Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 13th, a perfect time to show the grandparents in your life how much they mean to you. DIY gifts made by little hands are always the most meaningful, so I wanted to share a couple of easy Grandparents Day crafts that are sure to melt their hearts (as if the grand-kiddies didn’t do that already.)
I bought almost everything I needed from Family Dollar. I was there to get some TP, paper towel and candy (they have bags of atomic fireballs, y’all), and since I’m a bit of a lollygagging shopper, I found myself wandering around the store.
And so it was that these grandparents day crafts came to be.
This post created in partnership with Family Dollar. The ideas and opinions are mine.
Popsicle Stick Photo Flowers
When I spotted some bright and vivid-colored kitchen grippies at Family Dollar, they made me think of flower blossoms, so I decided to turn them into just that. What grandparent wouldn’t love to see their grandchild blooming every day?
Supplies:
2 packages round twist grips (in two different colors)*
Small colorful bucket*
Colored craft sticks* (I found a pkg of bright colors which will come in handy for future crafts too)
Leftover Easter grass or shredded paper*
Cardboard scraps
Paper and pencil
Low temp glue gun and glue sticks
Instructions:
1-2. Free-hand a very simple flower outline on paper to use as a template, or if you’re not artsy, search for flower templates online to print out and use. Center template over grippie and cut flower shape. The grippies are quite easy to cut, so if you hold the template in place, kids can trim between the petals.
3. Strategically place hot glue dots on an uncut grippie.
4. Carefully (because glue is hot), press a contrasting flower shaped grippie on top of glue to stick.
5. Glue the round grippie onto a scrap of thin cardboard and trim around the circle shape. Attach two green popsicle sticks onto the cardboard circle backing to serve as the stem.
6. If desired, trim scraps to make center flower buttons; attach with glue. Glue school photos or favorite pics of the grandkids to the flower’s center. Fill the pail with leftover Easter grass or shredded paper, and place the flower photos in their new little garden for gift giving!
Note: Adult supervision is required.
I Love You To Pieces Photo Frame
I remember making something similar for my parents when I was little, probably about the age I was in the oh-so-lovely school pics I used for these grandparents day crafts. But when I saw the mini puzzles at Family Dollar, I couldn’t resist using one to recreate the fun gift idea.
(Incidentally, could my mom have buttoned me up any tighter? Sheesh.)
Supplies:
Craft sticks*
Red spray paint (or you could paint them with poster paint, but I’m way too lazy for that)
White poster paint* (I got a whole set of washable colors for just $1)
Scrap length of decorative ribbon
Mini jigsaw puzzle* (100-piece size worked great)
Elmer’s Glue*
Instructions:
1. Lay out the puzzle pieces on a scrap piece of cardboard and spray paint red. Let dry (about 15 minutes) and then paint the other side and let dry.
2. Using Elmer’s Glue, glue a horizontal row of craft sticks onto a vertical row of craft sticks. Let dry. Paint with white poster paint, and let dry.
3. Free-hand or trace a heart shape onto the craft sticks.
4. Spread a layer of glue over heart shape, and glue on puzzle pieces in a random fashion while filling in the heart design. The color and texture variation in the puzzle pieces is a good thing!
5. Make a small bow in the center of a piece of ribbon. Hot glue both sides of the ribbon onto the back of the craft sticks for hanging.
6. Attach school photos or a favorite pic of the kids to the center of the heart. If desired, you can write (or have the kids write) an I love you message on it too.
Note: Adult supervision is required.
*Supplies found at Family Dollar
These Grandparents Day crafts will make wonderful photo mementos for those you love, and kids will have fun making them!
Roxann says
My grandparents were awesome. They owned 3 bakeries and I learned all my baking skills from them.
Brian E. says
Thank You for the giveaway…my grandmother on my mom’s side of the family passed away when I was a teenager; she spoke with an Irish brogue, taught me how to cook & play cards !
Betty C says
My paternal grandfather was the only one who lived long enough for me to really know him. He had a hard life and wasn’t easy to get along with but I loved him dearly.
Jake B says
My grandparent that is still living I call weekly and she is amazing. I used to live with her a year after high school while i was in college.
Carrie Conrad says
My grandparents taught us all the value of family. Our family has always been very close and it is thanks to the great role models we had in our grandparents. They have shown us how to get through anything together//
Theresa D says
My grandmother was the best cook and she was a wonderful great grandmother to my children.
Carl White says
Hhmmm, I know absolutely nothing about either of my sets of grandparents. They were all born in the 1800’s and were dead before I was born and my parents never really talked about any of them.
So, I am going to go with what makes them special is the fact that I would not exist if they had not existed and that is pretty special and important to me.
Leslie Stanziani says
My grandpa was a great man.He was a school bus driver and had the patience of a saint.He would take time with you and gave great advice.
cynthia dawson says
my grandparents have been gone a long time, but they always went out of their way to show us unconditional love!
Christie Mullen says
I never knew my grandparents. They died when I was really small.
Candie L says
To answer this question, I would prefer to discuss my mother in law (my kids grandmother). She is the best granny any child could ask for and she makes the most amazing homemade biscuits and gravy. She is the epitome of a southern granny Thank you
Peggy Rydzewski says
My grand mother was my savior. Not only did see give me direction in life she gave e the gift of laughter
Serena Powell says
My (maternal) grandfather owned a car that was used by Queen Elizabeth II as well as a plethora of other famous governmental people in Europe. The car is currently in a museum in Germany.
Amy Deeter says
they passed away many years ago in their 60s, but they were the sweetest grandparents anyone could ever have. They had the kindest heart
Kelley Roach says
. I would spend summers in texas helping my grandmother bake lemon bars and other desserts
Laurie Emerson says
My grandparents are two of the most wonderful people in the world. I would spend summers in Maine helping my grandmother pick and can blueberries and also making blueberry pie. My grandfather loves to make things by whittling and they always come out amazing.
tina reynolds says
They were happily married for 60 plus years
Denise S says
It was fun whenever I stayed with my grandparents.
Rebecca Peters says
My grandparents were always there for me when i needed. them.
Cathy Griffith says
My grandparents taught me to always keep pushing, no matter what. My grandmother and grandfather both loved our country and dedicated their lives to bettering it.
Teresa Moore says
I have one living grandma and she is 99 years old! She lives far away in a nursing home. I use to have the best summers at her and grandpa’s house when I was growing up. Miss those times.
Lesley F says
My Oma was the best. I grew up with her and she taught me so much. I loved watching her cook in the kitchen and doing things with her.
Carolyn Daley says
I am very close with my grandma. She lives about 5 minutes away so I see her frequently and we like to watch Hallmark movies together. We used to play card games like progressive rummy, but we do not anymore because my grandmother cannot see very well due to dry macular degeneration and cataracts.
Lisa V. says
My grandmother died when I was young and I just remember her being very religious. Now my grandfather was very loving and comical.
Beth Mason says
It has been many years since my grandparents passed away. My grandfather was in a wheelchair in his later days, when I was young. I can remember playing chinese checkers and working puzzles with him. He even let me fix his hair…lol
karen mayernick says
Many years ago, my grandmother bought my baby tons of clothes, diapers, and furniture. Right before she passed away. She knew I needed the help. She was special in many ways.
Karen Drake says
My Grandparents passed away many years ago, they were special because they both loved life and us.
Heather Poindexter says
My grandparents were all great. They each taught me so much.
Carol Nine says
I knew only one of my grandparents, since the other 3 died before I was born. The grandmother I knew was so sweet! She never raised her voice, never said anything negative, and always had time for me.
Stephanie Larison says
I don’t live near my grandparents anymore but I keep in contact with both sides of the family. They’re all excited I’m expecting #3, can’t wait to meet the newest member of the family.
Erica B. says
We love crafts!
Trisha Burgess says
I was unfortunate in not having grandparents growing up ?
Melissa S says
I am lucky at 49 to still have my maternal grandmother in good health. We are hoping to have a 5 generation picture done this year. It is hard to get everyone together as my daughter and granddaughter live pretty far away.
brandy c says
I like how my grandma taught me to be strong.
Stephanie says
my grandparents have always been there for me
Crystal Ward says
My grandparents all died decades before I was born.
sandra davis says
My grandparents had hearts of gold and was always there for me. I miss them everyday.
Missy says
My Grandparents are smart and hard working. I admire them all.
starla says
What a precious, precious gift. My Nana has practically raised me. I am her only blood granddaughter and she is my entire world. My Nana has always been a housewife but for a short time she was a hair stylist. She has always been one to defend herself and other over everything- and would beat up men as a teen.. lol. She’s the best- and I’m her biggest fan!
Pamela Gurganus says
My grandparents were very special people. Unfortunately, they’ve all passed away, but I learned so much from them in the short time I had them. From how to raise rabbits, bake a pie, proper grammar and just to be kind!
robyn paris says
This is a tough one. I never knew my Grandparents, but on the bright side my parents are wonderful grandparents to my children.
Jennifer Reed says
My grandparents were all hard working midwesterners.
sandra says
my grandfather was a chef so it was always a treat to have dinner at their house
Melina R says
My grandparents moved from Mexico to the US to make a better life for my parents (both parents are originally from Mexico).
Kyl Neusch says
I would have to say having a kind spirit and being grateful
Nannypanpan says
All of my grandparents were 1st generation American
kim keithline says
I loved my grandparents they thought the sun and the moon rose over me that I could do no wrong you need someone in your life that loves you like that!!
shaunie says
I would have to say having a kind spirit and great souls
Carlene R. says
My Great Grand Mother is the sweetest there every could be. She is still alive and has out lived all but one of her children. She never has an unkind word to say about anyone. She worked as a nurse her whole life and has always cared for people. Nursing her late husband through Dementia and my grandmother through cancer that ultimately took both of their lives.
Angie says
My grandparents are all gone (except one) now but my maternal grandmother always made us brownies, had ginger ale, crayons, and coloring books for us. They didn’t have much but they always made sure that we would have fun and be fed.
Madonna says
I was raised by my grandmother and I knew that no matter what she would always be there for me
Audra O'Hara says
I actually didn’t know my grandparents, but DNA must be a strong thing because people say I’m just like my grandmother. She likes to garden, sew, and ran her own business. I think we would have gotten along really well together.
greentopiaries says
My grandmother infused in me her love of gardening from a very young age. I can’t imagine not having a garden in my life now due to her. Thanks for the chance!
Karla R. says
I did not meet my grandparents but I heard they were wonderful.
Joy Q says
My grandmother taught me how to cook and I appreciate her every day.
Stacy says
I only have one surviving grandparent, and that is my paternal Grandmother, Palma. On August 23, she turned 100 years old! We surprised her with a huge birthday party on August 1st. She lives in New York, and family came from all up and down the East coast (like me in Florida) and as far west as Nebraska to celebrate with her. She has outlived all three of her children and her husband (my paternal Grandfather passed away before I was even born). She has survived cancer 3 times and is without a doubt the strongest woman I know.
Peggy Johnson says
My grandparents always make time for all of us even when their schedule is very busy.
Terra Heck says
My grandparents have all passed away. My maternal grandmother was special because she was the one who named me when I was born. She and I would write letters back and forth to each other and play board games when I visited. She had a heart of gold and a strong faith in God. Thanks.
partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Bonnie Day says
all my grandparents have died but I remember my last grandmother always flying down several times a year She always wore hats and I loved her hats They had feathers and netting I miss her and her hats
Rhonda R. says
My grandparents were very special and hardworking people. They were denied so much because they were very, very poor farmers. Together, they were able to raise 7 independent and wonderful kids.
Vickie says
I didn’t know grandpa well..and neither grandpas on my paternal side they died before I was born..but my grandma made up for it all.
The sweetest, gentle, giving southern woman. She had rough times in the south living on a cotton and pecan farm.
Long hot hours in the sun then coming in to fix supper and diner.
She had 11 brothers and sisters..one died and was never found and brought home during ww2
She had the best stories of tasting ice cream in a cone for the first time..they didn’t know you were suppose to eat the cone and threw it away..haha.
Seeing her first airplane.. Huge event for the whole little Georgia town.
How dark and scary things were without lights…on and on.
She was the best cook..period..between her and my mom..now I am a great cook too. Also she smelled so good.
Many great stories..like what women did before hygiene products..trust me we are lucky.
She worked until she died….unlike most women of her generation…
Love her so and miss her.
breanna pollard says
They are so loving, kind, provided me with the best and show me love.
McKim says
I don’t remember my grandfather much, he passed when I was little. My grandmother always had me to listen to me.
Nataile Brown says
My grandparents were really fun people! I spent quite a bit of time with them and did so many amazing things. Of course, the food was always wonderful too. 🙂
Carol says
My grandparents lived on a farm and grew a large garden.
Seyma Shabbir says
My maternal grandparents were awesome! Especially my grandmother. She was loving, accepting, and an amazing cook!
Jillian Too says
All of my grandparents have taught me the importance of gratitude and hard work. They definitely helped me become a better person.
libby rouse says
Both my grandpa’s were dead before I was born, but I was blessed with two sweet grandmas. They always cooked special things I liked to eat when we visited, many happy memories.
Amy Z. says
My grandparents have always been supportive of me and my siblings, and they are amazing role models in our family.
Jessica Harlow says
I love some of these cute DIY crafts for Grandparents Day! My Grandmother actually passed away last week (after a long, fulfilled life) and it has made me realize how lucky I was to have such an amazing woman in my life. I’m so grateful for her!
Ellie Wright says
I was a late in life baby, so all my grandparents were gone long before I was born. I was named after my paternal grandmother, though.
Layne Austin says
My grandparents are amazing! They are so kind and let us come to visit them whenever we want! Thanks grammy and grampy!
April says
I always heard about special stories and memories of when they were young. It really was just a different and special time.
kath g says
I don’t remember my grandparents as they died when I was young. I’ve heard stories though and done some research on them, they seemed like very interesting people.
Stacey b says
I unfortunately never got to know my Grandparents on my father’s side, as the passed away when I was young.. but, I was extremely fortunate that the grandparents I do have in my life are better than any I could ask for. They’ve always been there for me in every way possible and have always felt like a second set of parents to me.
Leah Shumack says
I was closest to my grandmother who took me in when I was 13. I would take her into my home when I was 28 and her dementia started to take over. She was with my daughter and I for 4 years before we lost her last year.
Bridgett Wilbur says
My grandmother wasn’t only hard working, caring, and loving but she made the best home maid fudge.
Linda G says
My grandparents took me fishing all the time.
Brittney House says
My grandmother was always there to watch and guide me while my parents were working.
Debra S says
My Grandparents come here from Europe. Did not even speak English! But learned it, worked HARD. Oh my gosh did they work hard. And bought homes, learned to even write in English. Raised fine children. I loved them very much. They never complained, taught us to work hard for what you want.
jeannine d says
my grandpa was the best. He laughed with us, told us jokes and played with us. Every time we visited him he made it fun and adventurous.
Anne says
Two of my grandparents died before I was born, but I was lucky enough to have known my maternal grandmother and my paternal grandfather. Nana worked in a clothing store in the downtown area of our city, and I loved visiting her there when I was a little girl. My family didn’t have much money, and Nana helped make sure we kids always had nice clothes. As for Papa, he had a camp on a local lake, and he taught me how to fish, first with a bamboo pole with a bobber, and when I was old enough, he gave me my first spin rod.
Christina says
My grandparents were amazing people! I miss them so much, they always had family first in mind and they shaped my ideas of family and traditions into what they are today. My grandpa was silly and serious, my grandma taught me how to cook and bake … I loved being in the kitchen with her.
David Balkin says
My grandmother used to play Scrabble with me all the time. It’s one of my most treasured memories. She was a good woman.
Kristy Wolfgang says
My grandma taught me how to sew and bake at an early age. I have very fond memories with my grandma.
Janice Cooper says
My grandparents are the best. They always help others and worked very hard. One special memory I have is when I was a child, my grandparents use to take the family to Boblo Island which was an amusement park back in the day. They would take all of us grandkids every year. It was such a special time! We also do holiday dinners at my grandmothers house to this day even though my grandfather is no longer with us.
beth shepherd says
My grandparents were the best. They were so supportive and loving.
heather s says
My grandmother always took us to the beach and to fun places. She taught us to be positive and kind to others.
Summer B. says
My grandparents were great, When my mother was going threw hard times and was unable to take care of me, She stepped in and took care for me until my mother was able to get back on her feet. She taught me how to bake cakes and sew.
Nancy Marcho says
My maternal grandparents loved music. On Saturdays, we’d go to a Broadway matinee and then to dinner at Mama Leone’s and on Sundays we’d Sing Along with Mitch Miller while eating a delicious home cooked Italian meal. Those were fun times!
shelly peterson says
My grandmother was the best and was such a hard worker! She was the kindest person and was so funny! We shared a lot of special times together and she did so much for me, I miss her very much!
Stephen Saunders says
My grandparents were great. On my dad’s side, I remember staying with my grandparents on most Friday nights while growing up. They were great. I loved them both dearly. I was not always a good child and had behavior problems at times. i wish I could go back and be better to them. On my mom’s side, my grandparents were also great. There were Sunday meals there that were so delicious. I remember all of my grandparents were good strong people.
Debbi Wellenstein says
My grandparents were immigrants who landed in this country at the early part of the 20th century. They were farmers who had seven children-my grandma made the best apple pie in the world!
Sarah says
My grandparents are such special people, and I’m so blessed to have a wonderful relationship with them! They are always looking for ways to help other people, and have invested so much in my life as well as the lives of each one of their 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren!
K-Squared says
They were the most inviting and heart-warming persons; as both have past, their ways of strength has built my character. This would be a great memory in their honor as we would use the items won for fund raisers for that of bills that are still needing to be paid! They were both so unbelievable and my mother (a grandmother herself) has really been an inspiration through even the times I struggled (being picked on by other’s) to times of enjoyment when my family was brought together for family reunions at that of what once was my grandparents home!
Joni Mason says
My grandparents have all passed on, but they left me with a feeling of unconditional love and set good examples in their lives that were passed on to their children and grandchildren. Most importantly they taught me about God , the Bible and how to focus on God in all times, good or bad!
Chrystal D says
My grandmom was so special. She helped me learn crafts, to cook and to appreciate small things in life. I miss her SO much!
Lisa says
My grandparents always made sure they gave us a hug and a kiss before we would leave their house.
Denise Welch says
My grandparents have passed away but now aim a grandma with four grandkids that make me feel special on this day.
Sharon Kaminski says
My grandparents are special because they worked hard all their life and are so sweet and fun loving.
Holly Thomas says
My Grandparents raised me and my two sisters, I miss them both so much.
Serge B says
My grandfather fought in WWI (for the good side)
HS says
My grandparents were both teachers, I lived with them when I was a kid.
Jessica To says
My maternal grandparents amazingly raised twelve children but I’m glad since my mom was the last one!
Kelly Nicholson says
grand parent are gone,but i use to get to the farm to ride horse back in the day thanks
Joanne Gregory says
I can remember climbing trees in their back yard as a little girl. My grandmother would bring out lemonade for me.
Tracey byram says
My grandparents raised my brother and me after our parents died in an auto accident.
Gayle J says
All my grandparents are gone now but I was very close to them growing up. My grandma on my Moms side taught me how to bake cookies and can pickles.
cheryl s says
my grandma was 98 when she passed away. She gave me her love of adventure and travel. She went white water rafting in Alaska at 90 years of age. She was the coolest grandmother ever!
Dawn Ganey says
My maternal grandpa was a WWII vet.
Sandy Klocinski says
My grandparents on my mom’s side always tried to do special things with us when we were young. My dad’s parents passed away when I was still a baby so I don’t remember anything about them
Ashley C says
I honestly didn’t get to see my grantparents very much as a child because they lived so far away and/or died when I was very young. The ones that lived far way, I loved going to visit and they always made our trips there SO much fun! My parents and inlaws make fabulous grand parents though and they are so special to our family!
Richard Hicks says
My Grandparents are the best in the world. They spoiled us grandkids and Grandma was the best cook ever
latanya says
I love my grandparents. My grandparents always helped me when I needed them.
Cheryl B. says
I grew up with just two Grandmother’s. Both we determined to be a part of their Grandchildren’s They gave me so many lasting memories.
Cynthia C says
I only had one grandparent alive growing up. She was a renowned cook and I still remember the delicious meals she made for us.
Laura DeLuca says
My grandparents were amazing people who raised a daughter with Down Syndrome with pride in a time when most people hid them away in homes.
Kim H says
I have never known my grandparent but I am a new grandparent and it is awesome to be a grandparent!
lissa crane says
My grandparents were awesome! They were truly second parents to me! They would take me to church and then out to breakfast every Sunday my whole childhood. I will always hold onto the memories of cooking with my grandma and playing cards with my grandfather.
DEBIJOT says
My Mom’s parents were great. My sister and I had our own bedroom at their house and Grandpa keep a big box of Cracker Jacks behind his recliner in the den. When we visited he would pass these out to us.
lori mccracken says
my grandfather always told us stories about when he was a young boy. he showed us photos and told us about our family. i wish he was still here to share those stories with my children.
Amy Jones says
My Dad’s Mom was deaf, from a childhood illness. I was pretty young, and didn’t know much sign language. I will always remember how her face would light up when I would sign, “I love you!”
kelli says
my grandfather was so funny and he was also super blunt. he was from boston and kind of scared me for awhile. my grandmother was precious and never raised her voice or anything.
Ann Fantom says
My grandparents would take me camping in their travel trailer every year. One year we went to Walt Disney World.
anra Slack says
From the time I was very small until I married and left home, my grandparents took me, on horseback camping every year.
Melanie Montgomery` says
They are no longer with us but they were truly amazing people.
Thomas Murphy says
They were really hard working and always there for there family.
Amanda Sakovitz says
My grandmother is the only one alive and I love her because I can talk to her about anything. Our favorite thing to do is look through old pictures together.
KV says
I enjoyed baking with my grandmother when I was a child & am passing recipes I learned to my niece.
1stopmom says
My grandfather was always there for me no matter what I needed. I could count on him for everything and wish my children would have had the chance to meet him.
Cheryl says
I never had the pleasure of knowing grandparents. Two were gone before I was born, another left one year later, and the only grandmother I knew lived thousands of miles away.
Dawn Monroe says
I only remember my grandpa but he was an amazing man and I miss him. I’m a grandparent of 10 and hand made gifts are my favorite especially if they include a picture.
Tami Vollenweider says
I remember getting to spend the night at my grand mother’s house! She would cook special things that she knew I liked!This was my mothers mom,but both of my grand fathers passed away pretty early and I don’t remember them.My other grand mother I didn’t see very often!
Lisa Brown says
All my grandparents were all Italian; my paternal came to this country in the 1960s, my maternal in the late 1800s. Just your average kind of grandparents.
Jennifer Rote says
My grandfather on my fathers side died during WWII. The others, I never met. Would have loved to met him though.