Father’s Day is an eagerly anticipated occasion in Australia, celebrated on the first weekend of September. It’s the perfect moment to start some Father’s Day traditions and show the dads, granddads and father figures in our lives just how much they mean to us.
While a great gift and a special meal is always appreciated, there are countless other heartwarming traditions you can start now to make him feel truly cherished on this special day. Other countries celebrate in a similar way, with the addition of attending a religious service or spending extra days with loved ones, including extra outdoor activities or giving flowers. While different countries may have their own unique dates for this special occasion, the message remains the same worldwide – a heartfelt celebration of the wonderful fathers in our lives.
Here are a few of our favourite fun and thoughtful Father’s Day traditions that you can start right away to make sure he feels loved this year.
Dad-and-Family Adventure
Father’s Day is all about family, and spending quality time together is at the core of the celebration. In addition to giving thoughtful gifts and heartfelt cards, consider adding an extra day of celebration to truly honour Dad. Plan outdoor activities that resonate with his interests, such as going for a scenic hike, having a picnic in a picturesque park, or engaging in some friendly backyard sports. These activities not only create lasting memories but also foster strong bonds among family members. It’s a chance to appreciate the presence of the father figure who holds a special place in your heart.
Day of RnR (Rest and Relaxation)
Or maybe he’d prefer to spend the day relaxing? After all the hours fathers spend caring for their families, offering them a day of pampering and rest might just make the perfect, thoughtful gift.
Start Father’s Day off right by bringing him breakfast in bed. Let the kids help whip up Dad’s favourite breakfast—whether that’s pancakes, bacon and eggs, or just a good old cup of coffee and toast. You can add a homemade card or a little gift on the tray to make it extra special. It’s a cosy, loving way to start the day that Dad’s sure to appreciate.
Photo from Baby Chick.
You could also cook his favourite lunch and dinner, where he doesn’t have to lift a finger in the kitchen, or even take him to a restaurant he loves. Decorate the table with something he’s interested in, like his favourite NRL team or hobby. Or perhaps have a family pajama day, where everyone dresses comfortably and spends the day watching movies or TV shows that he enjoys.
Otherwise, you can give Dad the gift of alone time. Offer him a day off where he can indulge in his hobbies, spend time in nature, or simply relax at home without any responsibilities. Whether it’s golfing, fishing, reading a book, or simply enjoying some quiet time, this gift of solitude allows him to recharge and appreciate some well-deserved “me time”. Consider giving him a gift that accompanies his downtime, like a special mug with his favourite treats, or a personalised flask filled with his favourite drink.
Create a Memory Scrapbook
How about starting a scrapbook where everyone adds something each year? It could be a note, a drawing, a photo, or even a little keepsake from your Dad-and-Family Adventure. Over time, this scrapbook will fill up with memories, becoming a cherished family heirloom. Plus, it’s a great way to look back on past Father’s Days and see how much everyone’s grown. This is one of those Father’s Day traditions that just keeps giving, year after year.
Cook Together
If Dad enjoys cooking or grilling, why not make it a tradition to cook a meal together? You can pick a favourite recipe or try something new each year. It’s not just about the food; it’s about spending time together and creating something delicious. Bonus points if you start a Father’s Day recipe book where you can jot down the dishes you’ve made and any fun memories that came with them. This is one of those Father’s Day traditions that combines bonding time with a tasty outcome!
Game Day Fun
If your dad is into sports, a game day tradition could be a big hit. Plan to watch his favourite game together or, even better, organise a family match in the backyard—whether it’s cricket, soccer, or basketball. It’s all about having fun and a bit of healthy competition. You can even make DIY team shirts or little medals for the winners (and a fun prize for everyone else!).
Thoughtful Craft Projects
Add a creative touch to Father’s Day with some thoughtful, homemade gifts. These don’t have to be complicated—just something that shows you care and that he can proudly display. Here are a few ideas:
- Personalised Photo Frames: Decorate a frame and add a favourite photo of you and Dad. Or better yet, have a look at our collection of personalised frames and add your names to a thoughtful message. Or add the kids and dads handprints on one of our personalised plaques.
- Handmade Cards: If you have kids, let them get creative with drawings, stickers, and a personal message inside. Nothing beats a handmade card.
- Custom Keychains: Use clay or beads to make something personalised that Dad can use every day.
- Memory Jars: Decorate a jar and fill it with little notes of appreciation, favourite memories, or ideas for future adventures.
The internet is a treasure trove of DIY project ideas, and you’re sure to find something that aligns with your dad’s interests and preferences. Once you’ve made the special gift, place it in a keepsake box, so he can store precious treasures from his family. Thoughtful crafts like these are wonderful Father’s Day traditions that show Dad just how much he means to you.
Some dads prefer staying busy and accomplishing tasks that make a difference. Consider giving your dad a meaningful project to work on during the week leading up to Father’s Day. It could be a DIY project, such as building a birdhouse, creating a family scrapbook, or even working on a home improvement task. The sense of achievement and pride he will feel upon completing the project will be a wonderful gift in itself.
Reflecting on Special Moments
End the day by gathering as a family and sharing what you love most about Dad. Whether it’s around the dinner table or just before bed, take turns telling him what he means to you. It’s a simple but powerful way to make him feel appreciated and loved. Think about the moments that have touched your heart, the lessons he has taught you, and the support he has given. You can even write down these reflections and add them to your memory scrapbook.
Starting a new tradition for Father’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. The best ones are simple, meaningful, and all about spending time together. So why not give one of these ideas a try this year? They’ll bring lots of smiles and create memories you’ll all cherish for years to come. As you kick off these Father’s Day traditions, join our Celebration Central community, where members love to share their tips and ideas for all occasions.
Here’s to making every Father’s Day special, memorable, and full of love!