How to celebrate Father’s Day this year

Father’s Day in the UK is fast approaching and like any other celebrations during this strange time, it seems that we may have to ‘celebrate’ with the dads in our lives from a distance. But that shouldn’t put us off from still making a fuss of and finding ways to thank the important men in our lives on 21st June.

The big question is, how can we still celebrate Father’s Day from a distance?

The good news is that you can. These are some of the ideas that we had to make Father’s Day special even in these strange times.

Shopping for gifts online

One of the biggest lifesavers during our time at home has been the ability to shop online. If I am honest, even during normal times, most of my gifts are bought online as there is so much choice and it is so much easier to shop from the comfort of your armchair.  This year we have been shopping with one of our favourite brands; Moonpig.

I often choose Moonpig for special events and birthdays because I know I can get great quality cards and gifts all in one place.  This year, they didn’t disappoint.

I love the fact that I managed to get Father’s Day cards that all perfectly reflected each of my children’s personalities.  Plus, we chose two gifts that I know he will love; sweet treats and a few beers, so he can have a nice treat on Father’s Day.

Have a virtual get-together

I am loving the amount of face-timing, zoom calling and messaging that has been happening over the last few months.  I think it has made us all realise that wonders of technology and that even if you can’t be together physically, you can still spend time seeing and hearing the people you love.  If you can’t see your dad this Father’s Day, set up a face to face call using FaceTime, Messenger video or Zoom.  You can chat, play board games, do quizzes or even have a virtual party.  Why not set up a family quiz especially for the occasion and let your dad be the quizmaster? Whatever you do, it makes the world of difference to us all, just to chat and spend time putting the world to rights.

Send some family photos

Take the opportunity of Father’s Day to look back through your photos from the last twelve months and pick a few of your favourites.  You could print and send them or send them digitally.  Photos are always good to make us smile. Why not pop a few in a Father’s Day card as a special treat.

Share a favourite podcast

There are so many fantastic podcasts available on a variety of subjects; something to suit every dad or grandpa. Do some research into podcasts created by people they like or on topics they are interested in and send them a podcast playlist. If you both listen to the same podcasts, it will be something to discuss during your next zoom or phone call.

Get creative

While some of us have a bit more time on our hands, why not try making something for Father’s Day.  I spend far too many hours on Pinterest but really is the place to find inspiration for gift ideas for Father’s Day.  Over the last few years, we have made a few different things inspired by Pinterest such as a jar filled with positive messages from the children on different coloured hearts, a little clay dish with ‘I love Dad’ and the children’s finger prints in, a canvas with handprints in different colours.  Those are all super simple ideas but if you search Father’s Day gift ideas or crafts in Pinterest, you will find endless ideas, most of which using things we have at home and are really achievable. You can take a look at my Pinterest Board below.

Meet up for a socially distanced walk or picnic

Many of our grandparents and older parents might be shielding, but if you are able to meet up even from a distance, it would make everyone’s day.  You could arrange to meet somewhere local to take a walk and stop off for a socially distanced picnic.  If they are worried about leaving the house, take the picnic and have it in the garden.  As nice as it is to see and speak to people online, it is amazing to see them in real life and it will give everyone a much needed boost.

Write a letter

Letter writing is one of the world’s forgotten arts which I think is really quite sad.  Whilst technology is amazing and wonderful and does give us the ability to see and speak to our loved ones online when we can’t meet face to face, I still love a letter.  Why not write a special Father’s Day letter telling your dad what he means to you.  This is a lovely gesture and timeless, something that can be read time and time again.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Whatever you decide to do this Father’s Day, make sure you take the time to let the dads in your life know how special they are.  You might not be able to see them physically but now more than ever, they will appreciate you taking the time to show you care.

Post written in collaboration with Moonpig