Grandparents Day 2025 has arrived, quietly nestled on September 7th—yes, that’s today! While Mother’s and Father’s Days get their due in May and June, the Sunday after Labor Day is a time to honor the often unsung heroes of families: grandparents. Made official by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, National Grandparents Day is a celebration of wisdom, love, and the unique bonds that bridge generations. As families across the country scramble for last-minute ways to show their appreciation, both practical advice and heartfelt stories are making this year’s observance especially meaningful.
For many, the challenge isn’t remembering the date, but rather figuring out how to make the day feel special—especially when time is short. According to Kiplinger, there are 21 creative, last-minute gift ideas that can still bring a smile to your grandparents’ faces. From gardening supplies and art materials for the hobbyist, to subscriptions for streaming services or monthly snack boxes, there’s no shortage of options. “Almost everyone has a favorite TV show or book, so why not give the gift of entertainment?” suggests Kiplinger. Services like Audible, Netflix, or Hulu can open up a world of stories and shared experiences, even from afar.
But what if your grandparents are among the many older adults who prefer practical gifts? Items like robotic vacuums, e-readers, or even ergonomic kitchen gadgets can be a hit. “I like useful gifts,” is a refrain many gift-givers have heard from relatives, and it seems to ring true for this holiday. After all, a meal service subscription or a set of non-slip soles can make daily life a little easier and show you care in a tangible way.
For those who want to give something with a more personal touch, time together is often the most cherished gift. “Celebrate Grandparents Day 2025 by surprising your loved ones with a last-minute get-together,” Kiplinger recommends. Whether it’s an outing to a botanical garden, a family picnic, or even just a phone call to plan a future visit, the emphasis is on shared moments rather than lavish spending. In fact, studies have shown that anticipating a trip or event can bring as much joy as the event itself.
Cash gifts are another popular option, especially for grandparents who might appreciate a little financial relief. Kiplinger notes that about 75% of adults aged 50 or older have some form of debt, and at least one in five people over age 65 owe medical bills. Helping pay off a mortgage, credit card, or medical bill can be a meaningful gesture. Just remember: the annual gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per grandparent in 2025. As Kiplinger explains, “You can give each grandparent up to $19,000 without having to file a gift tax return (assuming you gave no other gifts to your grandparents during the tax year).” And unless you’re planning to give more than $13.99 million over your lifetime, you probably won’t owe any tax on those gifts.
Of course, not every grandparent wants or needs material gifts. For some, the transition into grandparenthood is a deeply emotional and transformative experience. NPR’s Up First team reached out to more than 100 grandparents to gather advice and reflections on this unique role. Their responses paint a picture of joy, humility, and renewed purpose.
Pam Parris of Orlando, Florida, shared how becoming a grandma “turned her world upside down in the most positive way [she] could ever imagine.” She became a grandmother at 39, during a difficult divorce, and says her grandchild “gave me purpose and the desire to start a whole new life.” Her advice to new grandparents? “Not to interfere and constantly make recommendations.” She stresses that adult children will have their own ways of parenting, and sometimes the best support is simply to step back.
Khrystal Dorton from Concord, North Carolina, echoed the theme of healing and second chances. After helping her daughter through postpartum depression, she reflected, “These babies have found a piece of my heart that was hurting and healed it.” Dorton told a friend who was nervous about becoming a grandparent, “All of that will go away the moment you hold the baby.” She describes grandparenting as “a different kind of love, but not more than the love of your child. It’s like getting another chance to hold your own newborn again. It brings all those feelings back. You fall in love all over again.”
Frank Dailey of Navarre, Florida, offers a different perspective as a “grandparent by proxy.” After the death of a close friend, Dailey stepped in to support the friend’s son, Gage. Now, as Gage and his wife expect their first child, Dailey has been asked to serve as the child’s grandfather. “I was not there for [Gage’s] first steps, but I caught him when he couldn’t walk another step in grief,” Dailey said. His advice is to be present throughout the pregnancy, even suggesting writing notes to the future grandchild: “Be ready to pass them to your grown grandchildren so you will leave a lasting record of their lives through your eyes.”
Patricia Reigle of Prairie Village, Kansas, finds that grandparenting fills her heart with “tender love and laughter.” She believes, “As a grandmother, I get to just love and protect my grandchildren. I feel like I’m not only giving the grandchildren a different love, but I’m helping lessen the load on the parents.” Her advice is simple: “Just love them! You don’t have to spoil them for them to love you. Just be there, look them in the eyes.” Reigle also urges grandparents not to judge their children and to help when possible without being a burden.
For practical-minded grandparents, Estee Jaacovi of Allen, Texas, suggests keeping backup supplies like diapers and snacks at the ready. “It makes it so much easier for your kids to bring their kiddos over without 10 bags and a million accessories,” she says. Jaacovi recommends thrift stores for these supplies, since they won’t be used as often and don’t need to be brand new.
Erin Devine of Arlington, Virginia, who recently welcomed her first grandchild, describes the experience as bringing “joy and a profound sense of contentment and satisfaction with life.” Her advice? “Do and say everything with an eye toward helping the new parents. Bite your tongue and let them figure everything out. You will be amazed at how quickly they become expert parents!”
So, whether you’re planning a last-minute outing, sending a digital photo frame, or just picking up the phone, Grandparents Day 2025 is about honoring the love, wisdom, and support that grandparents bring to families. Their stories remind us that the greatest gifts are often intangible—patience, presence, and unconditional love.
