Grandparents’ Day Is Celebrated On Different Dates Around The World!

As Grandparents’ Day approaches, we found ourselves wondering - why are there so many different dates for celebrating grandparents around the world? Why don’t we all honour these incredible humans on the same day? I figured you might be just as curious, so I did a little digging and a little writing to help uncover the story behind the dates!

Throughout history, different cultures and communities have created their own traditions and customs to celebrate the elders in their families. From joyful celebrations in Brazil to heartfelt moments in Japan, each country has its own unique way of showing love and appreciation for grandparents.

In this blog, I explored how Grandparents’ Day is celebrated across the globe - and the cultural, historical, and even religious influences that shaped when and how this special day came to be. Whether it’s the first Sunday after Labour Day in the United States, July 26th in Portugal and Brazil, or the third Monday of September in Japan, each date carries meaning and memories deeply rooted in its country’s values.

USA 🇺🇸 (First Sunday After Labor Day)

Let’s kick things off in the good ol’ US of A! In the early 1960s, a heartfelt idea began when Jacob Reingold - who worked at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale - put together a humble Grandparents’ Day celebration inspired by a push for a new image of aging in America. By 1961, Bronx neighbors were already saying “Happy Grandparents Day!”

Fast forward to the 1970s: West Virginian grandma Marian McQuade, made it her mission to honor grandparents nationwide. She first got it proclaimed in her home state in 1973, and after tireless campaigning, Congress officially made the first Sunday after Labor Day into National Grandparents Day in 1978. President Carter signed it into law, and America finally got its official celebration of grandparents in 1979!

Brazil & Portugal 🇧🇷🇵🇹 (July 26)

Heading over to Brazil and Portugal, we find a beautiful fusion of culture and faith. These countries toast their nonnas and nonnos on July 26, aligning with the Catholic feast day of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne—who, per tradition, were none other than Mary’s parents (aka Jesus’s grandparents). The idea is that honoring them honors the value grandparents bring to our world. In Portugal, a grandmother named Dona Aninhas took up the mantle in the 1980s to make this a formal celebration—true grassroots power at its best!

Japan (Respect for the Aged Day – Third Monday in September)

Japan steps in with a national holiday that’s less about cards and more about culture—Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro‑no‑hi) falls on the third Monday in September. Started in 1966, it’s a day to honor elders across the nation in a way that reflects deep-rooted societal reverence for age, wisdom, and heritage.

Italy 🇮🇹 (October 2)

In Italy, grandparents get their moment on October 2, which doubles as the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Established in 2005, Festa Nazionale dei Nonni recognizes grandparents as those who guide and protect—not unlike guardian angels themselves. Precise and heartfelt.

Other Countries

Weirdly enough it seems like most countries celebrate Grandparents’ Day on completely different dates, indicating that the idea to celebrate and honor our grandparents arose organically in different places at different times. It’s nice to see such diverse grassroots support for such a great holiday! Below is a list of all the different dates for Grandparents’ Day, organized by date:

Grandparents’ Day 2025 – Worldwide Celebrations

Conclusion: So, Why All the Different Dates?

Turns out, just like our beloved grandparents, every country has its own beautiful way of doing things. From cultural traditions to religious significance to grassroots advocacy - each celebration has its own special story. But no matter when it’s celebrated - be it July, September, or November—the message stays the same: Grandparents are the heart of every family, and they deserve to be celebrated every chance we get.

And if you're ever scratching your head wondering what to gift your nana, dada, nonno, or pop-pop... we’ve got you covered!

At Manimal Tales, we’ve created a collection of thoughtful, personalized books designed to make Grandparents’ Day (or any day) extra memorable.

📚 Our Collection of Personalized Books for Grandparents:

💛 Grandmom and Me
A beautifully personalized story for Grandma and up to four grandkids. Whether she’s known for her bedtime stories or those legendary cookies, this custom book is a sweet way for kids to say, “We love you, Grandma!” A perfect keepsake filled with love, laughter, and personalized pages she'll never forget.

💙 Grandpa and Us
This is a personalized gift for grandpa, who tells the best stories and gives the warmest hugs. This custom book celebrates every silly, wise, and wonderful moment shared with Grandpa. Up to four grandkids can be included - because there’s always room on Grandpa’s lap!

💌 Grandkids, We Love You!
A heartfelt custom story from grandparents to their grandkids - whether there’s one or a bunch! This personalized keepsake flips the script and lets grandparents share their love, pride, and memories through a sweet story that grandchildren will treasure for years.

1.     BEST GIFT FOR GRANDMAS FROM GRANDKIDS: NANA AND US – PERSONALIZED GRANDPARENTS’ DAY BOOK

This beautifully personalized storybook is made just for grandmas and their grandkids. Whether it’s one grandchild or up to four, Nana and Us - Personalized Grandparents’ Day Book includes each child’s name in a heartwarming, memory-filled story that celebrates their one-of-a-kind bond and makes the perfect gift for grandmas on Grandparent’s Day.

Why It’s a Great Gift:

• Perfectly personal – Designed for one to four grandchildren, this book makes every grandchild feel seen, loved, and part of the story.
• A meaningful gift from the kids – Whether it’s for Grandparents’ Day, her birthday, Christmas, or “just because,” it’s a touching way for grandkids to say “we love you.”
• A keepsake she’ll treasure – With personalized names woven into every page, this book becomes a lasting memory she’ll want to read again and again.
• Celebrates the grandmom-grandchild bond – Sweet, playful, and full of love, the story highlights all the special moments they share—from cuddles and cookies to stories and secrets.
• Thoughtful, easy, and unforgettable – No last-minute mug or generic card. This is a gift that feels heartfelt and one-of-a-kind, just like grandma herself.

2.     BEST GIFT FOR GRANDPAS FROM GRANDKIDS: GRANDPA AND US – PERSONALIZED GRANDPARENTS’ DAY BOOK

Celebrate the bond between grandpa and his grandkids with a personalized storybook made just for them. Whether it's one grandchild or up to four, Grandpa and Us - Personalized Grandparents’ Day Book includes each child’s name in a delightful tale full of fun, love, and unforgettable memories.

Why It’s a Great Gift:

• Made for one to four grandkids – Every child gets a starring role in the story, making it the perfect shared gift from siblings or cousins.
• A gift that speaks from the heart – Whether it’s for Grandparents’ Day, his birthday, Christmas, or just to show you care, this book captures everything grandkids love about their grandpa.
• Keepsake-worthy and timeless – Personalized throughout, this is a book grandpa will proudly keep on the shelf—and likely read out loud with a smile (and maybe a few happy tears).
• Celebrates all the little moments – From backyard adventures to bedtime stories, this book captures the laughter, love, and life lessons that only a grandpa can share.
• Unique and meaningful – It’s more than a gift—it’s a memory in the making, crafted just for grandpa and his favorite little crew.

3.     BEST GIFT FROM GRANDPARENTS TO GRANDKIDS: GRANDKIDS, WE LOVE YOU! – PERSONALIZED BOOK FOR GRANDCHILDREN

Created with love for up to four grandchildren, this touching personalized storybook is a heartfelt gift from one or both grandparents. Grandkids, We Love You! - Personalized Book for Grandchildren celebrates the beautiful bond between generations, with each child’s name featured in a warm, memory-filled tale.

Why It’s a Great Gift:

• Perfect for one to four grandkids – Whether it’s just one grandchild or a whole crew of cousins and siblings, every child gets a special spot in this customized story.
• A sweet keepsake from Grandma, Grandpa, or both – This book works just as well coming from a single grandparent, making it a versatile and thoughtful gift.
• A love letter in story form – With personalized names and tender storytelling, it captures the unconditional love grandparents feel for their grandkids.
• Celebrates growing up together – From giggles and games to learning and growing, the story honors the moments that make being a grandparent so meaningful.
• A read-aloud tradition in the making – Whether it’s bedtime or a weekend visit, this book turns reading time into a cherished family ritual.