Creating Memories with Grandparents Day Activities
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Time to Read: 8 min
It doesn’t get as much press as Mother’s or Father’s day, but Grandparents Day is every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day and it’s been around since the 70s. You don’t have to be a pediatrician to know how special the bond between grandparents and grandkids is. Giggles, silly stories, and a whole lot of love – that connection is priceless.
Let’s make this Grandparents Day one to remember. Spend some real quality time together—the kind of time that turns into lifelong memories—and put the screens away. Food, fun, and maybe even a bit of learning, all wrapped up in a big hug. The bond your kids have with your parents is special. There’s a special connection there. We don’t need a day to celebrate our grandparents, but at least it can be a reminder to show them some extra special love. They’ll appreciate it!
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
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Why Grandparents Day Matters
Grandparents are the keepers of our family stories, the ones who give those warm hugs and create so many of the memories we cherish. They connect generations, offer a unique perspective on life, and help us feel a sense of continuity and belonging.
The bond between grandparents and grandkids is really something special, and the science supports it. It helps kids grow emotionally, boosts their self-esteem, and gives them a strong sense of who they are and where they come from. Kids learn about their roots, heritage, and the values that shaped their family, all through their grandparents.
But it’s not just the kids who benefit. When grandparents have close relationships with their grandkids, it can do wonders for their well-being too. It gives them a sense of purpose, cuts down on loneliness, and keeps their minds sharp. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Grandparents Day Activity Ideas
Craft Corner
Get crafty and let your creativity flow. Grab some colorful paper, glue, glitter—whatever catches your kids eyes—and start a fun DIY project. Make personalized cards, decorate picture frames, or try out some origami. It’s a great way for grandparents and grandkids to spend quality time together. Perfect for any age or skill level, it’s all about letting imaginations run wild.
Culinary Adventures
Head to the kitchen and get those aprons on. Your kids will focus on making something tasty, but cooking or baking together is also a wonderful way to teach kids some important skills. Grandparents can pass down their favorite recipes, share family traditions, and create new memories. The best part? You all get to enjoy the delicious results together.
Story Time
My kids love hearing about what their parents were like when they were kids. Who better to tell those stories than the people who raised us? They can share stories from their own childhoods or talk about family history. It can also be a chance for grandkids to learn more about their roots and heritage. Bring the whole family closer together with moments that create a strong sense of connection and belonging.
Nature Outings
Soak in the beauty of nature with a fun outdoor adventure. Visit a local park, take a stroll through a botanical garden, or just explore the backyard – nature offers the perfect setting for quality time. Grandparents and grandkids can collect leaves, identify plants and animals, or just enjoy each other's company surrounded by the natural world.
Game Night
Shuffle the cards, pull out those board games, or piece together a puzzle for a night full of friendly competition and laughs. Game nights create lasting memories. Relax, have fun, and enjoy each other's company in a lighthearted atmosphere.
Mealtime Essentials
Grandparents Day Meal Times
The food is a nice bonus, but mealtime is also about creating a warm, engaging experience with the people you love. It’s a time to connect, share stories, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Plan a Special Meal Together
Get everyone in on the action from the start. Brainstorm meal ideas together, pick out recipes, and make sure everyone’s preferences and dietary needs are considered. A potluck-style meal can be a great way to share different cultures and cuisines—plus, it’s a fun way to get everyone involved and excited about what’s on the menu.
Kids in the Kitchen: Learning and Bonding
Let the kids pitch in with simple tasks like setting the table, washing fruits and veggies, or measuring ingredients. This helps them learn valuable skills but also gives them a sense of ownership over the meal. This makes them more likely to enjoy it. It’s a perfect time for grandparents to pass down some of their wisdom and create lasting memories right in the heart of the home.
Ahimsa Dishware is a Sustainable and Healthy Choice
Make mealtime even more special with Ahimsa. The Purposeful Plates are great for the whole extended family. Our stainless steel dishes are sustainable and free of harmful chemicals. Plus, just look at those colors!
Additional Touches for a Magical Meal
You can easily elevate your mealtime experience with a few thoughtful touches. Play some soft music in the background, light a few candles, or decorate the table with fresh flowers. Add conversation starters at each place setting to spark interesting discussions. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but my daughter uses post-it notes for personalized place settings. Grandparents love personalized notes from their grandkids! After dinner, keep the good vibes going with a board game or a leisurely walk together.
Gifts from the Heart
Grandparents Day is a perfect time to show how much you love and appreciate those special folks in your kids lives. While store-bought gifts can be nice, there’s something truly meaningful about a handmade gift that comes straight from the heart.
Kids can get creative and make personalized gifts that grandparents will cherish. Paint a picture, write a poem, or perform a song – whatever they want. They’ll understand the assignment. Heartfelt gestures are sure to bring big smiles and warm hearts.
If you’re looking for practical and eco-friendly gift ideas, Ahimsa has some great options. Our stainless steel dishware is perfect for everyday use, and our reusable snack containers and water bottles are handy for when they’re on the go. Grandparents love having a set for their house - and this helps kids to feel at home at grandma and grandpa's house.
Conclusion
Grandparents Day is a reminder to cherish the special bond between grandparents and grandkids. It's about slowing down, putting away the distractions, and simply being present with the ones we love.
This Grandparents Day, focus on quality time and simple pleasures. It's the perfect time to express our love and appreciation for these amazing people who enrich our lives in countless ways. I’ve given you a few ideas to get started, but the sky’s the limit.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
