Grandparents’ Day | Interflora

What is Grandparents Day?

Celebrated on the last Sunday of October, Grandparents Day is a time to stop and say ‘thank you’ to some of the most influential people in our lives: our grandparents.

Grandparents play a vital role in our lives, and in society as a whole, which makes Grandparents Day the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation.

We all have cherished memories from time spent with our grandparents. Going for walks to the park, baking cakes or enjoying some of their incredible culinary specialities, the time spent with our grandparents is priceless.

Grandparents Day provides us with a special opportunity to thank these important people in our lives for their limitless love and affection and for the lessons they’ve taught us.

It’s also a time to acknowledge the efforts and devotion of grandparents, some of whom are full-time carers for their grandchildren.

History of Grandparents’ Day

Grandparents Day has been celebrated around the world for some time now. The origins of Grandparents Day began in the US in the 1970s, with Marian McQuade recognised as the founder of National Grandparents Day.

She was passionate about recognising senior citizens’ contributions to society and petitioned strongly for a national day of celebration. West Virginia was the first to proclaim a state-wide annual Grandparents Day and within three years 43 states had followed suit.

In February 1977, Senator Randolph requested the president to "issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as 'National Grandparents Day'."

Congress passed the legislation, which was signed by President Jimmy Carter, and the 3rd of August 1978 became the first National Grandparents Day in the US.

In the UK, Grandparents Day was first introduced in 1990 by the charity ‘Age Concern’ and is celebrated on Sunday the 2nd of October.

Queensland was the first state in Australia to officially introduce Grandparents Day on the first Sunday in November in 2010.

This special day was recognised with a range of community events in schools and at sporting events around the state.

The following year, New South Wales held its first Grandparents Day on Sunday the 30th of October, and now celebrates the day on the last Sunday of October each year.

In 2012, the ACT and Western Australia joined in the festivities and held their first Grandparents Day.

An ever-growing event, Grandparents Day is now recognised and celebrated all over the world.

Grandparents Day is an important opportunity for children and the community to thank grandparents for their endless love and continual support.

Get involved and celebrate grandparents on their special day by doing something fun together or sending them a thoughtful Grandparents Day gift to brighten their day.

Visit our Grandparents Day Pinterest Board for more Grandparents Day ideas!