Grandparents Day cards 2025

Grandparents Day, celebrated in 2025 on Sunday, September 7, is a heartfelt occasion to recognize the enduring love, wisdom, and support our grandparents provide. It’s a special day set aside to honor the unique bond between generations—a relationship that blends the innocence of youth with the experience of age. One of the most cherished ways to express gratitude and affection on this day is through the exchange of Grandparents Day cards.
While flowers, gifts, and visits are all meaningful gestures, a card holds something particularly powerful—it captures sentiment in words. Whether handwritten or printed, funny or tear-jerking, a Grandparents Day card is a timeless way to say, “I love you,” “I appreciate you,” and “Thank you for everything.”
The Meaning Behind Grandparents Day
Before diving into card ideas and trends for 2025, it’s helpful to understand why this holiday exists. Officially established in the United States in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter, Grandparents Day was championed by Marian McQuade, a West Virginian who advocated for elderly rights and intergenerational bonding.
The purpose of Grandparents Day is threefold:
-
To honor grandparents.
-
To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.
-
To help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.
This day is not just about celebration; it’s about connection. And that’s why the act of giving a card—thoughtful, personal, and often kept as a keepsake—remains so popular.
Trends in Grandparents Day Cards for 2025
In 2025, the landscape of greeting cards is evolving with both digital and traditional options gaining popularity. Here are some key trends you’ll likely see this year:
1. Personalized Photo Cards
Personalized cards featuring family photos are increasingly popular. Online platforms like Shutterfly, Moonpig, and Canva allow users to upload pictures, customize messages, and even design the layout from scratch. Grandparents cherish these visual mementos, especially when they live far away and don’t see their grandchildren often.
2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Cards
With sustainability in mind, many consumers in 2025 are choosing cards made from recycled materials or seeded paper that can be planted. These eco-conscious options send a double message—love for family and love for the planet.
3. Digital and E-Cards
For tech-savvy families or those separated by distance, digital Grandparents Day cards are a convenient and immediate option. Services like Paperless Post, Smilebox, and even personalized GIF or video messages are replacing physical cards for many. Some cards even include interactive features like audio recordings of a child’s voice or animated characters.
4. Handmade Cards
Despite the rise of digital alternatives, handmade cards are making a heartfelt comeback. Children (especially younger ones) often enjoy crafting cards with markers, glitter, stickers, and handprints. These DIY efforts might not be polished, but their authenticity makes them treasured keepsakes for years.
5. Humor and Lighthearted Cards
Not all cards have to be sentimental. Funny cards with jokes about “grandpa naps” or “grandma’s secret cookie stash” are growing in popularity. These lighthearted messages are a great way to bring a smile to your grandparent’s face while still showing you care.
What to Write in a Grandparents Day Card
Struggling with what to say? A meaningful message doesn’t have to be long or poetic—it just has to come from the heart. Here are a few ideas depending on the tone and relationship you have with your grandparent(s):
Sentimental Messages:
-
“Your wisdom, kindness, and unconditional love have shaped my life in ways I’ll never fully be able to express. Thank you for being my guiding light.”
-
“Every story you’ve told, every hug you’ve given, and every cookie you’ve baked is a memory I treasure. I love you, Grandma.”
-
“You’ve been my safe place, my biggest fan, and my source of strength. Happy Grandparents Day!”
Playful or Humorous Notes:
-
“Thanks for spoiling me more than Mom and Dad ever would. You’re the best!”
-
“You’re the only person I know who thinks I’m perfect—so obviously, you’re very wise!”
-
“They say wisdom comes with age. You must be a genius by now!”
Messages from Younger Kids:
-
“I love you, Nana! You give the best hugs!”
-
“Happy Grandparents Day! Thank you for always reading stories to me and making me laugh.”
-
With a drawing of hearts or handprints: “This is my hand, I give it to you, to show you how much I love you!”
Creative Card Ideas for 2025
Looking for inspiration? Here are a few unique ideas for cards this year:
1. “Timeline of Love” Card
Create a card that traces milestones you’ve shared with your grandparents—first sleepover, baking day, vacation, birthday parties, etc. This shows how present and influential they’ve been throughout your life.
2. “Recipe for a Great Grandparent” Card
Use a playful format like a recipe card:
-
1 cup of hugs
-
2 tablespoons of wisdom
-
A dash of silliness
-
Unlimited patience and love
3. “Grandparent Awards” Card
Design a card that gives your grandparent a special award like “Best Storyteller,” “Champion Cookie Baker,” or “Most Huggable.” Bonus points for handmade medals or badges inside!
4. “Reasons I Love You” Accordion Card
Create a fold-out card with a list of 5–10 reasons why your grandparent is amazing. Use drawings, stickers, or photos to decorate each fold.
Where to Find the Best Grandparents Day Cards in 2025
-
Online Retailers: Etsy (handmade/custom), Hallmark.com, Zazzle, and Minted offer both digital and physical cards.
-
Local Stores: Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens typically stock a range of Grandparents Day cards starting in late August.
-
Craft Stores: Michaels and Hobby Lobby are great for DIY card supplies if you’re crafting your own.