Grandparents' Day: Origins, Date, and Gift Ideas
Grandfathers are often the ones we tend to think of a little too late. Not because we love them any less, but rather because their special day comes and goes without fanfare. That’s exactly why it’s a good idea to mark it on the calendar. The Sessile.fr editorial team tells you where the holiday comes from, when it’s celebrated, and how to mark the occasion with a gift, a bouquet of fresh flowers, or a few well-chosen words.
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.
In France, a tradition that is more recent than people think
In France, Grandparents’ Day was established in 2008 on the initiative of Franck Izquierdo, an inventor and winner of the Lépine Competition. By creating 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 where people celebrate their 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.
Traditions vary across Europe. In Italy, Grandparents’ Day was established by a law dated July 31, 2005, with a symbolic observance in public schools. It falls on October 2, the day on which the Catholic Church celebrates the Holy Guardian Angels. In Poland, Grandmothers’ Day has been observed since 1964 on January 21, and Grandfathers’ Day is celebrated the following day, January 22.
In the United Kingdom, Grandparents' Day falls on the first Sunday in October, just like here, and has no official status.
I find my bouquet of flowers
When is Grandparents' Day?
The first Sunday in October in France and Belgium
Grandparents' Day is celebrated every year on the first Sundayin October. This is the case in France as well as in Belgium, making it a shared holiday for all families in these two French-speaking countries. There’s no need to juggle different calendars depending on where you are.
Dates by Year
To avoid having to look up the dates at the last minute, here are the dates for the upcoming events:
- Grandparents' Day 2026: Sunday, October 4
- Grandparents' Day 2027: Sunday, October 3
- Grandparents' Day 2028: Sunday, October 1
- Grandparents' Day 2029: Sunday, October 7
- Grandfathers' Day 2030: Sunday, October 6
- Grandparents' Day 2031: Sunday, October 5
- Grandfathers' Day 2032: Sunday, October 3
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 touch us the most are often the ones that convey a message: an item chosen based on someone’s interests, a moment shared together, or a framed photo of a shared memory. A family lunch featuring a delicious 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 stalls are a riot of color: late-blooming dahlias, chrysanthemums, and autumn flowers in warm, deep hues. It’s enough to create 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. But with a handwritten note to go with it, it’s even better. Grandfathers don’t get many cards. So when they do, it really means something.
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've taught me things that I carry with me every day, even if I don't always realize it. Thank you for that. Happy birthday, 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 artisan florists in the Sessile network create bouquets for the occasions that truly matter.
Your grandfather deserves a special treat on this first Sunday in October, so go visit them. They’ll put together a beautiful bouquet of flowers for his special day 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.
