Why Grandparents Day Matters

Grandparents Day is a reminder to pause and cherish the people who give families their roots and wisdom. Whether through a heartfelt gift, a family gathering, or a simple phone call, the day is about celebrating the love and guidance grandparents bring into our lives.

Take the opportunity to make them feel valued because while Grandparents Day is once a year, the impact of their presence lasts a lifetime.