Father’s Day History and Gift Ideas Too!

Father’s Day is right around the corner and so I thought I’d take a moment to see exactly what this holiday is all about. I assumed that Father’s Day was another one of those holidays dreamed up by Hallmark executives in order to sell more cards and gifts. What I discovered, however, is that Father’s Day was actually thought up by Sonora Smart Dodd, a woman raised solely by her father after her mother had died.

According to various sources, Dodd came up with the idea for the holiday while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at her church in 1909. Since she had been raised by her father, Henry Jackson Smart, she decided that there should be a day to honor fathers and thank them for their love, dedication and sacrifice. Because Dodd’s father was born in June, she decided to hold the first Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910.

Father’s Day began to get some attention in 1913 when a bill was presented to Congress by Rep. Hampton J. Moore of Philadelphia, PA., a father of eight, asking that the first Sunday in June be “designated as Father’s Day” and that the rose be “regarded as the emblem,” (NY Times, 10/3/13). Calvin Coolidge was the first President to support the holiday, but the holiday didn’t get real national recognition until President Lyndon Johnson made it a federal holiday by issue of a proclamation in 1966.

So, now that we know a little bit about Father’s Day history, let’s get to the good stuff: gifts! Here is a list of BlogCatalog’s Top 10 Father’s Day Gifts. All of these great gifts for Dad are guaranteed to put a big smile on his face:

1. Dad-To-Be Set

This Diaper Dude bag is made from 100% recycled water bottles and comes with a 100% organic bamboo “Produced locally” onesie as well as a copy of The Baby Owner’s Manual, which is full of great tips to get new dads through the first year. $98.00

2. Ride in a NASCAR Racecar

Give Dad the thrill of his life by giving him the chance to do some laps in a real NASCAR racecar. Even dads who may not be huge race fans will love the chance to rip around the track in one of these mean machines. $119.00

3. Gas Grill

A gift that any chef or casual Bar-B-Q fan will love.  A sleek, shiny new gas grill will be the perfect addition to Dad’s back yard. $200-$1000

4. Steak Dinner

A way to a dad’s heart is through his stomach right?  Definitely not the best gift for a vegetarian dads, but for every other dad out there a bad ass steak dinner is a gift he will be licking his lips for. $25-$10

5. Baseball Tickets

Sunshine, a warm summer breeze, a cold beer, a hot dog, and America’s Pastime, what could be a better gift? Price depends on team and where tickets are purchased.

6. Blu-Ray Player

What can we say?  If you want to give dad the ultimate home entertainment experience, then you need to give him a Blu-Ray player. Enough said. $200-$500

7. Massage

Massages and spa services are usually given to moms rather than dads, but hey dads like to relax too! Give him a gift certificate to a local spa and let him choose his preferred method of relaxation. $150

8. Mr. Beer

Tired of Dad spending all the family money on beer?  Well then get him a Mr. Beer brewing kit!  Soon he’ll be crafting delicious brews at home and the beer money can go towards more important things…like pretzels! $49.99

9. Ballpark Pens

Not just any ordinary pen, these ballpark pens have a piece of salvaged wood from a stadium seat inlaid at the top. Designed to look like a bat, each pen is engraved with the stadium name, stadium time line, and each comes with a card of authenticity. $180-$260

10. Bike Gear Clock

Add a bit of masculine style to the room with this awesome clock made from recycled bike gears!  The perfect gift for any gearhead or adventurous dad types. $64.00

Sources for father’s day historical information: Wikipedia, Morning-Glow.com, theholidayspot.com