Photo courtesy of Wallpaper Flare
SUNDAY, JUNE 18: Cook dinner on the grill, spend some time with Dad and take a minute to say “Thanks”—it’s Father’s Day! Across the United States, more than 70 million fathers qualify for recognition on this special day.
A survey by the the National Retail Federation (NRF) has found that consumers will spend a record amount on Father’s Day this year—$22.9 billion—which exceeds the previous record of $20.1 billion, set in 2021. Reported top gifts will be special outings, clothes, gift cards and electronics. According to the survey, 75 percent of consumers plan to celebrate Father’s Day this year. (Read more here.)
Did you know? Celebrations similar to Father’s Day have been in existence around the globe for hundreds of years. In traditionally Catholic countries, fathers are popularly recognized on the Feast of St. Joseph.
Photo courtesy of PickPik
SONORA SMART DODD: A FATHER’S DAY IN AMERICA
The American Father’s Day began in Spokane, Washington, in 1910, with the daughter of a widow. When Sonora Smart Dodd heard a Mother’s Day sermon in church, she approached her pastor, believing that fathers like hers—a Civil War veteran and single father who had raised six children—deserved recognition, too.
Following the initial few years, Father’s Day was all but lost until Dodd returned to Spokane, once again promoting her holiday. Despite support by trade groups and the Father’s Day Council, Father’s Day was rejected by both the general public and Congress until 1966. President Richard Nixon signed the holiday into law in 1972.
Fun Fact: According to the U.S. Census Bureau and reported by National Public Radio in 2021, there are 121 million men over the age of 15 in the United States; among them, 75 million are fathers to biological, step or adopted children. (Approximately 6 in 10 men.)
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY: FOOD, FUN & MORE
Stumped on how to celebrate Dad today? Look no further! We’ve rounded up plenty of ideas to please dads of any age:
Ax throwing? Yes, it’s a real thing—and it’s trending in the U.S.! Find this activity idea, as well as a plethora of other activity ideas to try with Dad this Father’s Day, at The Pioneer Woman, Good Housekeeping and Parade.
Cooking dinner for Dad? Whether you’re taking food to the grill or to the oven, get inspired with recipes from Food Network, Martha Stewart and AllRecipes.
From the Kids: Young children can craft gifts, cards and more with ideas from here.
