grandparents day

Grandparents Day Deals and Freebies

September 9, 2016 By Alexa Mason 2 Comments

Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 11. Many grandparents will be given gifts, spend time with their grand kids and enjoy the day. Part of enjoying that day may be the fact that you are, in fact, a grandparent and can get special deals because it is your day. Some movie theaters, restaurants and retail stores offer great deals to grandparents.

Most of these deals, discounts and freebies are available to senior citizens every day throughout the year (not just on Grandparents Day). However, Grandparents Day is a great day to take advantage of these deals! Check out these great deals and discounts for Grandparents Day:

Grandparents Day Movie Theater Discounts

Some movie theaters offer discounts to those who are 60 and older. At AMC Theatres patrons 60 and older can purchase a discount ticket. Prices can vary from theater to theater but average at about $2 cheaper than a standard adult ticket. Cinemark movie theaters have Seniors Day where seniors can get a discounted ticket any time on that day. If you want information on what days and prices check out each theater’s website.

Grandparents Day Restaurant Deals

IHOP offers a 55+ menu. This menu offers many of the same items as the normal menu but at lower, discounted prices. Denny’s also offers a comparable menu. Fast-food restaurants also offer senior discounts every day of the year. Chains like Arby’s, Taco Bell and McDonald’s have been known to give great discounts and oftentimes give seniors things for free. Each offer differs from location to location so you will have to check with your local chain for more information.

Retail Deals for Grandparents Day

This deal won’t land on Grandparents Day but it is a great deal. Kohl’s offers 15 percent off for customers 55 and older every Wednesday. Belk hold a Senior Day as well. You can benefit from Belk’s Senior Day on the first Tuesday of every month.

Drugstores also offer some significant discounts for senior members. At Rite Aid, for example, members over 65 who sign up for the free wellness65+ get 20 percent off every Wednesday. Walgreens offers a similar program called Balance Rewards. Walgreens, however, offers their discounts to members 55 and up.

Grandparents Day Hotel Deals

Choice Hotels offer guests age 60 and up or AARP members a 10 percent discount with reservations made in advance. When you reserve your room just be sure to request a senior rate.

Best Western offers guests 55 and older a 10 percent discount as well.

Grandparents Travel Deals

Southwest, Delta and Priceline offer senior discounts as well. Each company differs in what they offer so be sure to call and verify the discount for that time. Some of the companies have even been known to give plane tickets away for free. When calling about these deals be sure to be prepared to verify your age.

You can also get significant discounts on travel by becoming a member of AARP. The membership costs $16 a day, however, if you travel a lot the discounts could outweigh the cost of membership.

Senior Cell Phone Discounts

Most cellphone companies offer senior discounts. AT&T offers its senior customers plans starting at $29.99. This plan only covers basic phones (no smartphones). Verizon has a 65 Plus Plan for its senior customers as well. Both plans offered by the two companies offer a lower number of minutes and data for the price.

What are you waiting for? Although Grandparents Day isn’t until Sunday, most of these deals are available year-round. Go out and treat yourself today!

Grandparents Day Gifts 2015

September 11, 2015 By Will Lipovsky 2 Comments

There’s just something about grandparents that brings out the best in us. We remember our childhood experiences with them fondly and strive to be like the elders that gave us so much love. National Grandparents Day is coming up, making it an ideal time to let our grandparents know how special they are and how grateful we are for their love. It doesn’t take a big bank account to show them how much they mean to you… just a big heart and a few good gift ideas.

For Grandma – A Book of Memories

There are many ways to make a memory book for your grandmother. Craft ideas on Pinterest abound. It’s less about the construction of the book and more about what you put in it. Include photos and write descriptions of some of your favorite memories from spending time with your grandmother. She will cherish this kind of thoughtful reminder of your love.

For Grandpa – 52 Reasons Deck of Cards

Tell Grandpa what makes him special in 52 different ways. With a set of blank playing cards available for about $2.50, you have the makings of a thoughtful and meaningful gift. Gather the family together to brainstorm ideas and draw the faces of the cards on one side and a reason to love Grandpa on the other. He’ll never tire of solitaire with this deck.

For Grandma – The Granny Awards

Announce your gift with, “And the award goes to…” and then present your beloved grandmother with a certificate outlining her greatest achievements. Consider fun titles such as, “In the category of most outstanding cookies,” or “Best supporting grandparent.” This is a fun and lighthearted gift that would make any grandmother feel like a star.

For Grandpa – Loving Name Acronym

Spell out your grandpa’s name on a poster or plaque providing a loving descriptive work for each letter in his name. Grandpa Lou might read, “Loving, out of the ordinary, unparalleled.” He’ll proudly display your creation and feel the love you put into it every time he sees it.

These are just a few simple ideas that bring a lot of joy for very little money. Share your Grandparents’ Day gift ideas in the comments section.

Grandparents Day Activities

September 11, 2015 By Will Lipovsky Leave a Comment

Grandparents have given so much, first as your parents and then as helpers and teachers for your kids. They remind us of where we came from and what a difference one person can make in our lives. Help your kids honor their grandparents by sharing one of these thoughtful activities on Grandparents Day.

A Visit Today and More Often

Many don’t realize that Grandparents Day started in 1973. West Virginia’s Marian McQuade noticed how many nursing home residents had been forgotten by their families. She stated Grandparents Day was meant to “honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.” So honoring grandparents starts with a visit. But one visit isn’t enough. Set a schedule so you can visit them often and acknowledge all the joy and love they brought to your life.

If your parents have passed on, contribute to the happiness of other seniors who may have lost the connection with their families. Visiting seniors is a great way to teach your kids the value of senior citizens while helping others.

Bring or Give a Pet

If there’s one thing that kids and grandparents both love, it’s pets. A dog is the obvious choice to bring on a visit with grandparents, but any fuzzy critter will do. Your kids and parents will enjoy a bonding experience that offers enormous benefits. Interacting with pets improves the level of happiness for seniors while lowering blood pressure. Seniors who own pets enjoy the added benefits of being more active as they love and care for their pets.

Interviews with Grandparents

Many websites offer sample questions you should ask grandparents to both make them feel appreciated for their accomplishments and to help friends and family learn from their experiences. Ask them about their brothers and sisters, their spouses and their heroes. Ask them for the most important advice they wish they had received when they were younger. Questions like these refresh memories, and the answers can teach you a lot about your family and its history.

However you celebrate, make sure the activities bring joy to the life of a grandparent who otherwise would be lonely on this day!