Grandparents Day

Grandparents' Day History

Grandparents Day honors the contributions that grandparents make to families and society. This day seeks to show appreciation and respect towards our grandparents. It is an opportunity for families to come together and honor the older generation who have played vital roles in their lives. The observance is celebrated in many countries around the world, and it has been recognized in America since 1978.

The idea for Grandparents Day was conceived by Marian McQuade in West Virginia. She wanted to encourage grandchildren to recognize the important contributions that their grandparents make and to appreciate their heritage. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The observance is an opportunity for families to come together, share their love, and create lasting memories.

In America, Grandparents Day is typically observed by spending time with family, exchanging gifts or cards, and participating in special events. Grandparents often receive special treatment on this day, such as being taken out to eat or given sentimental gifts. Some communities hold special events to celebrate the observance, such as parades or picnics. Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday following Labor Day in the United States.

Top 10 Facts for Grandparents Day in 2026

• The 2026 observance of Grandparents Day features the theme “Dig In! Bringing Generations to the Table,” which encourages intergenerational connection and the sharing of wisdom during family meals.
• Many communities and organizations utilize the official Grandparents Day Take Action Guide, developed by Generations United with support from Far From Alone and Humana, to inspire celebratory activities throughout the month of September.
• The forget-me-not is the official flower of the holiday, chosen as a symbolic gesture to represent the lasting memories and profound bonds shared between grandparents and their grandchildren.
• The holiday is officially recognized in the United States by a presidential proclamation, which was first signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 following years of grassroots advocacy.
• Marian McQuade, a dedicated elder rights advocate from West Virginia, is honored as the founder of the holiday, having worked tirelessly to secure state-level and eventually national recognition for the contributions of grandparents.
• The date for the observance is intentionally set for the first Sunday following Labor Day to symbolize the “autumn years” of life and to coincide with the beginning of the school year, providing students a unique opportunity to interview older relatives for historical projects.
• A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill serves as the official song of the United States Grandparents Day, earning the songwriter the National Songwriter’s Award for his contribution to the holiday.
• The holiday’s legislative purpose is to honor grandparents, offer them an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and help younger generations become aware of the strength, guidance, and historical perspective that older adults provide.
• While the United States observes this day in September, the date is not universal; for instance, many Catholic communities observe the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July, coinciding with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne.
• Research indicates that the significance of the holiday continues to grow as the number of grandparents in the United States population remains substantial, with millions of these individuals playing an active role in providing stability and care for their families.

In the News and Trending in the US for Grandparents Day

Top things to do in the US for Grandparents Day

• Adopt-a-grandparent. By 2030, it is expected that 5.3 million elderly individuals will be living in nursing homes. Of these, approximately 60% of nursing home residents do not receive visitors. Nursing homes often have volunteer programs that match volunteers to residents. Volunteer in a local nursing home to adopt-a-grandparent. Spend the time making arts and crafts, reading or just talking.
• Take your grandparents out for a dinner or Broadway Show.
• Give a personal gift for your Grandparents to show how much you appreciate them. Our picks: Scrapbooks of family photos; CD with all of their favorite songs; Embroidered scarves or sweater.
• Have your grandparents tell you a story about what the world was like for them when they were young. Their valuable experiences may be timeless and very helpful today.
• Watch movies related to the concepts of the fountain of youth and time travel with your grandparents. Here are some recommendations:
  1) 17 again (2009)
  2) Cocoon (1985)
  3) Tuck Everlasting (2002)
  4) Age of Adaline (2015)
  5) The Time Traveler’s Wife (2003)
  6) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)