Origin of Father’s Day and Popular Father’s Day Gifting Ideas

Every child needs the love of both parents. While a mother naturally becomes the most important person to a newborn, there is no denying the role of the father. From assuming co-parenting responsibilities to being a source of strength and protection to his child, a father’s job is never over.

In fact, if someone asked you to describe your father, you would probably agree with all of these phrases – ‘pillar of strength’, ‘someone who held my hand and guided me through the tough times’ and ‘my best friend’.

However, how often have you told your father how much his love and support has meant to you? Probably, like most of us, you have not thanked your father as often as you should have. Thankfully, Father’s Day is around the corner and it offers you the perfect opportunity to do just that.

When is Father’s Day celebrated?

Although a relatively new festival, Father’s Day has quickly become popular across the globe. Different countries celebrate Father’s Day at different times of the year. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most other countries, celebrate the occasion on the third Sunday in June each year. On the other hand, the Australians and New Zealanders celebrate it on the first Sunday in September. This year, Father’s Day in Hong Kong will be celebrated on Sunday 15th June.

History of Father’s Day

The exact origin of Father’s Day is unclear. Some believe that the first celebration of Father’s Day was held in 1908 in a church in West Virginia (US). In 1915, Harry Meek, president of the Lion’s Club in Chicago, is believed to have held the first Father’s Day celebration.

However, many consider Mrs. Sonora Dodd from Washington, to be the real crusader of Father’s Day. As one would expect, Mrs. Dodd was driven by her love and affection for her father. You see, Mrs. Dodd’s mother died at a young age, and her father, a veteran of the Civil War, single-handedly raised the Dodd brood of six children.

After the US Government officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1911, Mrs. Dodd struck upon the idea of doing something similar to celebrate her father’s love. She urged her local Church priest to dedicate a sermon to father’s love for his child. The sermon was held on June 19th, which happened to be the third Sunday of the month.

The matter of recognizing Father’s Day as an official day was raised in 1913 and 1916 to the US Congress, but the move failed to receive adequate support. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge openly expressed his support for celebrating Father’s Day.

But it was only in 1966 that Father’s Day was officially recognized. In 1972, President Nixon declared Father’s Day as a national holiday in honour of all fathers. This truly paved the way for Father’s Day becoming a popular celebration in the US, and the idea soon spread to the rest of the world.

Father’s Day Celebrations and Popular Gifting Ideas

Sonora Dodd recommended wearing a red rose on Father’s Day if your father was alive, and a white flower in memory of a deceased father. As the festival became more commonplace, people started sending cards and gifts, or planning a special activity with their fathers.

Celebrations on Father’s Day can range from a simple phone call to express your love and admiration for your father, to buying him a gift, sending flowers, or arranging a family dinner. In fact, research shows that most fathers would love nothing more than a chance to spend some quality time with their children on Father’s Day.

Here are some Father’s Day ideas from across the world – 

• Take your father hiking, cycling or for a round of golf
• Take your father fishing and then make a great meal from your catch
• Organise a family picnic
• Gift him a flowering plant that he can plant in the yard
• Gift him a basket of exquisite treats that he loves and a bottle of champagne
• You and your siblings arrive home wearing his favourite colour clothing, carrying a magnificent gift hamper and bouquet of flowers

Although, Father’s Day is about making your father feel special, many people also use the day to thank all the father figures in their lives, including grandfathers, uncles, stepfather, and father-in-law. 

 

Gift Hamper’s a Great Father’s Day Gift

Are you confused about what to gift your father this year? Why not surprise him with a gift hamper containing some very exquisite food items, beverages and gift items.

Gifthampers Hong Kong has over 40 beautifully designed gift hampers that you can choose from. For instance, if your father loves chocolates, send him the Indulgent Moment gift hamper containing a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne, Venchi Chocolates, Mademoiselle de Margaux Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Twigs, Australian Organic Times Dark Chocolate Licorice, and Choc-o-lait Hot Chocolate Stick.

 

If you are looking for something truly unique, opt for the Deer Antler Gift set, containing exclusive deer antler bottle-stopper and deer antler bar tool set, both hand crafted by Abbeyhorn, Scotland. Alternatively, if he enjoys champagne, send him the magnificent Dom Perignon Champagne and fruits gift hamper.

 

 

To order a Father’s Day gift hamper that can be delivered free to over 90% of places  in Hong Kong, all you need to do is give us a call (on +852 2730 0885/ +852 2730 0839) or send us an email  at [email protected]. You can also order directly through our website//gifthampers.com.hk/.

Alternatively, you may wish to send your father a floral gift from our sister website//giftflowers.com.hk/ where you can choose from a variety of floral arrangements.

However you celebrate Father’s Day this year, make it a special one for your dad.