Wishes
Grandparents Day Quotes
Finding the right words to honor the matriarchs and patriarchs of your family can be a challenge. Whether you are writing a heartfelt card, preparing a toast, or posting a family photo, the right Grandparents Day quotes can perfectly capture your appreciation. This collection features real, verified quotes from classic authors, poets, and the King James Bible.
Because the modern holiday is a relatively recent invention, you will not find many historical figures talking about "Grandparents Day" itself. Instead, these public-domain quotes focus on the timeless bonds between generations, the wisdom of age, and the unique love shared between grandparents and their grandchildren. We have grouped them into short, classic, and inspiring sections so you can find exactly what you need.
National Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, the occasion will be celebrated on Sunday, September 12, 2027. Take a moment to read through these classic reflections on age and family, and use them to make your grandparents feel truly special.
Short quotes 9
Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.
– Mark Twain, Following the Equator
The soul is born old but grows young. That is the comedy of life.
– Oscar Wilde
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
– Proverbs 16:31 (KJV)
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
– Job 12:12 (KJV)
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.
– Psalm 92:14 (KJV)
Grow old along with me! / The best is yet to be, / The last of life, for which the first was made.
– Robert Browning, Rabbi Ben Ezra
Old age hath yet his honour and his toil.
– Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ulysses
We do not count a man's years until he has nothing else to count.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson, Old Age
Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind.
– Samuel Ullman, Youth
Classic quotes 10
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
– Proverbs 17:6 (KJV)
There are fathers who do not love their children; there exists no grandfather who does not adore his grandson.
– Victor Hugo, Les Miserables (tr. Isabel F. Hapgood)
A grandam's name is little less in love / Than is the doting title of a mother.
– William Shakespeare, Richard III
No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace / As I have seen in one autumnal face.
– John Donne, The Autumnal
The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young.
– Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
The old believe everything: the middle-aged suspect everything: the young know everything.
– Oscar Wilde
To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable.
– Oscar Wilde
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
– 2 Timothy 1:5 (KJV)
And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age.
– Ruth 4:15 (KJV)
Over the river, and through the wood, / To grandfather's house we go; / The horse knows the way, / To carry the sleigh, / Through the white and drifted snow.
– Lydia Maria Child (1844)
Inspiring quotes 8
To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent—that is to triumph over old age.
– Thomas Bailey Aldrich, Ponkapog Papers
The course of life is fixed, and nature admits of its being run but in one way, and only once; and to each part of our life there is something specially seasonable; so that the feebleness of children, as well as the high spirit of youth, the soberness of maturer years, and the ripe wisdom of old age—all have a certain natural advantage which should be secured in its proper season.
– Cicero, On Old Age (tr. E. S. Shuckburgh)
Old age, especially when it has enjoyed honours, has an influence worth all the pleasures of youth put together.
– Cicero, On Old Age (tr. E. S. Shuckburgh)
For as I admire a young man who has something of the old man in him, so do I an old one who has something of a young man.
– Cicero, On Old Age (tr. E. S. Shuckburgh)
As a decrepit father takes delight / To see his active child do deeds of youth, / So I, made lame by fortune's dearest spite, / Take all my comfort of thy worth and truth.
– William Shakespeare, Sonnet 37
Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
– Psalm 71:18 (KJV)
For age is opportunity no less / Than youth itself, though in another dress, / And as the evening twilight fades away / The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Morituri Salutamus
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and though / We are not now that strength which in old days / Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are.
– Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ulysses
How to Write Your Own Grandparents Day Message
While classic Grandparents Day quotes add a touch of elegance to any greeting, your grandparents will be most touched by your personal words. Writing a meaningful message does not require you to be a poet or a professional writer. You simply need to speak from the heart and highlight the specific ways they have impacted your life. Taking the time to craft a personalized note shows that you truly value the relationship and the legacy they have built. Grandparents often keep cards and letters for years, storing them in memory boxes or displaying them on the mantelpiece, so your words carry lasting weight.
A Simple Formula for Your Message
If you are staring at a blank card and wondering where to begin, try using this straightforward formula to structure your thoughts:
- The warm opening: Start with a cheerful greeting that uses the name you call them, whether that is Nana, Pop-Pop, Gram, or simply Grandmother.
- The specific memory: Mention a favorite memory you share. This could be a cherished holiday tradition, a practical lesson they taught you, or a quiet afternoon you spent together.
- The core appreciation: Tell them exactly what you admire about them. This could be their endless patience, their sharp sense of humor, or their lifelong resilience.
- The classic quote (optional): Insert one of the Grandparents Day quotes from our list that matches the tone of your message to give it a polished feel.
- The loving close: End with a warm sign-off, wishing them a wonderful day, followed by your love.
Worked Examples
Here is how that formula looks in practice when you put all the pieces together:
Example 1 (For a grandmother): "Happy Grandparents Day, Nana! I was just thinking about all the summers we spent baking in your kitchen. Your patience and warmth have always been a guiding light for me. As Proverbs puts it, 'Children's children are the crown of old men,' and I am so glad to be one of yours. I love you so much!"
Example 2 (For a grandfather): "Dear Grandpa, wishing you a wonderful Grandparents Day. I will always cherish the afternoons we spent fishing by the lake. Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and a good laugh. I hope you have a relaxing day today. Love always."
Etiquette and Timing
Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the United States. Because it falls on a Sunday, it is an excellent opportunity to visit in person, host a family brunch, or arrange a long phone call. If you are mailing a physical card, be sure to drop it in the mail by the Tuesday or Wednesday prior to the holiday so it arrives by the weekend. If you are sending a gift, consider something sentimental like a framed family photograph or a custom photo book.
When it comes to etiquette, the most important rule is simply to remember the day and make an effort to connect. Grandparents rarely expect lavish gifts or expensive outings; their primary joy is connecting with their grandchildren. A handwritten card, a thoughtful email, or a dedicated phone call are all highly appropriate and deeply appreciated ways to mark the occasion. If you have step-grandparents or surrogate grandparents who have played a major role in your life, this is also the perfect time to acknowledge them.
What to Avoid
While you want to be warm and celebratory, there are a few minor pitfalls to avoid when writing your message or planning your outreach:
- Avoid making them feel old: Focus your message on their wisdom, their family legacy, and your shared memories rather than drawing attention to their advanced age or any declining health issues.
- Skip the generic filler: A card that simply says "Happy Grandparents Day" and nothing else can feel impersonal. Always add at least one or two sentences of your own to show you put thought into it.
- Do not force humor: If your relationship is formal or traditional, stick to sincere appreciation. Save the funny quotes and teasing remarks for grandparents who actively appreciate a good joke.
Examples for Different Mediums
Depending on how you communicate with your grandparents, you might need to adjust your message to fit the platform. Here are a few examples tailored to different formats.
| Medium | Example Message |
|---|---|
| Text Message | Happy Grandparents Day! Thinking of you today and sending you a massive hug. Let's catch up on the phone later this week! |
| Dear Grandma and Grandpa, I wanted to send a quick note to wish you a very happy Grandparents Day. I am so grateful for all the support you have given me over the years. I have attached a few recent photos of the kids. We all miss you and hope to see you soon! | |
| Social Media Caption | Happy Grandparents Day to the best role models a person could ask for. "Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be." (Robert Browning) So lucky to have you in my life! |
Ultimately, the best Grandparents Day quotes and messages are the ones that reflect your genuine relationship. Take a few minutes to reflect on what your grandparents mean to you, and your words will undoubtedly bring a smile to their faces. Whether you choose a profound thought from a historical figure or a simple expression of your own gratitude, the effort you put into reaching out is what truly matters.
Where these quotes come from
Every quote on this page was checked against the place it first appeared: the book, poem, play, speech, letter or, for scripture, the King James Version text. Cicero is quoted in E. S. Shuckburgh's translation of On Old Age and Victor Hugo in Isabel F. Hapgood's translation of Les Miserables. Wording, spelling and punctuation follow those sources, so older spellings such as "labour" or "honour" are left as printed.
We left out popular lines that circulate on quote sites but cannot be traced to anything the person actually wrote or said, such as "You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was," which is often credited to Abraham Lincoln but is an old Irish saying with no link to him, and "Every house needs a grandmother in it," which is not found in Louisa May Alcott's books. If a quote matters for a speech, a program or a printed card, the author line under each quote tells you which work to look it up in.
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Frequently asked questions
When is National Grandparents Day?
In the United States, National Grandparents Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day. In 2027, the holiday falls on Sunday, September 12.
What is a good quote for Grandparents Day?
A great quote captures the unique bond between generations. For example, Victor Hugo wrote, "There are fathers who do not love their children; there exists no grandfather who does not adore his grandson."
How do I write a meaningful message for my grandparents?
Start by addressing them by the affectionate name you use for them. Share a specific, fond memory you have together, express your gratitude for their guidance, and close with a warm expression of love.
Should I send a gift for Grandparents Day?
While gifts are always appreciated, they are not strictly necessary. Most grandparents prefer the gift of your time, such as a phone call, a visit, or a thoughtfully written card.
Can I use quotes about old age for Grandparents Day?
Yes, as long as the quotes are respectful and focus on the wisdom and dignity of age. Quotes that celebrate a life well-lived or the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next are highly appropriate.
What should I avoid writing in a Grandparents Day card?
Avoid focusing heavily on their physical age or declining health. You should also avoid overly generic messages; always add a personal touch or a specific memory to make the card special.