Do you have any special traditions from when you were a kid? I sure do! Most of mine were with my family. Now that I’m a grandma (and you might be one too!), it’s my turn to help make those fun traditions for my grandkids.
If you want to create more meaningful moments with your grandchildren, here are 15 easy things you can do to build memories they’ll never forget:
1. Watch a favorite movie together every year
Pick one special movie you both enjoy and watch it once a year—maybe on the same date or during a certain season. Make popcorn, snuggle up, and enjoy the tradition of watching it together.
2. Share a hobby
Try something fun together—like rock collecting, knitting, cooking, painting, or birdwatching. You can even look at stars! Try a few different hobbies until you find one you both enjoy.
3. Create a secret handshake
Make up a fun handshake that’s just between you and your grandchild. It can be silly, sweet, or a mix of both! Use it every time you say hello or goodbye—it’s a simple way to feel connected.
4. Make the same special treat every time
Pick one yummy treat to make whenever you’re together. Maybe it’s cookies, puppy chow, or homemade ice cream. Making the same snack each time builds a sweet memory. Whenever they eat it, they’ll think of you—and you’ll think of them! (Here are some of my favorite desserts to make with my grandkids.)
5. Have a photo day
Pick one day each year to take fun photos together. Dress up, be silly, or visit your favorite place. Print the pictures and put them in a special album. Over time, you’ll both love looking back at how much you’ve grown and laughed together.
6. Start a holiday tradition
Traditions help make holidays extra special. You can choose one that fits your beliefs, your family, and your budget. My family goes to a Christmas Eve service, then eats a fun charcuterie dinner, wears matching pajamas, opens stockings, and saves big gifts for the morning. You could also bake cookies, help at a soup kitchen, or go see a play like The Nutcracker.
7. Start a birthday tradition, too
Just like holidays, birthdays are perfect for creating memories. Choose something you do every year with your grandchild. It could be lunch at their favorite restaurant, cake on a special plate, or a day out with just the two of you. Whatever it is, make it something they’ll always look forward to!
8. Plant something together
Start a small garden or plant flowers in a pot. Each time you’re together, check on it, water it, and watch it grow. It’s a fun way to teach patience—and it’s something you can both be proud of.
9. Take a yearly family trip
Plan a vacation every year with your family. It doesn’t have to be far—maybe a nearby town or a big adventure like a cruise. Seeing new places together helps you make special memories that will last forever.
10. Spend time outside
Some of the best memories happen outdoors. Go outside and play! You can build snowmen, draw with chalk, collect colorful leaves, or look for bird nests—whatever the season brings.
11. Be pen pals
Getting mail is exciting! Write letters, send postcards, or surprise each other with small packages. Being pen pals is a simple way to stay close and make fun memories—especially if you live far apart.
12. Pick a special song to share
Remember choosing “your song” with your high school sweetheart? Now, pick one with your grandchild! It could be a lullaby you sing, or a song you both like on the radio. Make it your song—the one that always makes you think of each other.
13. Sunday supper
If you live close to your grandkids, Sunday supper is a great way to get everyone together each week. You can eat, talk, and enjoy each other’s company. Pick a day or night that works best and make it your special family time.
14. Read together
No matter how old your grandchild is—1 or 31—reading together is always special. Snuggle up and share a book. It’s a sweet and cozy way to spend time with someone you love.
15. Make a memory jar
Every time you do something fun together, write it down and put it in a memory jar (or a journal). It’s a simple way to save those moments forever—and your grandchild will treasure it for life.
What special traditions do you share with your grandkids? If you don’t have any yet, I hope this list gives you a few fun ideas. Traditions like these are some of the sweetest gifts you can give. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to buy groceries for my next big baking day with the grands!
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