Grandparents Day celebration ideas 2025

Grandparents hold a special place in our hearts. They are the ones who spoil us with love, share timeless wisdom, and connect us to our roots. That’s why Grandparents Day, celebrated in the United States on the first Sunday after Labor Day (September 7th in 2025), is such a meaningful occasion. It’s a time to honor and appreciate the older generation in our families and communities.

If you’re wondering how to celebrate Grandparents Day in 2025 in a way that is thoughtful, memorable, and inclusive, here are creative and heartfelt ideas for spending quality time with grandparents—whether you’re near or far.

1. Host a Grandparents Day Brunch or Dinner

Food brings families together, and there’s no better way to show appreciation than by sharing a meal. Invite your grandparents over for a special home-cooked brunch or dinner. Decorate the space with family photos, floral centerpieces, and handmade “We Love You” cards from the grandkids.

Menu ideas:

• Grandma’s favorite casserole

• Grandpa’s go-to dessert

• Pancake or waffle bar for brunch

• A classic Sunday roast or BBQ

If they can’t come in person, consider delivering a meal to their home or hosting a virtual dinner via Zoom or FaceTime.

2. Create a Family Memory Book or Scrapbook

Take some time to create a family memory book with your grandparents. This can be a collaborative project where everyone contributes photos, family stories, recipes, letters, and mementos. It’s not only a fun activity, but it also becomes a cherished keepsake for generations to come.

Supplies you’ll need:

• Photo prints

• Scrapbook or binder

• Pens, stickers, and glue

• Printable memory prompts like “My favorite childhood memory is…” or “When I met Grandma…”

You can also use digital tools like Canva or Shutterfly to create a printed photo book if you prefer a modern version.

3. Plan a Fun Day Out

Depending on your grandparents’ mobility and interests, plan a fun outing to a place they enjoy. Some ideas include:

• Visiting a botanical garden or local park

• Taking a scenic drive and stopping for ice cream

• Attending a concert, play, or church event

• Visiting a museum, especially those with senior discounts

• Going fishing or birdwatching

Be sure to factor in accessibility and comfort, and don’t overbook the day—sometimes a slow-paced walk or picnic can be more enjoyable than a packed schedule.

4. Record Their Stories with a “Grandparents Interview”

Turn Grandparents Day into a storytelling session. Ask them about their childhood, how they met, their first job, or what life was like when they were your age. Record these stories using your phone or camera.

You can even turn this into a video project with clips and photos for a documentary-style tribute.

Sample questions:

• What were your parents like?

• What games did you play as a child?

• How did you meet your spouse?

• What was your favorite holiday growing up?

• What advice would you give your younger self?

These memories are priceless, and capturing them will mean so much in years to come.

5. Make a “Grandparent Appreciation Jar”

This is a simple and heartfelt DIY gift idea. Have each family member write messages of love, gratitude, or memories on small slips of paper. Place them in a decorated jar or box and give it to your grandparents to open one by one.

Message prompts:

• “I love when you…”

• “Thank you for teaching me…”

• “One of my favorite memories with you is…”

This gift can last for weeks or months, especially if they read one message a day.

6. Bake Together or Share Recipes

If your grandparents love to cook or bake, spend the day in the kitchen with them. Choose one of their favorite recipes—or better yet, learn a secret family recipe together. Grandparents often take pride in passing down culinary traditions.

If you’re apart, schedule a video call and bake “together” virtually. Have all the ingredients ready ahead of time and follow the recipe step by step. It’s a cozy and delicious way to connect across the miles.

7. Send a Personalized Grandparents Day Gift

If you can’t be together in person, send a meaningful gift. Here are some popular options for 2025:

• Customized photo calendars featuring family memories

• Personalized jewelry with grandkids’ initials or birthstones

• Digital picture frames that you can update remotely with new photos

• Subscription boxes like book clubs, puzzles, tea, or snacks

• Memory journals designed for grandparents to fill out over time

Don’t forget a handwritten letter or drawing from the grandkids—it adds a personal touch that store-bought gifts can’t match.

8. Plan a Grandparents Day Game Night

Turn Grandparents Day into a family game night! Choose games that are fun and easy for all ages, like:

• Bingo

• Uno

• Dominos

• Yahtzee

• Charades

• Trivia about family members or history

You can even make your own trivia game with questions like “Who was born first—Dad or Aunt Sara?” or “Which grandchild used to carry a teddy bear everywhere?”

If you’re celebrating virtually, there are online versions of many classic games available.

9. Craft Together

Arts and crafts are great for bonding, especially with younger grandchildren. Try simple projects like:

• Painting picture frames

• Making bookmarks

• Creating beaded bracelets

• DIY birdhouses or wind chimes

• Grandparent-grandchild handprint art

You can find kits online or use supplies you already have at home. The goal is to enjoy the time together and make something special.

10. Give Back in Their Honor

For grandparents who enjoy acts of service, consider making a charitable donation or volunteering in their name. You could:

• Donate to a cause they care about

• Plant a tree in their honor

• Volunteer at a local senior center or food bank

• Assemble care packages for nursing home residents

Include a card that explains the gift and why you chose it—it can be incredibly touching.