Forgot Grandma's or Grandpa's Birthday? What to Do
Grandparents rarely mind the date as much as you fear. What they love is hearing from you. Call today if you can. Here's what to say.
Save their birthday and Greetigo emails you the day before next year's.
Call today if you can
For many grandparents, a phone call is the gift. You don't need a reason or a script beyond happy birthday:
- "Hi Grandma, happy birthday. I'm sorry I'm a day late. I wanted to hear your voice."
- "Happy birthday, Grandpa. I lost track of the date, and I'm sorry. Tell me what you did."
Then ask about them: how they spent the day, who called, what they ate. Let the call run as long as they'd like.
If they don't text, or find calls hard
Some grandparents don't read texts, and some find the phone hard to hear. A video call, a card by post, or a message passed on by a parent all work. A card in your handwriting is often kept for years, even when it arrives a few days late.
Messages for Grandma and Grandpa
"Happy belated birthday, Grandma. I'm sorry I missed the day. Thank you for every birthday you made special for me. I'll call you this weekend."
"Happy belated birthday, Grandpa. I'm late, but I've been thinking of you. I'd love to come by soon and hear your stories."
"Dear Grandma, I'm sorry this card is late. I hope your birthday was full of the people you love. You're one of the best parts of my life. With love,"
"Happy birthday, Grandpa! We're a little late, but the kids made you a card, and they want to sing to you on a video call tonight."
"Happy belated birthday, Grandma. Sorry I'm late. I love you, and I'll call tonight."
"Happy belated birthday, Grandpa. I'm sorry I missed it. I'm coming to see you on Sunday, and I'm bringing photos."
Make it up with time, not things
- Plan a visit and tell them the day, so they can look forward to it.
- Bring or send photos: of the kids, of a trip, of them when they were younger.
- Ask them something about their life you've never asked. Many grandparents love to be asked.
- If you have children, have them draw a card or record a short video.
If you live far away
Ask a parent or a cousin who sees them often to pass on your message and a photo, and to tell you when a call is easiest for them.
Frequently asked questions
Is a card still worth sending if it arrives late?
What if I can't visit?
How do I remember my grandparents' birthdays?
So next year is different
Save your grandparents' birthdays, and their anniversary if they mark it, with a reminder early enough for a card to arrive by post: about a week before.
Greetigo is one option. It emails you before each date, the day before by default or 7 or 14 days before if you want time for a card, with a message already written. You review it, then send it or copy it. It's free for up to 10 saved dates.
More help: what to say when you forgot a parent's birthday, how to keep track of family birthdays and what to say when you forgot a birthday.
Writing for a birthday you haven't missed? See birthday wishes for Grandma and for Grandpa.