Don't Forget Father's Day

Dad's are pretty special, aren't they? They work hard, tell bad jokes, rally around as dependable taxi drivers taking the kids to various clubs and friend's houses, and, of course, give the best bear hugs! And although statistics show that it's still the mums who devote most time to looking after the children, dads deserve a special mention for all their love and loyalty, too.

The slightly vague history behind Father's Day is often questioned, but many believe its more modern roots stem back to the US at the turn of the twentieth century. Acknowledging the vital role played by them, an American lady, Sonora Louise Smart Dodd from Washington, decided to campaign for a special day to honour dads, based on Mother's Day. Sonora's reasons for creating such an occasion leads back to the love and affection she received from her own father. Impressively, he raised six children single-handedly. After a formidable campaign, Sonora managed to persuade the Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) to celebrate the first Father's Day on June 19th, 1910. The idea caught on, and gained popularity finally spreading across the rest of the US and worldwide.

Like our compatriots across the pond, Father's Day is celebrated in a similar way here, never fixed and always taking place on the third Sunday in June. Of course it can be noted that Father's Day is nine months before Mothering Sunday. Some even say that the father gets his gift on Father's Day, and the mother gets hers nine months later!

How to treat your dad

OK, apart from being bought tickets to a major sporting event, what would your dad love most? Another pair of socks? A gadget from B&Q to help him with his DIY creations? Or how about something sentimental, something individual? Personalised gifts are perfect to give to dads, grandpas or other important men in your life, helping to make them feel special and loved.

Present him with a cheque book of promises

Your dad will be thrilled with a simple book filled with ten helpful 'treats' that he can draw upon when he wants. Ideas can include going to bed on time, tidying up your room, eating all your dinner up, or doing your homework without complaint. Ok, you may feel these aren't exactly exciting 'gifts' for your dad, but he will be very grateful when he does decide to call on them.

Wash his car

Those four wheels parked in the driveway may be your dad's pride and joy, but whether it's a Ferrari or a Fiat Uno, any car could do with a washing down from time to time. He'll be pleased as Punch if you clear away those empty Yorkie wrappers and used parking tickets from inside the car, too.

Arrange a barbecue

With some assistance from mum, why not arrange a BBQ in the back garden? Taking charge of the grill and charcoals is usually the domain of the man of the house, but this is Dad's day off, so sit him in the deck chair with an ice cool glass of beer and help Mum by making salads and passing round the food. Invite extended family members like aunts and uncles and make it a truly special occasion. And if Father's Day is blessed with sizzling weather, you may manage to persuade your parents to camp out with you in the back garden! Once the tent has been pitched, you could spread a large blanket on the lawn and lie under the stars. Dad can then impress you with his vast knowledge of the solar system!

Present him with a book full of his words of wisdom

Dads have a tendency to offer pearly words of wisdom and provide advice even when we don't want to hear it. Make your father giggle and reassure him that you do listen: create a book—'The World According to my Dad'. List his favourite quotes but remember to leave a few blank pages; he may wish to add a few more!

Create a fun video

To create a fun family video, you don't need to go to 'You've Been Framed' extremes. Instead, you could adopt the role of intrepid reporter and ask different family members and friends to present their views on your dad. Grandma and Grandpa may wish to talk about his childhood years, his friends could supply details of fun times, your mum could discuss their wedding day, whilst you and your brothers and sisters could explain why he is such a great dad. Then, on Father's Day, show him this unique video and watch his eyes fill with tears.

Send him a special handwritten letter

If, for whatever reason, you are not spending Father's Day with your dad, you may wish to send a special handwritten letter telling him what he means to you. A hand-drawn card will always be gratefully received and it will be sure to brighten his day.

Make your own gift

Children always draw the best pictures and create the best gifts for their parents. Use your own creative flair in a variety of ways. You can hand paint a ceramic mug, brightly decorate a plain t-shirt or create a montage of your dad's favourite photos in a picture frame.

And one last thing - Remember to tell dad that you love and appreciate him.