Mark your calendars for two special dates this September: National Grandparents’ Day on September 13th and World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21. Whether you are spending quality time with family, or supporting a loved one through dementia care, here is how you can make an impact this month.

National Grandparents’ Day: September 13, 2026

First proposed in Canada in 1995, Grandparents’ Day falls on the second Sunday of September every year. This holiday was created with three purposes in mind: to honour grandparents, to give grandparents a chance to show love to their grandchildren, and to help younger generations
appreciate the wisdom, guidance, and strength of older family members.

Though it historically has received less national attention than Mother’s or Father’s Day, Grandparents’ Day is worthy of just as much celebration. You don’t need elaborate plans to make their day special, though. Most grandparents just want to spend quality time with their grandchildren, regardless of the activity. Here are some simple, yet meaningful, ways to spend
the day together:

  • Cook a favourite family recipe together, or have a family lunch date.
  • Go for a walk through your local park, or in your neighbourhood
  • Look through old family photo albums and share family stories.
  • Host a family game night, either in person or virtually.
  • Write heartfelt letters to your family members thanking them and telling them what they mean to you.

Our absolute favourite way to spend the day, though? Building a doll together! Gathering grandchildren, parents, and grandparents for our hands-on Ready to beBorn® doll-making kit creates an interactive, intergenerational activity for everyone involved. At the end of the process, you are left with a completed, beautifully realistic doll. This keepsake can then be gifted to a grandchild, presented to a grandparent in a long-term care facility, or even donated to a local care home to spread the love.

Did you know Grandparents’ Day also has its own official flower? The designated flower is the forget-me-not. Known for enduring love and remembrance, forget-me-nots encourage us to cherish our elders and the legacy they built. Consider gifting a bouquet of flowers to your grandparents and help us to raise awareness for this heartwarming day by vocally celebrating the grandparents in your life this September!

World Alzheimer’s Day: September 21, 2026

While Canada recognizes January as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we also join global initiatives on September 21st for World Alzheimer’s Day. This year’s global theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do,” focuses on breaking down social stigma and encouraging early medical evaluations.

Meaningful Ways to Participate:

Wear Purple: Purple is the official colour used to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. Show solidarity with individuals and caregivers by wearing a purple ribbon, t-shirt, or bracelet.
Join Community Events: Participate in local memory walks, fundraisers, or educational seminars hosted by organizations like the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
Spread Awareness: Share educational resources online and with friends to help challenge misconceptions about dementia and memory loss.
Gift a Therapy Doll: Consider donating a specialized weighted therapy doll from TherapyDolls.ca to a loved one, a community member, or a care facility resident living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Therapy dolls can provide extraordinary comfort, spark nurturing instincts, reduce anxiety, and bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy to those navigating cognitive changes. 

Whether you are crafting a realistic doll with your family for Grandparents’ Day, or gifting a therapeutic doll to support someone living with dementia, these thoughtful gestures leave a lasting impact. Join us this September in lifting up our grandparents, supporting caregivers, and spreading love across the generations.