When is National Grandparents Day 2025?

National Grandparents Day in the United States falls on Sunday, September 7, 2025. This date consistently aligns with the observance of the holiday: it always occurs on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday in September. Thus, in 2025, Labor Day is Monday, September 1, making Grandparents Day the following Sunday, September 7.

While some sources (like a listing on IndiaTimes) mention a possible observation on Monday, September 8, 2025, that is inaccurate. The official and widely recognized date remains Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Why This Day? History & Origin

The Campaign Begins

The idea for a day to celebrate grandparents traces back to Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a passionate advocate from West Virginia. Beginning in the early 1970s, she campaigned for a national observance to honor elderly citizens and highlight their importance in communities and families.

Official Proclamation

Then-President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation in 1978 naming Sunday, September 10 of that year as National Grandparents Day, setting the template for future observance. The following year, he formalized it as a recurring national observance to occur each year on the first Sunday following Labor Day.

Symbols & Tradition

• The official flower: the forget-me-not, chosen to symbolize lasting love and remembrance.

• The official song: “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill. A Spanish version (“Una Canción para la Abuela y el Abuelo”) was released in 2024 to reach broader audiences.

Why It Matters

Grandparents play unique roles:

• They are sources of family history, wisdom, and tradition.

• Many offer emotional support, storytelling, and, often, practical help with childcare or family gatherings.

• Research even suggests intergenerational bonds help children build emotional resilience and may contribute to the well-being of grandparents

National Grandparents Day provides a designated time to:

• Acknowledge these contributions.

• Strengthen family bonds.

• Create lasting memories—whether through shared meals, crafts, or heartfelt conversations.

How People Celebrate

Common Ways Across the U.S.

• Schools and communities often organize assemblies, performances, or art and craft activities involving grandparents

• Families gift cards, flowers (especially forget-me-nots), engage in storytelling, or share photo albums

• Where distance separates families, phone calls, video chats, mailed letters, or online albums become especially meaningful.

• Though Sunday isn’t a federal holiday, and many public offices remain closed as usual, most retailers and restaurants in the U.S. remain open on their regular Sunday hours

Gift Ideas for 2025

Country Living recently curated a thoughtful list of gift ideas timed for Grandparents Day on September 7, 2025. These include:

• A Birdfy bird feeder camera for nature-loving grandparents.

• Custom wine tumblers, pop-up flower cards, and a ‘History by Mail’ subscription for nostalgic enjoyment.

• Fun game options like Tiddledy Winks or trivia cards for playful bonding.

• Practical yet charming items like a smart meat thermometer, duck-handled umbrellas, artisanal donuts, or even a hummingbird swing

Calendar Snapshot & Future Dates

The pattern remains steadfast—the day lands on the first Sunday after Labor Day, making it easy to mark ahead on the calendar.

Celebrating in Bangladesh (Local Note)

Interestingly, in Bangladesh, Grandparents Day is observed on September 9, distinct from the U.S. observance. This is highlighted in global celebrations coverage

Summary

• Date in the U.S.: Sunday, September 7, 2025

• Why: It’s set for the first Sunday after Labor Day—a tradition rooted in 1978.

• History: Championed by Marian McQuade and formalized by President Carter.

• Symbols: Forget-me-not flower; Johnny Prill’s “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” (and its Spanish counterpart).

• Meaning: Celebrates the invaluable role of grandparents—bridging generations, fostering resilience and love.

• Activities: From heartfelt conversations to school programs and creative gifts—celebration is personal and meaningful.

• Gift Ideas: From high-tech bird feeder cameras to nostalgic games and heartfelt keepsakes.

• Global Variation: Different countries—including Bangladesh—may mark the day on different calendar dates.