Give love back: 25+ Father’s Day ideas to celebrate Dad

A lettered sentiment that reads

We love dads. They’re uniquely brilliant, wise beyond reason, silly in the best way and caring in the sweetest. The reasons we love them are too many to count.

But when Father’s Day comes around, it can be hard to put that love into action and words. A lot of us draw a blank when it comes to the actual celebration—the what, the how and all the in-between to make it happen. How do we make fathers feel special on their day? What’s the perfect way to make them feel just as loved as they make us feel all year?

Luckily, we have a few suggestions. From grand gestures and gifts to cards and other small acts of kindness, check out our gathering of Father’s Day ideas that are sure to make him feel seen and appreciated.

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Meals that warm the soul  

Nothing beats a homemade meal. No matter what cuisine your father prefers, here are some ideas to make the meal memorable.

  • Make Dad a homemade breakfast, complete with personalized pancake toppers and a heartfelt card to start the day.
  • Have an indoor picnic with fun foods like sliders and cake pops, a playlist of your dad’s favorite tunes and, of course, a cozy picnic blanket that can accommodate the whole family.
  • Does he have a favorite dish? Maybe something from his childhood that his mom or dad used to make or an old family recipe? See if you can find it or re-create it.
  • If your dad is a pizza lover, have an Italian-themed dinner with these grilled pizza recipes that he’s sure to love.
  • Speaking of different cultures, if your family has a strong cultural identity, think about cooking an entire meal based on favorites from your culture.
  • Want to propose a toast? Try these easy, refreshing beer cocktails (cheers to Dad!).
  • Need more Father’s Day ideas that include meals? Check out all our recipes, including desserts!

Get out or get active  

If you want to go beyond the usual Father’s Day dinner, an activity could be a fun alternative.

If religion is central to you and your father’s relationship, you may consider hosting a celebration that includes your church’s congregation in some way. Top it off with a card that tells him how much of a blessing he is.

  • Introduce him to something new. Try out woodworking and take a pen-turning class. Take a cooking or mixology class together. Find a place that gives helicopter or plane flying lessons.
  • Father’s Day is even better when you’re lucky enough to have two dads. If you want to celebrate both dads so that they feel special as individuals and as the loving unit they are together, check out these Father’s Day ideas from LGBTQ+ families.

Gifts to show your love  

No matter what kind of dad you have, there’s a gift that fits him. Think about his passions, the moments that make him smile and the things he could use more of.

Running close? Easy, last-minute ideas  

Let’s face it…sometimes life does what life does. If you’re cutting it close this year, here are some simple and quick Father’s Day ideas that are just as sweet and sincere as the rest.

  • If you need a gift from the kids to Dad, use our free printable writing prompts or downloadable coloring pages. They’re an easy way to get the children to make authentic messages and art that capture their love for Dad.
  • A card, of course! And we have all kinds of message ideas to help you fill it with love, whether you’re looking for something funny, simple or heartfelt.
  • You could always pair that card with some of his favorite snack foods, candies or gourmet items.
  • Get him a gift card! You could get him a Gift Card Greeting that includes a digital gift card to one of his favorite stores or restaurants, treat him to a month of car washes or swing by that specialty store where they know him by name and grab a gift certificate. We’ve got fun gift card message ideas to go with it here.
  • Don’t quite know what to say on Father’s Day? Browse our collection of over 85 quotes that speak to the beauty of fathers. You can’t go wrong with any of them. To make it feel like a gift, you could print your favorite out on nice paper and put it in a frame.

 

Whatever you do for your dad, grandfather or father figure this Father’s Day, if you put your heart into it, he’ll know how much he’s loved. Hope you have a great one with the big guy!

 

Looking for more fun celebration ideas? We have a few lying around: