Grandparents Day ideas 2025

Grandparents Day 2025 falls on Sunday, September 7th, and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the love, wisdom, and guidance that grandparents provide. Whether they live nearby or far away, this day is all about honoring their important role in the family. If you’re looking for ideas to make this Grandparents Day truly special, we’ve put together a list of heartfelt, fun, and memorable ways to celebrate — whether in person or virtually.

1. Host a Family Brunch or Dinner

One of the best ways to celebrate Grandparents Day is by gathering the family together for a delicious homemade meal. Cook some of your grandparents’ favorite dishes or prepare a recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Set the table nicely, add some flowers, and perhaps even create a small menu card titled “Grandma & Grandpa’s Favorites.”

Bonus Idea:

Ask each grandchild to prepare a short toast or thank-you speech to read during the meal. These moments become treasured memories.

2. Create a DIY “Why We Love You” Book

A personalized “Why We Love You” book can be a touching and lasting gift. Have each family member contribute a page with a message, drawing, or photo. Kids can add crayon art or funny stories, while adults can write more heartfelt notes.

You can compile this into a scrapbook, or for a more polished look, use online services like Shutterfly or Mixbook to turn it into a printed keepsake.

3. Virtual Celebration for Long-Distance Grandparents

If your grandparents live far away, don’t let the distance stop you from celebrating. Plan a Zoom or FaceTime gathering with all the grandkids. You can play games, share memories, or even host a virtual talent show with kids performing songs, dances, or jokes.

Ideas for a Virtual Grandparents Day:

• Digital slideshow: Create a photo montage of grandkids and family memories.

• Online trivia: Make a quiz about your grandparents’ lives — when they were born, where they grew up, favorite foods, etc.

• Virtual dinner: Coordinate a meal delivery so everyone eats “together” on the call.

4. Memory Jar or Box

Ask everyone in the family to write down one favorite memory they have with Grandma or Grandpa and place it in a jar or decorative box. These can be read aloud on Grandparents Day or kept for your grandparents to open one by one over time.

5. Grandparent Interview or Story Time

Take some time on Grandparents Day to sit down and record your grandparents sharing stories from their lives — childhood, career, family traditions, or how they met. These oral histories are precious and can be passed down through generations.

You could also have them read a favorite book or story on video for the younger grandkids. This creates a lasting memory and something little ones can re-watch anytime.

6. Plant a Garden Together

If your grandparents enjoy gardening, spend the day planting flowers, herbs, or even a small tree together. It’s a meaningful activity that symbolizes growth and legacy — and every time they see it, they’ll remember your special time together.

If in-person isn’t an option, send a potted plant or a mini herb garden kit with a personalized note.

7. Create a Custom Calendar or Photo Album

Gather photos from the past year (or even decades) and create a custom 2026 calendar featuring family birthdays, anniversaries, and special moments. Sites like Snapfish or Vistaprint make it easy to design and print.

Alternatively, a traditional photo album filled with printed pictures and handwritten notes makes for a cherished keepsake.

8. Plan a “Grandparent-Grandchild Day” Adventure

Instead of just one day of celebration, schedule a future date where grandparents and grandkids can spend quality time doing a fun activity together — a museum visit, baking day, mini-golf, or a craft workshop.

You can present this as a “gift certificate” on Grandparents Day, complete with details and a promise to enjoy the day together soon.

9. Craft Together

Crafting is a wonderful way to bond and create something memorable. Here are a few ideas:

• Handprint art: Grandchild’s handprint next to the grandparent’s.

• Customized mugs or tote bags: Decorate with paints or markers.

• Memory collage: Use old photos, tickets, and small souvenirs.

Crafting is especially fun with younger kids and makes for meaningful keepsakes.

10. Write a Poem or Song

Encourage kids (or write one yourself) to compose a poem or song about their grandparents. It doesn’t have to be perfect — what matters is the personal touch. You can perform it live or record it and send it via email or a printed card.

11. Game Night with a Twist

If your grandparents enjoy board games or cards, plan a special game night. Add a fun twist: let them teach you a game they loved as kids or introduce them to a new game you enjoy.

For remote families, try online games like:

• Scrabble GO

• Words with Friends

• Tabletop Simulator for classic board games

12. Give the Gift of Time

Sometimes, the best gift is simply time spent together. Offer to help with something they need — fixing things around the house, organizing photo albums, or running errands.

You can even gift a “time coupon book” with vouchers like:

• “One free house chore”

• “Afternoon walk and talk”

• “Movie night — your choice!”

13. Attend a Community Event

Many local communities and churches host Grandparents Day events such as picnics, story hours, or concerts. Check your local calendar and plan to attend with your grandparents — it’s a great way to celebrate with others.

14. Donate or Volunteer in Their Honor

If your grandparents are passionate about a cause or charity, consider donating or volunteering in their name. You can involve the whole family and make it a new Grandparents Day tradition.

15. Bake Together

Nothing beats the smell of cookies or pies baking in the oven. Choose a family recipe and bake it together. If that’s not possible, send them a baking kit with ingredients and a note that says, “Let’s bake this together over video!”