Want to make Dad feel special this Father’s Day? If you want low-cost ideas for celebrating that won’t break the bank, we’ve got plenty – like breakfast in bed, handmade gifts, DIY games, etc. Take a look at the Father’s Day ideas below.
This year, Father’s Day is on Sunday, September 1, 2024, in Australia. If you’re looking for new ideas to make him feel loved, we’ve got you sorted with some fabulous Father’s Day ideas. Here are some ways to let Dad know how much you appreciate him.
1. Get crafty with a card
Nothing quite says, “Thanks, Dad. We appreciate everything you do for us” like a handmade card decorated by the kids!
To make it even more special, download and print our free Father’s Day ‘All About My Day’ sheet. Your kids can fill out the ‘All About My Dad’ Q&A interview and draw a picture of him. It’s guaranteed to give him a chuckle or two (and make him feel all warm and fuzzy inside).
DOWNLOAD ‘ALL ABOUT MY DAD’ PRINTABLE IN COLOUR
2. DIY play mat shirt (aka back massage)
There’s no gift Dad will love more than a handmade playmat shirt. And there are so many options for you to choose from. There’s the traditional car track that kids can zoom around, number tracing, letter tracing, and more. Head onto Pinterest for some inspiration.
The best part is that dad gets to lie face down on the bed and enjoy a nice back rub while the kids play! It’s one of the best Father’s Day ideas and a win-win.
There are plenty of online stores that sell these shirts, but you can also get a little crafty at home and make one. Grab some fabric pens from Spotlight, and let the kids show off their creative skills on one of Dad’s old shirts (maybe check with Dad first).
3. Order a Grazing Board
Grazing boards are still all the rage, and it’s easy to see why! With so many delicious options to choose from, all packed full of a variety of yummy treats, it makes the perfect treat for dad this Father’s Day. From savoury boards to sugar-packed dessert favourites, you will find something he loves. Even better, you can help him taste and test the goodies.
Check out 10 delicious Grazing Boards to treat Dad on the North Shore.
4. Fire up the BBQ
Fire up the barbecue!
Spring has sprung, which means it’s time to dust off the barbecue and get cooking for the sunny months. Get the kids to chip in and give the barbecue a good Spring cleaning to surprise dad with on Father’s Day.
He’ll love nothing more than coming out to a freshly cleaned grill, ready to sear some of his favourite foods. A trip to the butcher might be to make sure you have steaks, sausages, kebabs, and all Dad’s favourites ready to go for him. And don’t forget to throw in a few of your favourites, too!
Get out in the sunshine and enjoy a family barbecue together. It’s the perfect Father’s Day idea to mark the beginning of the season.
5. Put on a show
Get the siblings together (and even get Mum involved, too) and put on a show for Dad to enjoy! You can do something as a group, or everyone can pick their talent to perform.
There are so many options to choose from:
- Sing a song
- Do a dance
- Put on a skit
- Try some stand-up comedy
- Take part in a talent show
- Tell some dad jokes (just for dad!)
It’s the perfect way to keep the whole family entertained while having plenty of laughs. You can even put Dad on the spot and tell him it’s his turn!
6. Family game night
Let the games begin! Why not plan some good, old-fashioned competitive fun at home by hosting a games night for Dad? Raid the cupboard and pull out some family favourites, ready to go.
Need some more ideas? Check out our post on card games the whole family can enjoy – all you need is one deck of cards to enjoy hours of fun.
It’s a great way to have some family fun (as long as things don’t get too competitive). You can even place some little bets: The winner gets to pick the next movie for movie night, and the loser has to do the winner’s chores for a week.
Of course, since it’s Father’s Day, you might have to go easy on Dad…
7. Have a pizza party
You could order the pizza…but everyone knows it’s much more fun to make it yourself. Plus, you get to choose exactly what goes on it!
Throw Dad a pizza party.
Have the bases ready, with different toppings prepared to be thrown on top. You can get creative with your designs (faces, animals, etc) and have plenty of fun.
Pop it in the oven, and there you have it. It’s homemade pizza night. Delicious!
8. Head to the park
Fly a kite with dad
Take the whole family to the park to enjoy active fun in the sun! Here are a few ideas to make your time at the park memorable:
- Fly a kite
- Play tag
- Play hide-and-go-seek
- Play catch
- Hold a relay race
- Ride your bikes
9. Quiet time
After all our dads do for us, he may enjoy a little time to himself. One of the best Father’s Day ideas is to set up a space just for Dad so he can enjoy doing something he loves.
Whether that’s a good book in bed, on the couch with a game console, or outdoors playing sport, allowing dad to indulge himself is a real treat! It’s the perfect way to show how much you care.
