How to Celebrate Grandpa on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a time to honor all the father figures in our lives. Grandfathers hold a special place in our lives. They can be strong and stubborn in one breath then encouraging and proud of us in another. It’s this balance that makes them such a special part of the family. If you’re looking for thoughtful ways to show your appreciation, here are some ideas on how to celebrate Grandpa on Father’s Day.

A Gift From His Favorite Team

If your grandfather has a particular sports team that he follows, consider purchasing game tickets and sharing an afternoon together enjoying his favorite sport. If you’re unable to get tickets due to social distancing restrictions, you don’t live nearby or for health reasons, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate his favorite team on Father’s Day.

Crafters who may be looking for a budget-friendly option can make Grandpa a t-shirt or mug with his favorite team’s name on it. Cricut offers a wide variety of fonts and images that can help you create the perfect Father’s Day gift. You could also purchase official team merchandise, organize a mug, t-shirt or jersey and ball cap in a gift basket and present basket for a thoughtful presentation.

Sharing Books with the Grandkids

Books are some of the best gifts you can buy for anyone on your list. If you’re wondering how to celebrate your kid’s grandfather on Father’s Day, consider combining books and quality time. This will be a one-of-a-kind treasured gift. Choose a few books that resonate with your child’s relationship with their grandfather and let them spend some time connecting. Some great books for your child to share with their grandfather include:

When I Am Old With You by Angela Johnson 

This sweet story about a little boy and his grandfather and the special time they share together is geared toward children between the ages of 4 and 8. The author, Angela Johnson, has won three Coretta Scott King awards. 

When Jo Louis Won the Title by Belinda Rochelle

A little girl shares with her grandfather that she’s embarrassed by her name and worries that the kids in her new school will make fun of her. Belinda Rochelle wrote this book for children age 4 through 8.

Grandpa’s Face by Eloise Greenfield 

Beautifully written and illustrated, Grandpa’s Face tells the story of a little girl who learns more about her grandfather and herself through something unexpected. 

Experience Gifts to Celebrate Your Grandfather on Father’s Day

Record Your Family History

One man on YouTube began posting a series of cooking videos starring his Italian Grandmother. Cooking with Clara chronicled an Italian grandmother as she cooked and told stories of her life. Growing up during The Great Depression gave her an unmatched perspective. Not only was the family able to share their loved ones’ recipes with the world, but they also came away with family history and memories that will live on for future generations.

You don’t necessarily have to create a public YouTube channel. Consider making the videos and keeping them private just for the family if you prefer.

Have Him Teach You Something

Sometimes the best gift we can give is the gift of listening. Much like creating a video series chronicling your grandfather’s life, having him teach you or your children one of his favorite hobbies. If he enjoys fishing, bring him out with the grandbabies and spend an afternoon out on the water. If Grandad has the winning family barbeque recipe, let him teach you his secret, special blend barbeque sauce recipe.

Our elders are a wealth of knowledge. Taking the time to learn from them is one of the best gifts we can give to them, and to ourselves. The memories that you make will last forever. The smile you put on your Grandad’s face will be more than worth every minute.

Give of Yourself 

If your grandfather has a difficult time doing things around the house or garage that he used to do, offer to lend a helping hand. Acts of service is a profound love language that can express how deeply you care for someone. Spend the afternoon helping grandpa wash the car or cut the grass. Often the older people in our lives don’t want to admit that they just can’t get around like they used to or are in denial and won’t ask for help. 

Get the Family Together and Cook

Sharing a meal together is a common way families spend time with one another. Consider instead, purchasing a few subscription meal kits and preparing a meal together as a family. The bonding that happens over creating a delicious meal and the satisfaction of having created something together from scratch will make it all the more special. There are several subscription meal kits to choose from that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, budgets, and skills.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Grandpa on Father’s Day, the attention, love, and time you spend will surely be gift enough. Busy schedules can keep us from the most important parts of our lives. Making memories with the ones we love is what will carry us through.