Celebrating Father’s Day: Activity and Gift Ideas

Fathers are often a daughter’s first love and a son’s hero. That’s why, once a year, an entire day is dedicated to them!

Here are our suggestions on which activities to organize as well as gift ideas for an awesome Father’s Day!

What to do on Father’s Day?

He taught you to ride your bike and how to hold a baseball bat. A few years later, he patiently taught you to drive, wincing only a little when you practically burnt his precious car’s clutch. When you have a project in mind, he shows up bright and early, plan in one hand and toolbox in the other. When you’re out dining, he insists on paying the bill because, regardless of your age, he still thinks of himself as the family provider.

This great man who proudly sits at the head of the dinner table deserves nothing but the best on Father’s Day.

Here are a few activity ideas to help get the festivities going!

A Father’s Day Classic: The Barbecue

He loves to boast in front of his buddies; it’s his pride and joy … and no, we don’t mean his wife or children. We’re talking about his treasured BBQ!

In Quebec, as soon as the snow has melted, all dads know grilling season is on! Father’s Day provides them with the perfect excuse to have family and friends over to enjoy delicious, barbecued food! Plus, it’s Gaspé lobster season so how about a traditional surf’n’turf?

Come on Dad! Grab your spatula because it’s time to show the whole crowd you’re the original BBQ King!

Psst! If you were looking for the perfect excuse to purchase one of those Crafty Cocktails kits, now’s your chance!

Dad’s Hobbies Front and Center

Don’t overthink! Answer one simple question and you’ll have the perfect Father’s Day activity: what does Dad like to do?  

Dad enjoys fishing? Rent a boat and make sure all family members wear a life jacket! If he’s more of the sporty type, head out for a friendly family sports event. Buy yourself a pair of plaid shorts if Dad’s a golfer because you’re spending the day on the green!

If you’re really looking to impress him, you might even want to invite his friends and family to participate in a friendly dek hockey tournament or basketball game!

Dad’s not really into sports? Then, organize a poker tournament or a wine and cheese tasting.

There’s only one rule: no complaining, even if the chosen activity is not your strong suit! This is Dad’s day so the whole point is to make him happy!

Just Give Him a Hand

Sometimes, the simplest things mean the most to Dad.

• Spend the weekend helping him finish a project
• Wash his car or motorcycle
• Reorganize his garage (get his permission first, though)
• Open his pool so he won’t have to do it

You get the picture!

A Great Big Father’s Day Celebration

Create a Facebook group and invite all the wives and children of the fathers in your family to join. Instead of each organizing your own small gatherings, why not suggest the whole family attends one big Father’s Day party?

Make things easier on yourself by hiring a catering service or by organizing a mechoui. Aunt Lisa has a huge lot? Great, that’s where it’s at! Let her know you’ll be handling everything. Here are 10 ideas to help plan your event.

You’re organizing a huge party with a DJ, buffet and activities and you need a hand? Reach out to a professional event planner!

Father’s Day Gifts

When we say Father’s Day gifts, we certainly don’t mean a tie or a mug that reads something like “best dad in the world.” We mean gifts that will surprise Dad and actually please him!

Here 3 themes to base your gift ideas on!

The DIY (Do It Yourself)

Homemade gifts are particularly suiting for dads with young children or for families on a tighter budget. There’s absolutely no need to load your credit card to please Dad.

Here are 5 DIY ideas:

1. A “dad joke” booklet (if we’re being honest, Dad really needs to renew his repertoire).
2. A craft from the kids that he can proudly display in his office. Pinterest is full of ideas… all you need is a bit of creativity!
3. A coupon booklet (ex. a massage, a break from a chore, his favourite meal, etc.).
4. A video in which every family member tells a funny story about Dad.
5. A basket containing his favourite snacks and goodies.

A bit of TLC for Dad

Dads also deserve to be pampered! Here are 5 Father’s Day gifts that will remind Dad to take care of himself:

1. A gift set containing beard care products (you might also want to include a personalized soap from the artisanal soap factory La Danse des Savons).
2. A massage (especially if his job is stressful or physical).
3. A gift certificate from a barbershop.
4. A box set containing tea, hot chocolate or even candy based on his tastes.
5. A gaming night kit: include snacks, slippers, a pyjama, headphones and his favourite drink.

Gadgets

Since men’s “inner child” is often fairly close to the surface, most of them will appreciate gadgets. Here are 7 gifts you probably hadn’t thought of:

1. An electric razor.
2. A small GPS so he can keep track of his keys or wallet.
3. A smartwatch (or a new bracelet).
4. A voice assistant (like Alexa).
5. Wireless headphones.
6. A portable phone charger.
7. A mug warmer (to go with the “best dad” mug you got him last year).

Even though we often roll our eyes when Dad lets out one of his infamous “dad jokes,” we wouldn’t trade our dear father for the world! This year, organize a proper Father’s Day celebration!