The idea of Father’s Day began 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Sonora Smart Dodd’s father was a Civil War veteran raising six children as a single father. She suggested the holiday to her pastor after hearing a Mother’s Day sermon. Because of inefficient timing preparing a Father’s Day sermon, the pastor was finally able to deliver it the third Sunday of June. A bill was later brought to Congress the year of 1913 but did not pass. 1916 saw President Woodrow Wilson traveling to Spokane to speak at a Father’s Day celebration. He wanted to make it official, but Congress rejected the proposal again fearing commercialization of the holiday. The awareness was not immediately successful, and Sonora stopped promoting the holiday in the 1920s once she moved to Chicago for school. Upon return to Spokane in the 1930s, Sonora began promotion of Father’s Day again, this time on a national level. After years of rejection from Congress to observe this day, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers in 1966. The day permanently became a national holiday in 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the bill into law.
Shopping for father’s can be difficult, especially a father above the age of 60. They typically don’t ask for anything or claim to already have everything they need. In most circumstances all they want is time with family. It is the one thing money can’t buy. Most family members still want to purchase a gift for their father, regardless of them asking for one. Here are some gift ideas along with activities that someone can consider for Father’s Day.
Gifts for Fathers Who Enjoy the Outdoors
- Nature Walk
- A gift card or trip to Bass Pro Shop
- BBQ
- Golfing, shuffleboard, or any outdoor sport that a senior father may enjoy
- Attend a sporting event
Indoor Activities for Fathers
- Watch one of his favorite movies
- Play a boardgame or card game
- Print family photos from your phone and create an album together
- Bring a pet for a visit
- Custom photo puzzle
Gifts For Technology Savvy Fathers
- Hero – a medication management gadget that sorts, dispenses, remembers, and refills seniors’ pills for up to 90 days.
- Apple AirTag – a tracking device that can be placed on commonly lost items such as remotes, notebooks, etc.
- Fitbit – watches and trackers that can measure steps taken, heart rate, cholesterol level, etc.
- GrandPad – tablet specifically designed for seniors
- Digital Photo Frames
