Dedicated to Dad: Easy & Inspired Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day
In 1909, a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd – one of six children raised by a widower – campaigned to establish a holiday equivalent to Mother’s Day to honor male parents. After drumming up support from local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers and government officials, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington state on June 19, 1910. But nationwide recognition of dads didn’t become standard practice until President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation in 1972, making Father’s Day a federal holiday.
And it has only grown in popularity since then. According to the latest study released by the National Retail Federation, 77 percent of Americans will celebrate Father’s Day, spending $15.3 billion in total. But while elaborate gifting is great, there are plenty of thoughtful ways to give props to your pop without breaking the bank. Here are just a few ideas to jumpstart your creativity:
Love to Learn
Is there something your dad has always wanted to study? A foreign language. How to play guitar. Or maybe even finish his college degree. Set him up to take some classes at a local community college, or online if he’s tech savvy.
Keep It Simple
Think useful gifts are boring or thoughtless? For some dads, practicality goes a long way. Skip the tie he’ll wear once a year and get him something he’s been in need of for a while. A new coffee maker, barbeque tools, or even an oil change for his car that might be overdue.
Memory Lane
Want something a bit more sentimental for your dad? Take a stroll down memory lane – literally. Go to some of your favorite childhood spots with him and reminisce about the great times you shared. If he doesn’t live nearby, relive the old stories on the phone, or send him a video collage of your favorite photos.
Handyman Help
Even if your father is retired with lots of time on his hands, he probably still has one or two (or ten) different projects that he’s put off doing. Offer to help with household chores like cleaning the garage or tending to the yard (planting, pulling weeds, etc.). Or tackle a bigger home repair task like drywall repair or installing a new kitchen or bathroom fixture.
Game On
Got a sports-loving dad? Buy him tickets to one of the games on Father’s Day weekend or encourage him to invite a group of his friends over to watch the game. Prep some snacks and beverages for the gang and give him the gift of baseball bonding time with his buddies.
Try out one or more of these ideas to celebrate Dad on his special day!
KEY DATES IN JUNE:
- JUNE 7: National Doughnut Day
- JUNE 14: Flag Day
- JUNE 16: Father’s Day
- JUNE 18: National Splurge Day
- JUNE 21: National Selfie Day
- JUNE 21: Take Your Dog to Work Day