Father’s Day (which falls on the third Sunday in June) is fast approaching, which means it's time to celebrate the extraordinary dads, grandfathers, and father figures who enrich our lives with their love, wisdom, and unwavering support. But with so many ways to show appreciation, it can be challenging to decide how best to honor these special men on their dedicated day. If you’re wondering what to do for Father’s Day or looking for gifting inspiration, we can help.
From thoughtful gift ideas to heartwarming activities and delicious recipes, this comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for memorable Father's Day ideas. Whether you're looking to plan a fun-filled day of outdoor adventures, host a cozy family gathering at home, or surprise Dad with a special treat, we've got you covered with creative Father’s Day activities and gift ideas to suit every taste and budget.
What to do for Father’s Day | Father’s Day gift ideas
What to do for Father’s Day
Along with the traditional Father’s Day gifts and cards, finding meaningful ways to spend the day together can truly make the occasion unforgettable. If you’re looking for some things to do for Father’s Day, we’ve put together some ideas below, with options to suit any dad.
Breakfast in bed | Brunch | Dinner | BBQ | Wine tasting | Picnic
Make breakfast in bed
Let Dad start his special day off right by serving him a Father’s Day breakfast in bed complete with his favorite breakfast foods and beverages. Whether he prefers a hearty meal like eggs, bacon, and pancakes, or something lighter like fruit and yogurt, tailor the menu to his tastes. Don’t forget to add a big mug of coffee or a glass of orange juice. You can also add some special touches like a handwritten note to show your appreciation, plus your dad’s favorite newspaper or magazine to enjoy while he eats. And don’t forget to use a tray to make the breakfast easier to carry and rest by your dad’s bed.
If you’re looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift idea, we have a whole selection of breakfast and brunch gifts that would be ideal.
Serve Father’s Day brunch
Hosting a Father's Day brunch is a delightful way to celebrate Dad, blending the leisurely pace of breakfast with the heartiness of lunch. Start with a refreshing selection of beverages, from freshly squeezed orange juice to aromatic coffee or even a mimosa for an extra touch of celebration.
To tantalize the taste buds, offer a variety of fresh pastries and bowls of fresh fruit. You might also want to consider cooking up one of the Father’s Day brunch ideas below.
Pistachio granola — This delicious and nutritious spring recipe makes a perfect Father’s Day breakfast or brunch idea. Layer it on top of some creamy Greek yogurt or sprinkle over a bowl of oatmeal.
Butter beans on toast — This recipe combines the earthiness of butter beans with the tanginess of lemon zest to perfectly compliment the salty sweetness of anchovies and capers. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that is perfect for a Father's Day brunch or light lunch.
Pancakes — Whether Dad prefers bacon and maple syrup or a sprinkling of nuts and sweet berries, pancakes are a great, flexible option for Father’s Day brunch.
Cook a Father’s Day dinner
Whether you’re planning a night in with just your dad or a bigger celebration with the whole family, a Father's Day meal is the perfect opportunity to show Dad just how much he means to you. Set the scene for a cozy evening with beautiful table décor. Choose a color scheme or theme that reflects Dad's personality, whether it's classic and neutral or fun and colorful. Our blue and gray tableware would be perfect for the occasion. Consider adding decorative accents like candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
When it comes to your Father’s Day dinner menu, why not let your dad inspire you? Plan a delicious feast featuring Dad's favorite dishes and flavors. Whether he loves hearty steaks, gourmet seafood, or comforting home-cooked classics, tailor the menu to his tastes and preferences. Don't forget to include appetizers, salads, sides, and desserts to create a well-rounded dining experience. You might like to try some of our Father’s Day dinner ideas below. And don’t forget to view our cooking tips and food presentation ideas to really wow your dad. Din
Appetizers
Griddle eggplant, feta and rose harissa — Get your tastebuds dancing with this delightful combination of smoky spicy, tangy, and fresh.
Crispy pitta fingers with houmous and tabouleh — Originally a Christmas recipe, this light and vibrant appetizer will bring a touch of Mediterranean joy to your Father's Day meal.
Entrées
Pan fried cod loin — Served with a side of celeriac puree and dill-dressed new potatoes, this mouthwatering cod dish is packed full of flavor.
Chicken curry — Fragrant and spicy, there are many things to love about our classic chicken curry. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try our chickpea curry with roasted butternut squash.
Salads and sides
Grilled asparagus with lemon butter — A simple yet elegant celebration of fresh, seasonal asparagus, elevated by the indulgent richness of butter and the vibrant zestiness of lemon. The perfect side dish for any meal.
Beetroot and feta salad — This vibrant salad combines earthy beetroots, creamy feta cheese, crisp radicchio leaves, and delicate pea shoots, all tossed in a delightful honey mustard dressing for a burst of flavor.
Dessert
Poached pear pavlova — Served with a caramel, bay, ginger and vanilla syrup, this one will be a real crowd pleaser at your Father’s Day dinner.
Throw a family BBQ
What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a good old-fashioned cookout — it is grilling season after all! Invite the whole family, fire up the grill, and get ready for a day filled with delicious food and quality time spent together.
Let Dad showcase his expert grilling skills or give him a break and prepare some of his favorite meats such as steaks, burgers, sausages, and ribs. Don't forget to include a variety of side dishes like grilled vegetables, coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob. You might also want to give some of these side dishes and meat alternatives a go for your Father’s Day BBQ. You can also check out our cookout ideas for even more inspiration.
Courgette and halloumi skewers — A great vegan and vegetarian alternative to traditional meat skewers.
Griddled vegetable medley — Cook up this delicious mixture of sweet vegtables and fresh herbs. Instead of charring them in the griddle pan, throw them on the grill instead.
As the sun sets, turn one Father’s Day idea into two by transforming your BBQ into a backyard movie night featuring Dad’s favorite films. Just project them onto a blank wall or a white sheet. Don’t forget the all-important movie snacks like candy and popcorn!
Host a home wine tasting
If you’re looking for a more unique Father’s Day idea, why not treat him to a wine tasting? While you can book an experience day at a local vineyard, it’s often more fun to host one yourself. You can buy a variety of wine-tasting kits online that include a few bottles and corresponding tasting notes. You just need to provide the wine glasses.
If wine isn’t your dad’s thing, you could host a beer, gin, whisky, or even coffee tasting instead. Again, you can buy specialist tasting kits online and provide your own gin glasses, lowball glasses, or espresso cups. You could even package these up as your Father’s Day gift.
Go on a picnic
Rather than opting for a traditional indoor gathering, why not take your Father’s Day activity outside with a picnic? Simply gather your loved ones and head to a scenic outdoor location. Whether it's a lush park, a tranquil lakeside spot, or a charming countryside setting, choose a venue that speaks to Dad's love for the great outdoors.
For the picnic feast, prepare a delightful spread of Dad's favorite foods and treats. From savory sandwiches and gourmet cheeses to refreshing salads and decadent desserts, tailor the menu to his tastes and preferences. Our summer picnic recipes include delicious sandwich recipes as well as mini savory tarts and desserts. Don't forget to pack plenty of refreshing beverages to keep everyone hydrated throughout the day, plus dinner sets, glasses and serveware. You can read our picnic ideas for essential packing tips and even more recipes.
Father’s Day gift ideas
From personalized hampers to practical presents and indulgent treats, we’ve put together some Father's Day gift ideas to help you show appreciation for the special dad or father figure in your life. Use our list below for some inspiration on what to get Dad for Father’s Day, and don’t forget to browse our Father’s Day gifting collection and gifts for him for even more ideas.
- Grilling accessories: If Dad loves to grill, consider upgrading his grilling game with a set of high-quality grilling tools and accessories. From stainless steel spatulas and tongs to a digital meat thermometer or a smoker box, there are plenty of Father’s Day present ideas to help him take his grilling skills to the next level.
- Pizza-making kit: If your dad has all the grilling tools he needs, why not gift him a new cooking experience by putting together a pizza-making kit? Simply collect your pizza ingredients, including dough ingredients, tomatoes, mozzarella, and any toppings you think he might like. Don't forget to throw in a smart serving platter so Dad can show off his pizza-making skills with style. You can make it even more special by including his very own pizza oven.
- Kitchenware: If your dad loves to experiment in the kitchen, consider gifting him with culinary gadgets and kitchenware that will ignite his creativity. From sleek chef's knives to high-tech kitchen appliances and versatile cast iron cookware, there's no shortage of tools and accessories to help him whip up gourmet meals and impress the whole family.
- Gourmet treats: Treat Dad to a selection of gourmet treats that cater to his taste buds. Whether he enjoys fine wines, artisanal cheeses, or gourmet chocolates, curate a gift basket filled with his favorite indulgences for a truly decadent treat.
- Subscription box: Treat Dad to a monthly subscription box tailored to his interests and hobbies. Whether it's a craft beer box, a grooming box, or a book box, there are subscription services available for every taste and preference. Consider including little extras that will help him enjoy his subscription to the fullest, such as a coffee subscription and a set of mugs.
- Gift hamper: If you want to add a more personal touch to your Father’s Day gift idea, why not put together a basket or hamper? Tailor the theme to your dad’s interests by creating a cooking hamper, gardening hamper, self-care basket, or something entirely unique. We have a full guide of gift hamper ideas that can help you decide what to get your dad for Father’s Day. You can also shop our gifts by interest to find something your dad will cherish.
Whether it's through thoughtful gifts, meaningful gestures, or cherished moments spent together, Father's Day is a time to express your gratitude and appreciation for the remarkable men in your life. The suggestions above should have given you plenty of Father’s Day gift ideas, plus inspiration to help you decide what to do for Father’s Day. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our guides and how-tos for even more hosting and celebration ideas, including Mother’s Day ideas and more.