Father's Day Traditions (and How to Make Them More Meaningful in 2026)

This year, we’re reflecting on Father’s Day traditions and how to make them extra special. Whether you’re planning something for your dad, partner or grandad, this is your chance to turn the unexpected into something unforgettable with our Father’s Day gift ideas across the UK. 

From where it all began to modern ways to celebrate, here’s how to honour traditional Father’s Day moments – and how to build new traditions with unique, creative experiences. Let’s treat our poppas right this year! 

How did Father’s Day get started?

First, how did Father’s Day get started? Let’s go back in time to the beginning of this lovely day! There’s a few different origin stories, but the most accepted comes from the USA back in 1910. It’s widely credited to Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honour her father – a veteran who raised six children as a single parent. Inspired by Mother’s Day, she campaigned for a dedicated day to celebrate fathers.

When was the first Father’s Day?

So, when was the first Father’s Day officially celebrated? The first recognised celebration took place in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Over time, it grew in popularity and eventually became an official holiday in many countries.

Today, Father’s Day is celebrated differently around the world, but the core idea remains the same: showing appreciation and love for the dads and father figures in our lives!

Common Father’s Day traditions (and how to level them up)

We’ve all got our classic traditions – funny cards, sweet gifts, maybe a meal out to his favourite burger place. But if you’re on the lookout for the best Father’s Day plans this year, we’ve got a few suggestions to upgrade even the loveliest of traditions. 

Breakfast in bed… but better

Breakfast in bed for dad is a great go-to for Father’s Day. You give him the chance to relax, stay snuggled up and enjoy his favourite brekky. But we think we can kick things up a notch. Instead of staying home, turn it into a fun experience you can share! 

• Upgrade idea: Book a hands-on cooking class together and learn to make something new. 
• Try this: make the sweetest treats with your lovely dad at this cinnamon roll baking class in Camden Town, London. Or this hearty scone making masterclass in Edinburgh.
• Why it works: You still get the foodie tradition, but add learning and time spent together. 

If cinnamon rolls aren’t the best breakfast for Father’s Day, we don’t know what is. 

The classic meal out vs. a foodie experience

Going out for a hearty lunch or dinner is one of the most common Father’s Day traditions, and it’s always fun to treat Dad to his favourite food. But why not switch things up this year? Forget a crowded restaurant or pub!

• Upgrade idea: Choose an interactive foodie experience instead, opting for his favourite cuisine or one he’s always wanted to master. 
• Try this: if your dad can’t live without a good curry, treat him to this magic of India cooking class in Camberwell, London. If curry’s not his thing, try a sushi workshop in Manchester!
• Why it works: forget the small talk! You’ll get chatting and cooking side by side. 

Whether it’s learning to roll sushi or mastering the spiciest curry, these experiences will definitely impress – figuring out how to make Dad feel special on Father’s Day has never been simpler.  

Gift-giving vs. experience gifts with meaning

We’ve all seen it. Father’s Day rolls around and the supermarket shelves are stuffed with mugs, novelty socks and silly joke books. They’re easy to grab, but they don’t take much thought. And once June comes to an end, these gifts often get forgotten about. 

• Upgrade idea: Swap physical gifts for something he can actually do and make! Bonus points for being more eco-conscious and making instead of buying. 
• Try this: let him make his own project at this hand building pottery class in Whitechapel, London. Or go green in this terrarium workshop in Glasgow!
• Why it works: He gets both an experience and a keepsake to take home, plus quality time with you. 

Instead of a last minute joke gift, you’d be giving him a memory and the chance to make something himself! Whether he makes his own mug for his morning cuppa or a vibrant terrarium for his desk, he’ll think of you every time he looks at it. 

New traditions to try in 2026

If you’re thinking that it’s time to start building your own Father’s Day traditions, we’ve got some ideas for you! It’s never too late to start. 

Inspired? Book now:
Our fun fathers day gifts ideas experiences

London

Manchester

Birmingham

Bristol

Edinburgh

See more

Make something together

If your dad or father figure is the crafty type, start a crafty tradition! Every year, try a new creative workshop and make something together, side-by-side. You’ll have something to look forward to every Father’s Day, plus a growing collection of everything you’ve made! 

Plan a “no phones” day

It’s easy to spend just a little bit too much time online or scrolling on our phones. Sometimes, the best gift is carving out time to spend together with no interruptions or distractions. If you’ve got a dad who loves his phone games and a good scroll, plan an unplugged Father’s Day and enjoy quality time together. 

Start a yearly ritual

No matter what you opt for, trying a new class or revisiting your favourite activity every year is the easiest way to start a yearly Father’s Day ritual! It’ll fast become something you both look forward to, and he’ll feel extra cherished every time it rolls around. 

Father’s Day traditions around the world

Ever been curious on how other countries celebrate Father’s Day? Looking beyond your own plans is a lovely way to inspire new ideas! 

• Germany: Men head out for walks in groups, with their favourite drinks and food in tow – it gets noisy as they all let loose and enjoy the day! 
• Japan: Gifts are considered the most important part of Japanese Father’s Day, or Chichi No Hi. Meaningful presents included drinks like sake, food like wagyu and sweet origami creations! 
• Brazil: Presents are important, but at the centre of Brazilian traditions is the big family lunch, usually a barbecue – yum!
• Thailand: Father figures are honoured in Thailand using the symbolic canna flower.

Every place has their own vibrant traditions, but at the core, it’s all about bringing people together and showing appreciation and love for the father figures in your life. 

How to make Dad feel genuinely appreciated

Putting thought and energy into how you treat your dad is the loveliest thing you can do for him. And with such a fun range of experiences to choose from, it’s never been easier to plan the perfect Father’s Day – and start traditions that you’ll see through for years to come. 

You can tailor it to his interests, whether he’s crafty, a big foodie or simply always ready to try something new. A few tips on making it extra special: 

• Make a handmade card or letter: Use a picture of you both or the whole family, and write about how much he means to you! 
• Include a little gift: Match your chosen experience with a little gift, like his favourite coffee beans to go with his pottery class. 
• Plan a full day: Shape his special day around your experience, complete with a cuppa and a walk in the park, or a trip to his favourite museum. 

The best Father’s Day traditions don’t need to be crazy and elaborate – they just need to feel genuine and meaningful. And trust us, he’ll feel the thought that you’ve put into it. 

So whether you stick to traditional Father’s Day plans or switch it up this year, the goal remains the same: create a lasting memory that you’ll both look back on. Find the perfect experience to match your pops today, and shower him with love this Father’s Day!