10 Fun and Creative Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day

Marian McQuade began an initiative in 1970 to create a special day in celebration of all grandparents. She established a statewide Grandparents Day campaign by reaching out to political, civic, faith, and business leaders. Congress passed the resolution in 1978, and President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation stating that National Grandparents Day would always be celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This is an opportunity for children to learn guidance, wisdom, and strength from older people. In addition, it allows great-grandparents and grandparents to show their love for their grandchildren. Let’s take a look at 10 fun and creative ways to celebrate Grandparents Day.

10. Share Family Recipes

Sharing is caring! Everyone grows up remembering the taste and smell of something delicious they ate at a family meal. Sharing meals is a wonderful way for families to bond. When saving family recipes, you’re not just saving the meal itself; you’re saving and cherishing the laughter and moments of being together. This Pumpkin Pie is one of my family favorites and can be served as a side dish with almost any meal or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It is so simple to make and only takes a few minutes to prepare.

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Pumpkin Pie

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• Author: Kay Keene
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 pieces

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup sugar (can be reduced to 1/2 cup depending on your sweet tooth)
• 150 g melted butter or 120ml oil (using butter makes this recipe fluffier)
• 3 eggs
• 5 ml salt
• 1 cup of self-raising flour
• 3 cups grated pumpkin or butternut

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Instructions

1. First, mix the sugar and butter together, then add the eggs and salt.
2. Then sift the flour and add the grated pumpkin to the egg mixture.
3. Using a wooden spoon, mix until well combined. Then pour the mixture into a greased 2 x 6 x 10.1-inch glass dish. Using the back of the spoon, smooth out the top layer to make it even.
4. Bake at 350°F uncovered for 45 minutes or until a wooden skewer comes out clean. Do not over-brown; finally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. It can be served warm or cool.

Notes

Leftover pumpkin pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw first, then pop it in the oven on medium heat for a few minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Method: Oven bake

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9. Have a Family Photo Shoot

Photos are always memorable. Choose a designated location and tell grandma and grandpa to dress up in their finest outfits and meet you there. Have the photographer ready to take pictures of them once they arrive. Ask other family members to join too, and take pictures of all the different generations together. Furthermore, set up a photo booth and take some fun props along that everyone can use. Props are relatively affordable online, and there is a vast variety to choose from. You could also consider having the photo shoot at the park, taking along some beverages and snacks, and enjoying a picnic.

8. Host a Grandparents Night

Build a strong family relationship and get everyone involved. Host the evening by making them a special card, listening to their favorite music, and eating their favorite foods. Create a questionnaire. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about what their life was like when they were young. Here are 20 questions to ask your grandparents and learn more about them.

1. When were you born?
2. Where did you and Grandma or Grandpa get married?
3. How old were you when you got married?
4. What was your favorite food growing up?
5. Do you still like that food, or do you have a different favorite food now?
6. What’s your favorite color?
7. How did you meet Grandma or Grandpa?
8. What was your first job?
9. Did you have any pets?
10. What’s your favorite song?
11. Where were you born?
12. Did you have a favorite toy when you were a kid?
13. Where have you traveled to, and what did you enjoy about it?
14. Did you ever get in trouble as a child? If so, what did you do?
15. What was your first car?
16. Did you have a favorite subject in school? If so, what was it, and why did you like it?
17. Would you rather fly like a bird or breathe like a fish underwater, and why?
18. If you could be an animal, what would it be and why?
19. Would you rather play in the snow or the sand?
20. If you had to eat the same food every day, what would it be?

7. Plan a Family Trip

Grandparents don’t often go out much, so why not surprise the family with a trip to the zoo or a national park? There are 63 national parks in the United States, and all of them have something special and memorable to offer for all ages. There is plenty of beautiful wildlife to see and gorgeous trails to take a walk on while viewing stunning waterfalls and more.

6. Create a Craft Photo Frame

A fun and creative way to celebrate Grandparents Day is to get the kids and grandparents together to make a few crafts together. This creates a special bonding experience while being creative together and coming up with fun, unique ideas. Let grandma and grandpa take their special craft gift home. Use vibrant colors to make this frame a dear keepsake. Find a favorite photo that you want to place in the frame. Additionally, you could take a photo of them making this craft together and then place it in the frame once it is dry.

Material Needed:

• Rolling pin
• Air-dry clay
• Paintbrushes
• Cookie cutters
• Glue
• Acrylic paint
• Photo
• Optional clear adhesive sealant

Instructions:

1. First, roll out the clay to the desired size, shape, and thickness.
2. Use the cookie cutters to cut out your choice of shapes.
3. Next, to create an impression, press the photo on the clay.
4. Let the clay for the frame and shapes dry completely.
5. Once dry, using the acrylic paint, paint the frame and shapes.
6. Finally, when the paint is dry, attach the photo with glue and then glue on the shapes. For added shine and protection, apply the clear adhesive to the photo first.

5. Create a Delicious Feast

Everyone loves to be spoiled with a scrumptious meal. Why not invite the grandparents over and get the kids to help prepare a lovely meal for all to enjoy? To make it extra special, get the kids to ask the grandparents some of the questions we mentioned earlier. We have put together four delightful recipes for you to try and add to your feast to celebrate Grandparents Day. Serve with your choice of vegetables or a crisp green salad.

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Roasted Stuffed Mushrooms

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• Author: Kay Keene
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4

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Ingredients

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• Olive oil spray
• 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• 8 large flat mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 200 g punnet of grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 large bunch of spinach, finely chopped
• 120 g baby rocket leaves
• 250 g low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
• 30 g sunbeam seed mix

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Instructions

1. First, trim the stems from the mushrooms and chop them finely. Over medium heat, heat a non-stick frying pan and spray with oil.
2. Then, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes while stirring. Next, add the diced mushroom stems and cook for a further 3 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Put the spinach in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave it aside for 30 seconds, then drain and rinse under cold running water. Squeeze out the excess water.
4. Place the spinach in a bowl, add the seeds, ricotta cheese, lemon rind, onion mixture, and season with pepper.
5. Next, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick baking paper. Place the mushrooms on the tray with the cut side facing up.
6. Then, divide the mixture between the 8 mushrooms. Cover with tin foil, and roast for 15 minutes. Next, remove the tin foil and roast for another 8–10 minutes until tender.
7. Finally, in a bowl, combine the tomato, vinegar, and rocket. Before serving, divide the salad and mushrooms between plates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Method: Oven bake

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 6.7g
• Sodium: 14.2mg
• Fat: 11.9g
• Carbohydrates: 18.9g
• Protein: 17.7g

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Olive, Herb, and Parmesan Loaf

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• Author: Kay Keene
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4-6

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Description

The smell of this savory Mediterranean loaf is irresistible. It is loaded with pimento peppers, herbs, olives, and cheese and will make your mouth water. It will complement any meal, whether a roast dish or a delectable soup. It can be stored in the fridge for 2 days or frozen for 1 month. However, I guarantee that there won’t be any leftovers.

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Ingredients

Units

• Butter for greasing or spray and cook
• 75 g stuffed olives
• 75 g pimentos
• 1 tablespoon of thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
• 125 g grated parmesan
• 350 g plain flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 eggs beaten
• 300 ml buttermilk or 150ml buttermilk and 150ml plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Eggwash (made with 1 egg and a dash of cold water, beaten)
• For the topping, sea salt, sprigs of thyme, and a few slices of pimento

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the loaf pan with butter or spray and cook. Next, slice the olives and the pimentos. Remove the thyme leaves from the stalks, chop the chives into small pieces, and grate the parmesan.
2. Next, sift the mustard, salt, pepper, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and flour in a bowl.
3. Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, or yogurt with olive oil in another bowl.
4. Then mix the pimentos, olives, cheese, and herbs into the flour. Make a well in the center, add the buttermilk mixture, and stir it together.
5. Scape the mixture into the loaf pan. Smooth the top and paint with eggwash. Decorate with sprigs of thyme, pimento, and sea salt.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
7. Leave it to cool for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Any stuffed olives will do; however, lemon-stuffed olives give this loaf a pleasantly different flavor. Additionally, you can substitute the pimentos for sundried tomatoes and add a couple of slices of pepperoncini. This recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste buds.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Method: Oven bake

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Braised Chicken Legs With Grapes and Fennel

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• Author: Kay Keene
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken legs (drumstick and thigh) patted dry
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
• 4 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• 2 medium fennel bulbs plus 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fronds
• 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
• 4 teaspoons Calabrian chile paste or chopped chiles
• 2 cups of red or green grapes (stems removed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Next, season the chicken legs with 3 teaspoons of salt.
3. Over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then turn and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. In the meantime, chop the fennel into slices. Place it in a bowl with half of the grapes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Toss until well combined.
6. Next, reduce the heat and add the chili, honey, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the remaining grapes. Top with the fennel mixture.
7. Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes.
8. Serve and enjoy!

• Method: Oven bake

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

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• Author: Kay Keene
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4

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Ingredients

Units

For the pudding:

• 175 g stoned dates
• 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 50 g walnuts
• 125 g softened butter
• 125 g dark muscovado sugar
• 2 eggs
• 125 g self-raising flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the sauce:

• 25 g walnuts
• 75 g light muscovado sugar
• 50 g butter
• 2 tablespoons of rum or brandy

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Instructions

1. First, preheat the oven to 375°F. Chop the dates and place them in a heatproof bowl; add 150ml of boiling water; and add the bicarbonate soda. Next, chop the walnuts and set them aside.
2. Cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat well. (Note: dark muscovado sugar does not cream together as well as caster sugar.) A few lumps are okay.
3. Next, add the flour and cloves and fold into the mixture. Then, add the dates and the water, as well as the walnuts. Stir until well combined.
4. Put the pudding bowls in a shallow ovenproof dish, then divide the mixture between the molds. Fill the dish halfway with boiling water. Then place it in the oven for 40 minutes until springy to the touch.
5. When cooked, allow it to stand for 10 minutes, then remove it from the molds. Then, to make the sauce, finely chop the walnuts and place them in a saucepan with the remaining ingredients. Heat gently while stirring until combined. Spoon the sauce over the puddings when ready to serve.

Notes

Equipment:

• 6 silicone pudding molds
• 1 ovenproof baking dish or roasting pan

These puddings can be frozen for up to two months and reheated on low heat or in the microwave. The sauce lasts for 2 weeks in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Oven bake

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4. Spoil Them With Chores

Another great, fun, and creative way to celebrate Grandparents Day is to spoil them with chores. As people get older, doing chores like mowing the lawn, raking, and cleaning the house becomes more difficult. Why not gather your siblings, head over to the grandparents, and tidy up the yard? You could weed the garden, put up some flower baskets, and trim the trees. Don’t forget to take some cookies with you to enjoy after all your hard work.

3. Watch a Movie Together

Old people have a lot of time once they retire. Find out what movies your grandparents like to watch and plan a movie night together. A classic movie can bring back a lot of memories and help stimulate the mind. It’s a great opportunity for them to talk about their pastime in a positive light.

2. Write a Letter or Poem

Grandparents love to receive personalized gifts. Encourage the children to write a letter or poem expressing their love for them. If the kids are too small to write, they could even draw or color in a picture.

1. Perform a Play

Finally, why not put a play on for your grandparents? Use some funny outfits and props. They will love this idea and the effort that has gone into preparing it. Everyone can have fun and participate together.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©pikselstock/Shutterstock.com.

Up Next:

• Valentines Day Ideas for Kids
• 30 Family Activities for November
• The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: Your Family’s Guide to the Best Summer Ever

The post 10 Fun and Creative Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day appeared first on Moms Who Think .