Introduction
International Grandparents Day is a beautiful reminder to slow down and honor the roots of our family tree — our grandparents.
Celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day, this year’s Grandparents’ Day 2025 will be observed on September 7 in the United States. Just like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Grand Parents Day gives us a chance to shower our elders with the love, gratitude, and recognition they truly deserve.
Grandparents play a vital role in shaping our lives — from sharing timeless wisdom and family traditions to helping raise grandchildren in many homes across the world. Whether you call it Grandmother and Grandfather Day or simply World Grandparents Day, this occasion is meant to celebrate these often unsung heroes.
While many wonder, “Is Grandparents Day today?” or “What day is National Grandparents Day?”, the significance goes far beyond just a calendar date. This holiday is a heartfelt opportunity to reconnect across generations, reflect on where we come from, and create lasting memories — whether through a video call, a shared meal, or a thoughtful card.
In this guide, we’ll explore the origin of Grandparents Day, when and how it’s celebrated in the U.S. and around the world, and share creative ways for families and schools to make the most of this special day in 2025 and beyond.
1. When is Grandparents Day in 2025?
Grandparents Day 2025 falls on Sunday, September 7 in the United States.
This date always changes because the holiday is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which is celebrated annually on the first Monday of September.
So if you're wondering, "When is Grandparents Day in the United States?" or "Is Grandparents Day today?" — just check the calendar right after Labor Day.
Here are upcoming Grandparents Day dates:
- 2024: September 8
- 2025: September 7
- 2026: September 13
- 2027: September 12
Many schools also plan special celebrations leading up to or following this weekend. So if you're asking when is Grandparents Day at school, it might fall on the Friday before or Monday after the official date.
2. Origin & History of Grandparents Day
The history of Grandparents Day is rooted in a child’s curiosity and a grandmother’s compassion.
In 1969, nine-year-old Russell Capper wrote a letter to President Nixon suggesting a day for grandparents. The response? A polite decline.
But a few years later, Marian McQuade, a grandmother and community activist from West Virginia, took the idea nationwide. She wanted to educate youth about the elderly’s value and encourage everyone to “adopt a grandparent.”
Her efforts paid off. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation making it official: National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
If you're searching for when did Grandparents Day begin or the origin of Grandparents Day, it truly began with a community effort rooted in family values.
3. How Grandparents Day is Celebrated Worldwide
While Grandparents Day in the U.S. is in September, World Grandparents Day is recognized on different dates globally:
CountryHoliday NameDateAustraliaGrandparents DayLast Sunday in OctoberBrazilDia dos Avós (Grandparents’ Day)July 26MexicoDía del AbueloAugust 28SingaporeGrandparents DayFourth Sunday in November
Despite the date differences, the heart behind each grandmother and grandfather day is the same: showing love, appreciation, and gratitude for the family members who raised us.
So whether it’s called Grand Parents Day, Día del Abuelo, or Grandparents’ Day 2025, the celebration is always centered around honoring legacy and love.
4. Why Grandparents Day Matters
Grandparents are bridges between generations.
They pass down traditions, values, life lessons — and yes, the occasional candy from their secret stash.
Studies show that children who spend time with their grandparents are often more emotionally resilient, while seniors who engage with grandchildren experience longer life expectancy and increased happiness.
So if you’re wondering why we celebrate Grandparents Day, here’s why:
- It reminds us to value aging and the wisdom that comes with it.
- It strengthens intergenerational bonds.
- It creates space for storytelling, connection, and healing.
It’s not just about asking what day is National Grandparents Day, but why we need a day like this in the first place.
5. How to Celebrate Grandparents Day
a. With Grandparents Nearby
- Host a family dinner filled with their favorite dishes.
- Work on a scrapbook or family tree together.
- Ask them to share stories from their childhood.
b. With Grandparents Far Away
- Schedule a video call — it makes a world of difference.
- Send a handwritten card or care package.
- Create a digital slideshow of family memories.
c. If You Don’t Have Living Grandparents
- Volunteer at a nursing home.
- Join an adopt-a-grandparent community program.
No matter the distance or circumstance, there’s always a way to make Grandparents Day meaningful.
6. Fun Grandparents Day Ideas for Schools
Schools play a huge role in keeping this tradition alive.
Here are creative, age-appropriate ways to celebrate Grandparents Day at school:
- Grandparents Day photo booth ideas with themed props.
- Invite grandparents to read stories in class.
- Craft stations where students make cards or “All About My Grandpa/Grandma” posters.
- Create a "Guess the grandparent" wall with old photos.
- Interview-a-grandparent activity where students learn about their elder’s childhood.
These simple classroom activities reinforce values of respect and family while engaging students creatively.
7. Gifts for Grandparents
Not sure what to give your grandparents? Here are a few timeless gift ideas:
- Personalized photo frames or albums
- A memory journal or “Letters to My Grandchild” book
- A subscription box for puzzles, books, or tea
- Custom mugs or T-shirts that say “World’s Best Grandma/Grandpa”
- Handwritten letters or poems
Whether it’s big or small, thoughtful gifts go a long way in showing your love.
8. By the Numbers: Grandparents Day Statistics
Here are some fascinating figures about grandparents in the U.S.:
- 70 million+ grandparents currently live in the U.S.
- 4.8 million preschoolers are cared for by grandparents.
- 58% say they babysit because they enjoy it.
- 60% of grandparents still work full- or part-time.
- $52 billion is spent annually by grandparents on grandchildren.
- 45% of grandparents are now on social media!
- On average, 4 million cards are sent for Grandparents Day each year.
These numbers show how essential and involved grandparents are — socially, emotionally, and financially.
9. 5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Grandparents Day
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- 🎶 The official song of the day is “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill.
- 🌸 The official flower is the Forget-Me-Not.
- 📅 Though it’s a national holiday, it’s not a public holiday — meaning businesses stay open.
- 💌 More cards are sent on this day than you’d think — over 4 million annually.
- 🏥 Nursing homes report their highest number of visits on Grandparents Day.
10. Grandparents Day FAQs
Is Grandparents Day a real holiday?
Yes! It was signed into law by President Carter in 1978 and is observed every year after Labor Day.
What day is National Grandparents Day 2025?
Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Why is it important to celebrate Grandparents Day?
Because grandparents deserve recognition for their wisdom, love, and the major role they play in families.
How do schools usually celebrate it?
Through assemblies, crafts, card-making, and inviting grandparents to visit classrooms.
What if I live far from my grandparents?
Call, video chat, send a thoughtful card or care package. A little love goes a long way!
When is Grandchildren Day 2025?
While not as widely recognized, National Grandchildren’s Day is often observed on the second Sunday in October.
11. Closing Thoughts
Grandparents Day is more than just a date — it’s a heartfelt reminder to connect across generations.
As September 7, 2025 approaches, take a moment to think about how you’ll celebrate the people who shaped your family’s story. Whether you’re baking cookies with grandma, fixing something in the garage with grandpa, or just sending a sweet message — it all counts.
Let’s use International Grandparents Day to strengthen bonds, share memories, and build a future that honors the past.
