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If there is one thing we have been reminded of over the last year while living through a pandemic, it’s the importance of family. After all, having a really good “bubble” filled with people you love has never been more vital. For those with grandparents in their lives, Grandparents’ Day is a special time to show how much they mean to you.
If you’re fortunate enough to see your child’s grandparents regularly, this is a great opportunity to spend quality time with them. But for families who live far apart or have to be extra cautious because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still lots of creative ways to show appreciation for all that they do.
In honor of this special occasion, we’ve put together a list of easy ways you can mark the day. Whether you buy something unique, create something homemade, or simply give them a call, the important thing is that you show them how much they mean to you.
When is Grandparents' Day?
As a rule, Grandparents’ Day is always celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. This year, Grandparents’ Day falls on September 12.
The very first seeds of this holiday were planted in 1961 at a White House Conference on Aging where Jacob Reingold gave a speech on “recognizing the role of millions of older Americans who are grandparents,” according to Generations United. In 1978, former president Jimmy Carter signed a presidential proclamation to officially recognize the day and honor all members of the older generations for their contributions to the world — whether or not they had children.
The tradition has continued to be upheld through the years with President Obama describing the day as an opportunity to “honor those who have helped shape the character of our Nation, and thank these role models for their immeasurable acts of love, care, and understanding.”
Many grandparents and older relatives are playing a greater role in the raising of their grandchildren than ever before, offering their time to offset the rising cost of living and childcare in the U.S. Layla Laurence recalled how her parents went the extra mile by taking care of her children while she worked.
“I grew up in a home full of love, high expectations, constant support, work, play, sports, music, church, vacations, game nights and family dinners. While it wasn’t a perfect childhood, it was pretty close,” Laurence previously told Mom.com. “So, when I got pregnant with my first child and my parents generously offered to be my full-time child care when I returned to work, I wholeheartedly agreed. If I couldn’t be the one with them every hour of the day, there were no two better-equipped people to help me parent my kids.”
Whether your parents are a daily part of your children’s lives or not, Grandparents’ Day is a chance to show them how much you appreciate them and all they’ve done for you and your children.
Gift ideas for grandparents who live far away
In previous years, distance wasn’t quite as limiting for families. If your grandparents lived in another state or country and you both had the means for airfare, you could fly to see each other. If they lived in a local nursing home or assisted living facility, you could visit them there.
Sadly, with the Delta variant surging and children under the age of 12 not yet having access to the vaccine, traveling to see elderly loved ones is not as easy as it once was. If you are unable to see the grandparents in your life in person, here are a few creative ways to show appreciation for them.
1. Send them a card or letter
Almost nothing makes a grandparent happier than old school snail mail. It’s an incredibly simple gesture that takes very little time or expense, but means the world to them. Have the kids draw a picture or write a simple letter to show their love and gratitude.
2. Buy them a personalized subscription
There are so many online subscription services now that you can customize to the individual. From magazine subscriptions to wine delivery subscriptions, the options are (nearly) endless.
3. Assemble a care package
Nothing shows your appreciation for a person quite like a taste of home, so why not assemble your own personalized care package for Grandparents’ Day? Fill a box with whatever reminds you of them (homemade cookies they love, framed photos of the family, etc.) It’s all about putting together little gifts that mean the world to them.
4. Make a donation in their name
A donation to a cause close to someone’s heart (in their name) is a wonderful act that shows how much you care about them. The world can always use more generosity, after all.
Gifts to show appreciation that don't cost a thing
If a gift is not in your budget this month, don’t worry. Fortunately, finding creative ways to show appreciation for the grandparents in your life doesn’t have to require money.
5. Schedule a phone or video chat
Celebrating Grandparent’s Day can be as simple or as extravagent as you want, and no matter the distance, everyone always appreciates a nice chat. Take the time to ask them questions about their lives, encourage them to share new stories, and use this as an opportunity to learn more about these very special people.
6. Go to a special place
Was there a beautiful park that you visited together when you were young? Or a neighborhood you lived in that you haven’t been to in years? Whatever your “happy place” is, go there. Share stories, exchange memories. It’s all about enjoying the time together in a place that’s close to your hearts.
7. Surprise them with a visit!
If your grandparents live close enough, a surprise visit could make the day so special. They may not be aware that it’s Grandparent’s Day, so surprising them with a day dedicated to just them is a lovely way to put smiles on their faces.
