A Little About the History of Father's Day:
Strangely enough, Father's Day is of very recent origin despite seeming so well established in our traditions.
The first Father’s Day in United States was on June 19th, 1910, in the Spokane YMCA, Washington. A purely local initiative, this celebration was started thanks to Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd. She had launched it in memory of her father, an American Civil War veteran, who had raised his five children alone after the death of his wife during childbirth.
Why June 19? Because her father died on June 5, the date she originally wanted to remember. However, the pastors whom she had contacted to speak at the celebration were warned too late and asked her to postpone it to the 19th to give them time to prepare.
A Long Way to a National Father's Day:
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson celebrated that Father's Day with his family, but members of Congress were reluctant to set an official date. Since they were all fathers of families, they feared that they would be accused of wanting to put themselves first and "self-celebrate."
In 1924, the new president Calvin Coolidge began his mandate by saying that one day should be dedicated solely to fathers. He did not set a date, but simply wrote to each state governor that a general celebration seemed useful to him "to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children and inspire fathers to be more respectful of their duties."
Not all governors granted his request. The few states that imposed Father’s Day generally choose the day Mrs. Dodd had chosen: the 3rd Sunday in June.
In 1957, Senator Chase Smith wrote a request to Congress to set a date that was binding on all states.
In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed an executive order that the holiday be celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
Finally, in 1972, that Father's Day became official: Richard Nixon legislated to impose it. Six years later, Mrs. Dodd died at age 96.
What Gift Should I Buy for Father's Day?
It’s not always easy to choose a gift to celebrate our dads! Regarding children, any father will prefer a drawing, a poem, something that has been created for the occasion. This type of gift suggests that you know your dad well, that you are an observer, and that you know what he is missing right now.
If your dad has a passion or a hobby, that will only make choosing a gift easier. Here are some questions to think about:
Does your father like to read? Who is his favorite author? Has the latter published a new work? This is an opportunity to find a perfectly targeted gift.
Is your dad a handyman? A DIY gift is a classic for Father's Day.
Is your father athletic? A pair of running shoes, a tracksuit, a tennis racket, a golf club… etc. Depending on his hobby, you can take advantage of Father's Day to renew his sports equipment.
Of course, beyond the gift, you can organize a special meal, an opportunity to meet around a table to celebrate the event or maybe a Zoom party if you're far away.
Here are some options that you can choose from Amazon with free shipping and without needing to leave the house:
Here is a cute and personal gift: Dad I Wrote A Book About You ($7.99) and Dad Jokes: Terribly Good Dad Jokes ($7.69).
If your dad is a music buff, here’s a great speaker: JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($129.95).
Does your dad need a new shaver? Here you go: Philips Norelco Shaver ($69.95).
Here are some quirky socks your dad will love to make dad jokes with: Sock Fancy - Surprise Pair of Socks Subscription ($9.00 for your first box).
If your dad loves whiskey, this is the gift for him: Round Rocks Glasses Set ($34.95).
This is another great subscription box: Carnivore Club ($38.50 for your first box).
If your dad is a liquor connoisseur, here’s a stylish piece of furniture for his liquor stash: Nathan James Carter Rolling Bar and Serving Car ($85.26).
Another subscription box for a true gentleman: Sprezzabox - Men's Fashion Subscription($21.00 for your first box).
Here is a great gift set for him to take care of his beard: Beard and Grooming Gift Set ($49.99).
If your dad is obsessing over Alexa, this is a great opportunity to get an Echo Dot: Echo Dot ($49.99).
If you really feel like splurging this Father’s Day and he so happens to love coffee, here’s a great option: Saeco HD8645/47 Vapore Automatic Espresso Machine, X-Small, Black ($299.00).
This is a great swim trunk for him to use this summer: Speedo Mens Swim Trunk ($51.30 - $59.00).
This'll come in handy for a stressed out dad:Shiatsu Back shoulder & Neck Massager ($49.97).
If your dad loves hiking, look no further: ATIKA Men's Outdoor Hiking Sandals ($31.98 - $33.98).
And if you simply don’t know what to get your dad or he is really picky, get him an Amazon gift card and let him choose! Amazon.com eGift Card ( you can start at $25.00).
I hope this blog post helped you prepare for Father’s Day!
The product suggestions on this post contain affiliate links, which means Far&Away Interior Design LLC earns a small commission if you purchase. This is at no additional cost to you.