5 Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day

It’s true that one person is capable of making a difference. Mirian McQuade was a West Virginian housewife when she started a local campaign in 1970 to set aside a special day just for grandparents. She wanted a day set aside to not only honor grandparents, but to give them an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help those children become aware of the strength, heritage, and guidance older people can offer.

Grandparents Day is now celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Maybe your children don’t see their grandparents often, or maybe their grandparents are down the street or in the same house. Either way, this is a great time to acknowledge the wisdom they can bestow upon your children from their many years of experience.

Make an impact on Grandparents Day by honoring them through a range of activities. Here a few of our favorites:

Grandparents’ Activity Jar

Having the chance to spend time with grandchildren is the best gift! If you’re always trying to think of activities the kids can do with their grandparents at the last minute, an activity jar is the perfect craft. Write some of your favorite activities like “read a story,” “snack time,” or “Grandma’s choice!” on pieces of paper, and put them in the jar. Make sure to throw some special treats in the jar, too, like “movie night” or “ice cream sundaes”!

Photo Coaster Gift

Inexpensive bathroom tiles become instant coasters when you layer them with favorite photos and a few layers of Mod Podge. These make terrific gifts for grandparents. The best part? When they entertain guests, bragging rights are only a cup of coffee away.

Hug in the Mail

About four million greeting cards are sent each year on Grandparents Day, so let your child’s stand out! Send them a hug in the mail by carefully cutting out hands and hearts on colored paper, writing a note, and connecting them with a piece of string.

Photo Sign Message

Grandparents love pictures of their grandchildren, but you can add a little something different by having them hold up a sign with “Happy Grandparents Day!” or “I Love My Grandparents!”

Grandparents’ Game Night

If your kids are able to be with their grandparents to celebrate this special day, it would be a great time to play a game or do something fun together. You can simply play a game you’re both familiar with, or let the grandparents teach the kids a classic game that they grew up playing!

Please feel free to share your ideas for celebrating Grandparents Day in the comments section below!

 

This article was originally publish in 2017 and has been edited and republished.