Father’s Day is just around the corner but don’t worry – you’ve still got time to prepare.
There’s no doubting that buying presents for your parents can be tricky. After all, what do you give people who have been by your side since the day you were born?
While you may opt for an expensive gift, homemade gifts or experiences you and your dad can do together are the things he will truly cherish.
So save the date – here’s everything you need to know about Father’s Day, plus some creative gift ideas:
When is Father's Day 2019?
This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday 16 June.
Why do we celebrate Father’s Day?
The general consensus is that Father’s Day originated in the US – although there are a few theories as to how it came to be.
The most common one points to a woman called Grace Gordon Clayton from West Virginia, who was thought to have campaigned for a service to honour fathers in 1908 following the Monongah mining disaster, which claimed 362 lives.
Another theory claims Civil War veteran Sonora Smart Dodd founded Father’s Day, inspired by her dad who raised six children alone after his wife died in childbirth.
In 1910, Ms Dodd led the first Father’s Day celebrations in Washington.
Gift ideas for Father's Day
1. Go beer tasting
London is home to many a distillery – from beer to gin – so a trip to a distillery for a tour and tasting could be the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.
2. Make him a roast dinner
Nothing says ‘thank you’ more than cooking a delicious meal for someone. And cooking a roast dinner is the ultimate love language – make sure you don’t let him do the dishes.
3. Take him to a theatre show
Or a movie, or to see his favourite sports team. The options are endless and many tickets go for less than £20 – but he’ll cherish the time spent with you most of all.
4. Go on a weekend away together or a day trip
With many flights abroad costing less than your daily coffee habit, plan a weekend away for the pair of you to spend some real quality time together. Has your dad always wanted to go to Romania? Ireland? Portugal? Look out for cheap tickets and surprise him with a getaway.
5. Frame a photo and write a note
If all else fails, framing a favourite photo of the two of you is the perfect gift. Add a cute touch by writing a handwritten note about why this photo means something to you or your favourite memory of the pair of you – don’t be afraid to get too sentimental.
