Grandparents' Day: Origins, Date, and Gift Ideas
There are people in our lives whom we don’t celebrate enough. Grandfathers are often among them. Not because we lack affection for them, but rather because we don’t always think of them at the right moment. Grandparents’ Day isthe perfectopportunity to make up for that.
Where does Grandparents' Day come from?
Although less well-known than Mother's Day or Father's Day, Grandparents' Day nonetheless has a history worth exploring.
A tradition that is more recent than people think
Grandparents' Day originated in France in 2008, at the initiative of Franck Izquierdo, an inventor and winner of the Lépine Competition, among other accolades. In establishing this day, he wanted to pay tribute to his two grandfathers and, more broadly, to all grandfathers. The initiative received support from the State Secretariat for Senior Citizens, which quickly gave it legitimacy.
It is therefore much more recent than Grandmothers' Day, which has been celebrated since 1987 and takes place on the first Sunday in March. Grandfathers had to wait a little longer, but they eventually got their own day.
Grandparents' Day Around the World
France isn’t the only country that celebrates its grandfathers. In the United States and Canada, grandmothers and grandfathers are celebrated together on National Grandparents Day, which falls on the first Sunday in September following Labor Day. The first official observance took place on September 10, 1978.
Practices vary across Europe. What is certain is that in France, French-speaking Belgium, and Luxembourg, the date is the same: the first Sundayin October.
I find my bouquet of flowers
When is Grandparents' Day?
The first Sunday in October in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg
Grandparents' Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday in October. This is the case in France, as well as in French-speaking Belgium and Luxembourg, making it a common holiday for all families in these three countries. There’s no need to juggle different calendars depending on where you are.
Dates by Year
To avoid having to look up the date at the last minute, here are the upcoming events:
Grandparents' Day 2026: Sunday, October 4
Grandparents' Day 2027: Sunday, October 3
Grandparents' Day 2028: Sunday, October 1
Mark your calendars now.
How do we celebrate Grandparents' Day?
You don't need anything fancy. What matters is the gesture. And there's something for every taste, every budget, and every family.
Gifts That Really Bring Joy
A grandpa who says he doesn't want anything is often a grandpa who doesn't want us to go out of our way for him. All the more reason to do it!
The gifts that mean the most are often the ones that convey a message: an item chosen based on someone’s interests, a shared experience rather than a wrapped gift, or a framed photo of a shared memory. A family lunch featuring a good meal is often still the favorite gift, even if no one really says so.
Why Give Flowers to Your Grandfather?
Flowers aren't just for women. It's surprising when a grandfather receives a bouquet. And it means so much more than any gadget.
In October, the flower stands are a riot of color: late-blooming dahlias, chrysanthemums, andfall flowers in warm, deep hues. It’s the perfect selection for creating a truly beautiful arrangement that captures the spirit of the season and reflects the care that went into it.
The words to tell him what we don't say often enough
A bouquet or a gift is nice. A handwritten note inside is even better. Grandfathers don’t get many notes. So when they do, it stays with them.
Here are a few ideas for simple messages that you can adapt to suit your feelings:
"Grandpa, I don't often tell you how much you mean to me. Today I wanted you to know. Happy Grandparents' Day."
"You taught me things that I carry with me every day, even if I don't always realize it. Thank you for that. Happy Grandparents' Day, Grandpa."
"We don't see each other often enough, and it's just as much my fault as it is yours. Happy birthday—I hope we can make up for it soon."
"There are people who make you feel good just by being there. You're one of them. Happy birthday."
Sessile's Opinion: Grandfathers Deserve Their Bouquet
Grandparents' Day often comes around before we've really had a chance to prepare for it. We think about it the day before, or sometimes even on the day itself. That's okay. What matters is that we think about it.
A carefully selected bouquet, a few handwritten words: it’s a small thing—and yet it means so much. The artisanal florists in the Sessile network create bouquets for the occasions that truly matter. If your grandfather deserves a special gesture this first Sunday in October, stop by and see them: they’ll put together a beautiful bouquet of flowers that reflects his personality.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and offers flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
