Introduction
In an age of fast-paced change and fleeting digital connections, Grandparents Day offers a rare moment to slow down and reconnect with the roots of family. Whether you’re a parent hoping to instill gratitude in your children, a teacher planning a school-wide tribute, or simply someone wanting to honor the grandparents in your life, this guide will help you celebrate Grandparents Day 2025 in a meaningful and memorable way.
Grandparents Day 2025 falls on Sunday, September 7th in the United States. But beyond the date lies a powerful message: to recognize the wisdom, love, and history that grandparents carry. In this article, you’ll discover the origins of this special day, creative ways to celebrate across generations, and why it matters more than ever. Plus, we’ll highlight tools like Hug Letters that make it easy to share love from any distance.
Let’s dive into the traditions, activities, and unique ways you can make this Grandparents Day one to remember.
When Is Grandparents Day 2025?
Official Date & How It’s Determined
In the United States, Grandparents Day is observed annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day. In 2025, that lands on Sunday, September 7th. This scheduling keeps the holiday tethered to the back-to-school season, aligning naturally with classroom activities and family fall planning.
Comparison to Other Family Holidays
Unlike Mother’s Day and Father’s Day—which are well-established and heavily commercialized—Grandparents Day remains a more modest occasion. But this gives families the opportunity to shape the day with meaning rather than obligation.
Quick Calendar Reference:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Sunday, Sept 7 |
| 2026 | Sunday, Sept 13 |
| 2027 | Sunday, Sept 12 |
Symbols
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Official Flower: Forget-me-not — representing enduring love and memory.
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Official Song: “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill
The History and Meaning Behind Grandparents Day
Origins
The first seeds were planted in 1961 when Jacob Reingold of the Jewish Home for the Aged in New York began promoting recognition for the elderly.
In 1969, a 9-year-old boy named Russell Capper wrote to President Nixon, suggesting a day to honor grandparents. Though the idea was appreciated, it didn’t take off immediately
Marian McQuade’s Campaign
The true champion was Marian McQuade, a West Virginian who spent years advocating for a national holiday. Her goal was not just celebration—but intergenerational awareness and education.
Federal Recognition
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed Grandparents Day into law. The proclamation emphasized family heritage, connection, and honoring the elderly.
Cultural Context
During the 1970s, many Americans were recognizing the effects of ageism and loneliness among older populations. Grandparents Day offered a cultural corrective—a way to affirm the value of elders in society.
Why Grandparents Matter—Emotional & Societal Benefits
Beyond sentiment, scientific research underscores the powerful role grandparents play:
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Emotional Safety Nets: Studies show children with close grandparent bonds experience higher emotional resilience.
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Cultural Transmission: Grandparents pass on traditions, stories, recipes, and a sense of identity.
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Support Systems: For many families, grandparents provide childcare, wisdom, or even financial help.
“When grandparents are involved, children develop a deeper sense of who they are.” — National Institute on Aging
As families become more dispersed and digital, keeping those bonds strong is more important than ever.
Traditions & Symbols
Common Traditions
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Handmade cards or crafts from grandchildren
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Sunday meals or brunch gatherings
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Storytelling sessions, either in person or via video
Symbolic Items
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Forget-me-not flowers in bouquets or artwork
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Photo albums or slideshows celebrating family legacy
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Heritage meals: recreating family recipes or cultural dishes
Music & Song
- Many schools play or sing “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa”, reinforcing its sentimental value.
Celebration Ideas for Families
Spending Quality Time
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Storytime or Memory Lane: Ask grandparents to share their life stories, favorite books, or photos
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Family movie night: Watch their favorite classic together
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Bake together: Recreate old family recipes
Gift Ideas
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DIY crafts: Handprint cards, photo frames, or gratitude jars
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Memory books: Printed with shared moments
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Hug Letters: Our favorite pick—Hug Letters helps families send personalized family newspapers straight to grandparents’ mailboxes, even if they’re far away.
For Long-Distance Grandparents
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Schedule a Zoom call or video montage from the kids
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Mail a Hug Letter with drawings, jokes, and stories
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Set up a shared digital photo album
School & Classroom Celebrations
Event Ideas
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Invite grandparents to school (or Zoom) for interviews
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“Grandfriend” buddy programs where kids adopt a grandparent
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Photo wall: Kids bring pictures of their grandparents and describe them
Crafts & Poetry
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Grandparents acrostic poems
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Thank you cards with illustrations
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Bookmarks made from recycled materials
Templates
Use printable templates to create cards, memory jars, or quote posters. Teachers can download free PDF packs from education blogs or customize their own.
Community & Volunteer Activities
Senior Outreach
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Partner with senior centers or retirement homes for a visit
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Donate time, crafts, or cards
”Adopt-a-Grandparent” Programs
- Some schools and nonprofits organize pen-pal or buddy programs
Planning a Multi-Generational Grandparents Day Event
Logistics
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Send invites early
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Plan seating for mixed generations
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Organize a photo booth area
Themes
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“Through the Decades”: Dress up in grandparents’ era
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“Storytime Picnic”: Blanket seating, storytelling, and games
Sample Agenda
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Welcome & introductions
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Kids’ performances or readings
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Memory sharing activity
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Potluck or catered meal
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Thank-you gift handout
Gift Guide: Thoughtful Presents Grandparents Will Cherish
Sentimental Keepsakes
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Framed family trees
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Custom illustration of the grandkids
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Embroidered pillows with grandchild names
Personalized Mail: Hug Letters
Want something affordable, personal, and lasting? Hug Letters turns your family’s photos and stories into a real printed newspaper mailed to grandparents monthly. It’s a simple, touching way to maintain a connection across distance.
Perfect for:
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Long-distance families
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Non-tech-savvy grandparents
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Creating consistent, meaningful rituals
Quick Takeaways
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Grandparents Day 2025 is on Sunday, September 7
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Celebrate with stories, meals, crafts, and time together
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Schools can engage through poetry, crafts, and interviews
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Forget-me-not flowers and a special song are official symbols
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Use Hug Letters to send personal printed gifts
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Grandparents play key roles in resilience, identity, and joy
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Make it memorable—not material
Conclusion
Grandparents Day may not have the commercial clout of other holidays, but its heart is deeper. It’s a reminder to celebrate the pillars of our families—the ones who hold our histories, our memories, and our deepest comfort. Whether you’re planning a big family event or simply mailing a card, your effort speaks volumes.
This year, go beyond a quick phone call. Tell a story. Ask for one. Bake a recipe from the past. Send a Hug Letter. Because when we honor our grandparents, we honor where we come from—and who we’re becoming.
So mark September 7, 2025 in your calendar—and start planning a celebration full of love, connection, and gratitude.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When exactly is Grandparents Day 2025? A: Sunday, September 7, 2025—the first Sunday after Labor Day.
Q2: Who started Grandparents Day? A: Marian McQuade, a West Virginian grandmother and activist, campaigned for its recognition in the 1970s. It became official in 1978.
Q3: What are meaningful DIY gift ideas? A: Handprint cards, photo books, memory jars, or Hug Letters are great options.
Q4: How can schools celebrate? A: Through classroom crafts, storytelling events, poems, or a virtual grandparent day with songs and interviews.
Q5: What if grandparents live far away? A: Mail a Hug Letter, send a video, schedule a Zoom call, or create a digital album.
About Martin Gouy
Martin is the founder of Hug Letters. Hug Letters is a family newsletter for grandparents. Every month, grandparents receive a heartwarming newspaper with photos and stories from the whole family.