We often celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with huge breakfasts in bed, handmade ties, and bouquets of flowers. But what about the people who started it all? That’s right—Grandma and Grandpa!
Grandparents are often the ones who sneak us extra cookies, tell the best stories, and give the warmest hugs. Yet, their special day sometimes flies under the radar. It is time to change that. Whether you call them Nana, Papa, Grams, or Pop-Pop, they deserve a day filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of glitter glue.
Below, we dive into the fascinating history of this holiday, check the calendar for celebrations around the world, and explore 15 cheerful, easy-to-make Grandparents Day crafts that kids of all ages can create.
The Heartwarming History of Grandparents Day
Did you know that Grandparents Day wasn’t established by a politician or a greeting card company? Its roots go back to a 9-year-old boy and a dedicated housewife.
In 1969, young Russell Capper sent a letter to President Richard Nixon. He suggested that a specific day should be set aside solely to celebrate grandparents. At the time, he received a polite reply from the President’s secretary saying that while the idea was appreciated, the President only issued proclamations when Congress authorized them.
Russell didn’t give up, but he wasn’t alone. Marian McQuade, a recognized community leader from West Virginia, was also championing the cause. She wanted to educate youth about the importance of seniors and the incredible contributions they have made to history. She urged young people to “adopt” a grandparent, not just for a day, but for a lifetime.
After years of lobbying and gathering support from every state, their hard work paid off. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation, declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day in the United States.
When is Grandparents Day Celebrated?
While the sentiment is universal, the dates vary across the globe. If you have family living abroad, here is a quick guide to when they might be celebrating:
- United States: First Sunday after Labor Day (September)
- Brazil, Portugal, Spain: July 26th
- Mexico: August 28th
- Canada, Estonia, Philippines: Second Sunday in September
- Japan: Third Monday of September (Respect for the Aged Day)
- Italy: October 2nd
- United Kingdom: First Sunday in October
- Australia: Last Sunday in October
- Singapore: Fourth Sunday in November
15 Adorable Grandparents Day Crafts for Kids
Making a gift is often more meaningful than buying one, especially for grandparents who cherish personal touches. We have compiled a list of 15 creative, low-cost, and fun crafts suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids.
1. The “Sending a Hug” Card
Since we can’t always be with our grandparents in person, sending a “paper hug” is the next best thing.
- Materials: Long roll of butcher paper or craft paper, markers, scissors.
- How to make it: Have the child lie down on the paper with their arms stretched out wide. Trace their upper body and arms. Cut out the shape and let the child decorate it to look like themselves. When Grandpa opens the envelope, long arms will unfold to “hug” him!
2. Salt Dough Fingerprint Flowers
A classic keepsake that preserves those tiny fingers forever.
- Materials: Flour, salt, water, acrylic paints.
- How to make it: Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, and ½ cup water to make a dough. Roll it into a flat circle. Have the child press their thumb in the center and their pinky finger around it to create flower petals. Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 2-3 hours until hard. Once cool, paint the “petals” bright colors.
3. “Wise as an Owl” Spinner
This interactive craft plays on the idea that grandparents are full of wisdom.
- Materials: Paper plate, brass fastener (brad), cardstock, markers.
- How to make it: Cut a pie-slice shape out of a paper plate. On a separate circle of cardstock (the same size as the plate), write different “similes” or compliments like “Wise as an Owl,” “Cool as a Cucumber,” or “Sweet as Pie.” Attach the plate over the cardstock with the brass fastener. As you spin the bottom wheel, a new compliment is revealed in the window.
4. DIY “Best Grandparent” Rosette Badge
Kids love getting awards, and grandparents deserve them too.
- Materials: Colored paper, glue, safety pin, glitter.
- How to make it: Accordion-fold two strips of paper and glue them into a circle to make a rosette. Cut two ribbon “tails” from contrasting paper. Glue a circle in the center that says “#1 Grandma” or “World’s Best Pop.” Tape a safety pin to the back so they can wear it proudly all day.
5. Handprint “Helping Hands” Oven Mitts
Perfect for the grandparent who loves to bake or grill.
- Materials: Plain white or solid color oven mitts, fabric paint.
- How to make it: Paint the child’s hand with fabric paint and press it firmly onto the oven mitt. You can write “Grandma’s Little Helper” underneath. It’s a practical gift that reminds them of their grandkids every time they cook.
6. The “Berry Much” Thumbprint Frame
A punny and cute way to frame a photo.
- Materials: Wooden picture frame, red and green paint, black marker.
- How to make it: Have the child dip their thumb in red paint and press it all over the wooden frame. Once dry, use a green marker to add little leaves to the tops of the red thumbprints, turning them into strawberries. Add a caption: “I Love You Berry Much!”
7. Popsicle Stick Picture Puzzle
A fun little game for grandparents to keep on their coffee table.
- Materials: 10-12 large popsicle sticks, a printed photo, Mod Podge (craft glue), X-Acto knife (for adults).
- How to make it: Line up the popsicle sticks side-by-side and tape them together on the back. Glue a photo of the grandchild onto the front. Once dry, carefully cut between the sticks to separate them. Grandparents can try to assemble the sticks to reveal the picture.
8. Custom “Grand-Mug”
Personalized drinkware is always a hit for coffee or tea drinkers.
- Materials: Plain white ceramic mug, oil-based Sharpie markers.
- How to make it: Let the kids draw a picture or write their names on the mug using the markers. To set the ink, bake the mug in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. (Note: Put the mug in while the oven is cold so it heats up gradually).
9. Galaxy Painted Rocks
Grandparents are the “rock” of the family, so this craft is symbolic.
- Materials: Smooth river rocks, black, blue, and purple paint, sponge, white paint.
- How to make it: Paint the rock entirely black. Sponge on blends of blue and purple to create a nebula effect. Dip a toothbrush in white paint and flick it over the rock to create “stars.” Write “You Rock, Grandpa!” on the bottom.
10. “Tweet” Heart Canvas
This art piece uses footprints to create cute birds.
- Materials: Small canvas, paint, markers.
- How to make it: Paint the child’s feet. Press them onto the canvas with the heels touching and toes pointing out (in a V-shape). The footprints become the bodies of two “love birds.” Add beaks, eyes, and legs with markers. Write “Grandkids make life Tweet.”
11. Button Art Heart Card
Great for developing fine motor skills in younger children.
- Materials: Cardstock, glue, assortment of colorful buttons.
- How to make it: Lightly draw a heart shape on the front of a folded card. Have the child glue buttons of different sizes inside the lines until the heart is filled. It adds a lovely 3D texture and looks very professional!
12. Interview a Grandparent Project
This is more of a journalism craft that turns into a keepsake.
- Materials: A printed questionnaire, clipboard, decorative paper.
- How to make it: Create a list of questions like “What was your favorite toy as a kid?” or “How did you meet Grandma?” Have the child act as a reporter and write down the answers. Decorate the paper and frame it. It captures family history in a beautiful way.
13. Handprint Flower Bouquet
Unlike real flowers, these will never wilt.
- Materials: Colorful paper, green pipe cleaners, scissors, vase (or jar).
- How to make it: Trace the child’s hand on several different colors of paper and cut them out. Curl the fingers slightly around a pencil to look like petals. Tape a green pipe cleaner to the base of each handprint. Arrange them in a jar for a colorful bouquet.
14. Scrabble Tile Name Frame
Perfect for grandparents who love word games.
- Materials: Old Scrabble tiles (or craft store wooden letters), strong glue, sturdy cardstock.
- How to make it: Spell out the names of all the grandchildren using the tiles. Glue them onto a piece of cardstock, perhaps arranging them crossword-style so they intersect. Frame the result for a witty and personalized wall hanging.
15. The “Connected by Love” Map
A sentimental gift for long-distance grandparents.
- Materials: Printed map (of the country or world), embroidery floss, needle, heart stickers.
- How to make it: Stick a heart sticker on the city where the grandchild lives and another where the grandparent lives. Use a needle and thread (or a marker) to draw a dashed line connecting the two hearts. Add the text: “Near or far, you are always in my heart.”
Final Thoughts: Making Memories
Grandparents Day is about connection. Whether you choose a messy paint project or a thoughtful written interview, the time spent creating the gift is just as valuable as the gift itself.
