To a small child, the perfect granddad is unafraid of big dogs and fierce storms but absolutely terrified of the word “boo.” ~Robert Brault

Grandparents Day is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, and was the result of the efforts of one woman, Marian McQuade – a mother and grandmother herself. Inspired by sadness in seeing many of the elder generation living alone in nursing homes, McQuade set out to create a time of honor, remembrance and gathering.

Marian’s vision was not commercial in nature, rather she wished to promote togetherness and the preservation of family legacy. She hoped that families would be inspired to plan reunions and get-togethers, so that grandparents and great-grandparents could impart wisdom and share stories with the younger generations. Of course, she also hoped that grandchildren would take the opportunity to express their love. It is in this spirit that Walter Knoll Florist offers our Grandparents Day collection, guaranteed to make them smile! Many things have changed over the years, and grandparents are not necessarily the gray-haired elderly, sitting in rocking chairs! In fact, with the average first time grandparent only being 48 years old, grandchildren today enjoying going to theme parks, zip-lining through tree tops and white water rafting with their grandparents!

But many things have not changed – such as the great love between grandparents and grandchildren. A recent study revealed that over three-quarters of grandparents felt that their role was the single most important aspect of their life, while 90% said that their grandchildren are topics of conversation every single day. An when it comes to spoiling the grandkids, the practice is alive and well – in fact, over $52 billion dollars is spent annually in gifts for the youngsters.

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children. ~Alex Haley

As a society, we are also moving back towards multi-generational living. 37% of American households now include a grandparent, and real estate developers and builders have taken notice. New model homes are increasingly offering cottages, apartments, and deluxe suites meant for grandparents to move in comfortably, or to live on the same property but in their same space. This has huge positive implications, as experts say that children who grow up with a strong influence from their grandparents is far more confident and self-assured as an adult.

It seems that there is a lot to celebrate this Grandparents Day! As always, you can trust the experts at Walter Knoll Florist to provide the most beautiful flowers, plants and gifts to honor all of your Saint Louis occasions – and especially to shower your awesome grandparents with lots of love.