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10 Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day + A Printable Keepsake!

A FREE printable and customizable keepsake your kids can give as a gift!

By Macaroni KID September 5, 2024

Grandparents Day, celebrated Sept. 8, is a special time to honor and celebrate the incredible grandparents in our lives. Whether they live just down the street or across the country, there are many ways to make them feel loved and appreciated. Here are 10 meaningful activities to celebrate Grandparents Day, no matter how many miles separate you.




1. Create a Handprint Flower Bouquet

We created a printable of flower stems for you (It's FREE!), and here’s the fun part: Paint your child’s hand and have them make a handprint on the end of the stem as the "flower." This personalized art piece is a keepsake that any grandparent will cherish. Frame it or include a heartfelt message to make it even more special.

Get your FREE Grandparents Day printable now!




2. Video Call Storytime

If your kids’ grandparents live far away, schedule a video call and have the kids read their favorite storybook to them. For those who live nearby, make it an in-person storytime with cuddles included! This activity not only brings everyone together, but also encourages reading and bonding.

3. Make a Memory Book

Gather some photos and create a memory book with your kids. Include pictures of them with their grandparents, drawings, and little notes. If you're sending it to long-distance grandparents, be sure to mail it early so it arrives in time for Grandparents Day.

4. Cook or Bake Together

If possible, invite the grandparents over for a day of cooking or baking. Let the kids and grandparents pick a favorite family recipe and spend the day creating something delicious together. If they live far away, consider a virtual cooking session where everyone cooks the same recipe and then enjoys the meal together over a video call.

5. Outdoor Picnic

If the weather is nice, plan an outdoor picnic. Pack up some sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and head to a local park. This is a great way to spend quality time together, enjoying nature and each other’s company. Don’t forget to bring along some outdoor games or a kite!


szefei via Canva

6. Plan a Virtual Game Night

For long-distance grandparents, a virtual game night is a fun and interactive way to connect. Choose games that are easy to play over video calls, such as bingo, charades, or Pictionary. This can quickly become a beloved family tradition.

7. Send a Care Package

If you can’t be with your kids' grandparents in person, send them a care package filled with their favorite treats, handmade crafts from the kids — like our printable — and a heartfelt note. This surprise delivery will brighten their day and make them feel loved, no matter the distance.

8. Plant a Garden Together

For grandparents who love to garden, spend time planting flowers or vegetables together, indoors or out. If they live far away, have the kids plant something special in your own garden or an indoor pot, and send them a few of the same seeds. You can all share pictures and updates as your flowers or vegetables grow. 

9. Record a Video Message

Have your kids record a video message for their grandparents, sharing what they love most about them. Compile the clips into one video, and either play it in person or send it to them on Grandparents Day. It’s a touching way to let grandparents know how much they mean to their grandchildren. 

10. Write and Illustrate a Story

Encourage your kids to write a short story featuring themselves and their grandparents as the main characters. They can draw pictures to go along with the story, creating a unique and personal gift. Whether you’re able to hand-deliver it or need to mail it, this is something that will be treasured for years to come.


The Palmer via Canva

Grandparents Day is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories, whether you’re celebrating together in person or connecting from afar. With these activities, you can make the day special for the grandparents in your life and help your kids express just how much they love their grandparents. Happy Grandparents Day!

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