Top Gifts for Grandparents Day & Elderly Persons
Choose Stylish Gifts Priced to Fit any Budget for Grandma & Grandpa
Sep 9, 2009
Grandparents Day originated in the United States, and was officially recognized by Congress in 1978. The date changes from year to year, but the celebration is held on the first Sunday after Labor Day, in September. The purpose of Grandparents Day is to honor elderly parents and seniors who formed the backbone of our present society. The event bridges generations, allowing young people and those not-so-young to honor the elders of the family.
A Few Facts About The Origin of National Grandparent's Day
In many households there are two sets of grandparents – maternal and paternal – and perhaps even great-grandparents. Sharon O'Brien, contributing author to the website, About.com, gives the history of Grandparents Day in the article, "All About Grandparents Day" and states, "... Grandparents Day really began much earlier as the brainchild of Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a West Virginia homemaker and mother of 15 children. In 1970, she began a campaign to establish a special day to honor grandparents."
There were a few lagging moments over the next eight years as McQuade rallied to gain support for the cause, but as O'Brien concludes in the article's historical account, "Congress passed legislation proclaiming the Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day, and President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation."
Gift Ideas for Grandparents Day
What to buy a grandparent on his or her special day requires special thought. An appropriate gift for an elderly person should reflect the likes and personality of the recipient. Other than that, grandparents aren't fussy and love most anything given to them by a child (or even an adult). Many people are on tight budgets, but a thoughtful gift for a senior family member doesn't have to cost much.
The most valuable gift one can give a grandparent or any senior doesn't cost a cent; it's the gift of time. Here is a list of affordable gift ideas for grandparents. Many popular gifts for elderly people come in a variety of price ranges:
- Hammock
- Foot massager
- Bonsai or other miniature tree
- Throw blanket (1 for each grandparent)
- Photo lockets and photo pendants for Grandma
- Tie clip or cuff links for Grandpa
- Photo frame
- Digital camera (and memory card)
- Flower bouquet or potted plant
- Potted plant holder
- Gardening tools
- Hobby supplies
- Tickets to a sporting event with the promise to go along
- Tickets (season or single) to a symphony concert or some music event
- Trip to an art show or museum
- Gift baskets – steaks, fruit, candy, cheeses, etc.
- Collectibles such as Hummel figurines or Precious Moments
- Keepsake boxes – homemade craft boxes or store-bought boxes
- Vintage decorative dishes such as milk glass
- Cook's apron (grill enthusiasts or gourmet cooks)
- Music box
- Elegant wall clock or art work
- Classic TV Series in a boxed set
It's not too difficult finding just the right gift for Grandparent's Day; all it takes is some thought as to the kind of gift Grandma or Grandpa would like. A nice dinner and a stroll in the park would delight many grandparents. Some grandfathers (and grandmothers!) would be thrilled at getting a deep-sea fishing trip. Why not reserve a romantic boat cruise for the lucky grandparents or take the couple to a dinner club that offers a stage show and/or dancing? The possibilities are endless, but for added help one can check out what's available at popular online gift stores for more ideas.
Many extended families have already bridged the generation gap by living together under one roof. If that's the case, then it should be fairly easy to figure out the kind of gift that would suit a grandmother or grandfather. Grandparents that live far away would love a card and perhaps a phone call from loved ones. Many family budgets won't allow extravagant gifts, but grandparents cherish time with grandchildren and families as much as any pricey present. Be sure to pick something the grandparents will like and make Grandparents Day an event to be treasured for years to come.
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