Celebrating Grandparent's Day

Don't miss the fun of celebrating Grandparent's Day with those that are close to you. Take some time in the morning, afternoon or evening or make a day of it. Plan it in advance or show up and surprise your grandparents!

A Morning Experience

Breakfast together is fun for everyone and grandparents tend to get up early. Bring along some homemade goodies and have a breakfast picnic or visit your favorite breakfast café. Let the grandkids make placemats for the event, embellished with lots of things about grandparents. Cover the placemats with contact paper or laminate (available at your local office supply store) to make them reusable.

Photograph the Event

Take multiple generation photos in the same spot every year, whether it be on a comfy couch or by a tree planted together in the yard. It will be exciting to see how each person changes from year to year. Take a variety of pictures and build a Grandparent's Day album over the years.

Construct a Family Tree

When family is together it is important to record the history. Use a web program and oral history to construct a family tree. Whether it be frame-worthy or a digital collection it will be valuable for years to come. Be sure to make quality copies for all in attendance.

Pick some Flowers

Grandparent's Day falls in September, a great time to collect some flowers or produce to deliver to grandparents. Arranging them in a basket and dropping them on the porch unannounced is a fun surprise. Be sure to stop in later for some time together!

Record some Memories

If a grandparent is willing, use this opportunity to digitally record some of their stories of growing up. Give plenty of warning to the grandparent so they can gather their thoughts or compile a list of questions and prompts to keep them talking. Make it a casual event; background sounds like laughter can make it a special recording. Keep in mind a timeline, but know that once the stories begin it may be hard to stop.

Engage the Honoree

Grandparents are all different and have a variety of interests. Try to select an activity that both grandparents and grandkids can enjoy. A history museum, outing on the river, day at the beach, or a dig in the garden is fun across the generations. Don't limit yourself to children's activities, but remember that being together to celebrate Grandparent's Day is your purpose.