Grandparents Day is celebrated yearly to remind us of how significant grandparents are in our lives. This year, National Grandparents Day is on September 8, 2024; it gives us enough reason to express our gratitude for the wisdom, love, and support of the irreplaceable roles our grandparents play in our lives. It is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of September following the Labor Day. Whether you’re looking for simple yet perfect gifts or plan on doing something special, here are a few specific ideas that will make this day memorable for both you and them.

Personalized Gifts

A handmade gift is a touching gesture of appreciation. Think about crafting a scrapbook full of pictures of the family, letters, and small mementos. You can create personalized artwork, for instance, a painting of a favorite place or any place that holds meaning for both of you, or even something as personal as a knitted scarf. This will illustrate how special your grandparents are to you. You could also create a photo album with some pictures taken by the family. Include photos from all aspects of life, showing milestones and other special moments. Another custom and personalized gift you could get would be a necklace or a bracelet with an engraving, such as an inside piece showing a first name or initials, or a birthstone of a particular grandchild. It is something they will keep with them always, as a memento from you. Oftentimes personalized gifts can be the most sentimental and treasured, even if they aren’t expensive or huge, the gesture is where the worth lies. 

Some Other Gifts Ideas Include:

1. Personalized Family Photo Puzzle

2. Engraved Recipe Box with compiled family recipes

3. Homemade Quilt or Blanket

4. Photo Calendar of Family Memories and important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries

5. Personalized Jigsaw Puzzle with Kids’ Art

6. Engraved Keepsake Box with notes and letters from family members

7. Subscription Service-Books, Gourmet Foods, etc.

8. Personalized Wall Art

9. Memory Album with Quotes and Photos of Memories

10. Preloaded Digital Picture Frame

11. Write a letter about how much you value and love them

Some Other Ways To Celebrate Grandparents Day

1. Bring the family together to celebrate 

Arrange for lunch or dinner together and enjoy interacting, laughing, and creating memories. If the issue is distance, you could go virtual by making a video call and include other family members or friends in the celebration.

2. Special Outing

Pamper your elders and take them to a place where they would love to go. This may include some of their favorite places to spend time in their immediate surroundings, like a museum, a park, or even their favorite cafe. Customize this visit according to their preference. Make it enjoyable; above all, it would afford a good opportunity for quality time.

3. Share Family History

Talk about family history with your grandparents to get to know them better. Simply spending time with someone can be one of the most valuable gifts. You can make a family tree with them, or gather the tales from older family members. This might be an important way to connect with the past and acknowledge your grandparents’ legacy.

4. Cook or Bake Together

Prepare a meal or bake some treats. Making a favorite recipe or trying out something new is a very interactive and engaging bonding time to have. Bonus: You get to enjoy an awesome meal together.

5. Movie or Game Night

Have a lazy and easy night for spending your day watching old classic movies or movies that they love, or choose to play their favorite board games that involve interaction and fun.

6. Capture it, Remember it

Document the day with photos or videos so you and your family can look back at the memories you’ve made. 

7. Reflect and Be Grateful

Oftentimes, it’s the small things that we take for granted and the people who are always there for us that we typically forget to show our appreciation towards. A small gesture can make all the difference in someone’s life. Reflect on the impact your grandparents have had in your life and show your appreciation for them.

Grandparent’s Day is not just another calendar holiday, similar to Father’s Day or Mother’s Day it’s an opportunity to celebrate those who’ve helped shape us into who we are today. It is a chance to strengthen and celebrate familial bonds and honor those who care for us and love us. Let’s invest time into those who’ve invested so much time into us, and celebrate family, love, and togetherness. 

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling