This special day for your Dad (FATHER’S DAY) is slowly creeping up on us, this year it’s happening on Sunday the 16th June. If you ever have trouble remembering the date, Fathers are celebrated in the UK on the third Sunday of every June.
You could be taking your favourite Dad off for a drink, or maybe even sit down for a family meal in your favourite restaurant, but let’s hope with a bit of planning, and a few pointers from us, he’ll have an even more amazing time.
Father’s Day is about honouring all of the special men in our life, and it’s a day that all of us get joy from, not only Dad.
Unlike Mother’s Day, which is a traditional Christian holiday, known as ‘Mothering Sunday’, the idea behind Father’s Day is a lot more modern. It also took a lot longer for it to be the established celebration it is now.
We actually followed America in celebrating Father’s Day, so when the date was set to the third Sunday in June, we tagged along with that one too.
The first Father’s Day was in 1908, when a West Virginian Church held a special sermon honouring fathers, after 362 men were killed in a mining accident. Parishioners gave out flowers, both red and white, to honour the living and the dead, in commemoration of all that our fathers do for us.
This was the first and only time the church community celebrated that event, which seems it was more about the mining accident than starting a national holiday.
The following year, and again in West Virginia, a woman called Sonora Smart Dodd made it her mission to set up a national Father’s Day. Upset by the fact that there was a Mother’s Day, but no corresponding day for fathers,
She petitioned her local community and government to change this. Originally, she wanted Father’s Day to be on June 5th, which was her own father’s birthday, as a way of honouring him.
Washington state celebrated its first Father’s Day in June 1910, although it was delayed until June 16th.
Father’s Day slowly spread to other states, however it was never really as popular as Mother’s Day.
Many countries, including Spain, Italy and Croatia, celebrate Father’s Day on March 19th. That date is the Feast Day of St Joseph, the husband of Mary and adoptive father to Jesus. The day was traditionally used to celebrate the fatherhood as well as spiritual fathers.
Father’s Day is about spending time with those special men in our lives, whether it’s an overdue visit home, or a special meal out.
Present ideas can be a difficult thing to come up with and they’re always about traditional ‘male’ gifts, although nowadays there is a huge range to choose from.
We thought we’d do something a little different, in an attempt to make it far more personal. We have some freebies, things to make and Dad, and of course a couple of ‘traditional’ ideas too.
THINGS TO DO
Dad’s are notoriously difficult to buy for, at least that’s what I’m always told
If your dad and loves a bit of adventure then maybe a day white water rafting or paddle boarding at the CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL WHITE WATER CENTRE is the thing to do.
Whether you’re a watersports aficionado or a complete novice, use the links below to find the perfect activity based on your personal preferences or craving for adrenaline!
- Air Trail
- Family White Water Rafting
- Family White Water Tubing
- Gorge Walking
- Hot Dogging
- Kayaking
- Mini Rafts
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- White Water Rafting
- White Water Tubing
For more details on everything they have on offer, go HERE.
Treat your Dad this year with an Activity Day at LLYS-Y-FRÂN in Pembrokeshire, where you can enjoy a one-hour outdoor adventure either on land, or on the water. Following your outdoor activity, you will be welcomed to the Café for their favourite Sunday Dirty Yorkie that includes local craft beer, cider or soft drinks and tea or coffee.
Choose from bike hire, a climbing wall, paddle boarding, single or double kayaking, archery or open canoeing.
Spaces are incredibly limited, so you’ll need to be quick. The cost is £22.50 per person and you can get more details HERE.
Dads who like to move on wheels, can take to one of the many race tracks across Wales – you may want to go for go-karts, BMX or super car adventures.
Want to get that adrenaline pumping? Then get in gear with SUPAKART, Newport’s number one indoor go karting centre and the largest and fastest kart track in Wales and the West.
A white-knuckle ride for thrill seekers everywhere, you can book an open race session with friends and family or book a Grand Prix race for an event to remember. They’ve been providing a first class experience to racers from across Newport, Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, Hereford and beyond since 1995. They are incredibly proud to provide you with fast and unrestricted 200cc karts for serious speed.
For more details on what SUPAKART have to offer, go HERE.
Maybe tickets for one of his favourite events would be perfect to slip inside his card. Here’s a few ideas….
- FIM SPEEDWAY – PRINCIPALITY STADIUM, SATURDAY 17th AUGUST – HERE
- REBEL FEST – TINY REBEL BREWERY NEWPORT, 19th & 20th JULY – HERE
- GIN & RUM FESTIVAL – BRANGWYN HALL SWANSEA, SATURDAY 31st AUGUST – HERE
- SHANIA TWAIN – CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE, FRIDAY 5th JULY – HERE
- RADIO GAGA (QUEEN TRIBUTE) – NEW THEATRE CARDIFF, THURSDAY 15th AUGUST – HERE
- TIM PEAKE: ASTRONAUTS – SWANSEA ARENA, FRIDAY 4th OCTOBER – HERE
- AUTUMN SERIES WALES V AUSTRALIA – PRINCIPALITY STADIUM, SUNDAY 17th NOVEMBER – HERE
NEWPORT MARKET – 50% OFF INTERACTIVE GAMES ROOMS FOR FATHER’S DAY!
Time to challenge your mates in the fresh new interactive games rooms!
There are two rooms to choose from: interactive darts with retro arcade games or shuffleboard. Both rooms have space for up to 12 mates.
PRICE PER HOUR:
- Shuffleboard –
£30£15 - Interactive darts with retro arcade games –
£45£22.50
OFFER AVAILABLE FROM SATURDAY 15TH TO SUNDAY 16TH JUNE. DISCOUNT AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED VIA ONLINE BOOKING.
More details HERE.
SPECIAL TREATS
At THE CELTIC MANOR RESORT, there’s a whole range of experiences available, including the opportunity to tee off on one of its three state of the art championship golf courses. As well as this there’s luxurious spa facilities, a selection of unique dining destinations and all with 5* accommodation to top it off.
FATHER’S DAY IDEAS @ CELTIC
Tee off a Treat
To celebrate Father’s Day, The Celtic Manor Resort, located in the beautiful South Wales Countryside, is offering a host of packages which are perfect for the golf-loving dad.
With three championship courses and state of the art facilities, the resort is a haven for golf enthusiasts.
- RYDER CUP TWO COURSE GOLF BREAK FROM £126pp – HERE
- TWO NIGHT STAY CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE FROM £156pp – HERE
There’s also…..
Pamper your Pops
Celtic Manor has two spas and health clubs with great packages that are perfect for pampering your Dad and making him feel special this Father’s Day:
Dine with Dad
There’s dining choices galore at The Celtic Manor Resort but here are our top picks to treat Dad or enjoy a family meal to celebrate his big day:
FATHER’S DAY AT BILL’S
Dice will be rolling all around at BILL’S this Father’s Day with the guaranteed chance to win a tasty treat on Bill’s.
To celebrate all the awesome father figures around– whoever that is to you, with the roll of a dice, Bill’s, are making dads winners all round this Father’s Day.
When ordering a main, dads will have the luck of the draw at Bill’s this Father’s Day, and as luck would have it, every father figure is bound to come out a winner regardless, thanks to the winning combination of quality time spent with loved ones and the prizes offered on the day.
On Sunday 16th June, dads will be offered a roll of the dice to receive a winning treat of either a complimentary starter, dessert, or 330ml bottle of Peroni beer – a treat from Bill’s in celebration of the best of the best.
Booking in advance is advised, celebrate Father’s Day with your loved ones on Sunday 16th June at Bill’s restaurants. To book, visit HERE. And you can check out the T&C’s HERE.
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
The team at St David’s Cardiff have pulled together their tips to be this year’s most-wanted gifts for Father’s Day.
The shopping destination has curated a collection of presents for fathers and father figures ahead of the big day on Sunday 16th June, The gift guide includes a range of items from paintings and cookbooks to matching pyjamas, jewellery, hats and mugs.
Helen Morgan, Centre Director of St David’s Cardiff told us…..
“We love the selection of gifts in this year’s Father’s Day Gift Guide. Whether you know exactly what you want to purchase or need inspiration, St David’s is the perfect place to visit for special occasions.”
Gift Guide
- Brand: Clintons
- Gift: Best Dad Star Bear
- Description: Soft teddy bear holding a star. Perfect for giving hugs to let your Dad know how much you care this Father’s Day.
- Price: £5.99
- Brand: Giggling Squid
- Gift: Giggling Squid Cookbook
- Description: This cookbook is a celebration of Thai food from the much-loved restaurant famous for Thai tapas and beautifully designed bold vibrant interiors. Learn the secrets of their classic and sharing dishes and cook them at home for family and friends and entertain a crowd with a delicious spread of tasty Thai delights.
- Price: £25
- Brand: The Perfume Shop
- Gift: Gentleman Givenchy Reserve Privee EDP 60ml
- Description: Discover the new Gentleman Reserve Privee Eau de Parfum, a heady whisky-inspired fragrance, where floral sophistication meets woody depths. Co-created by master distillers and perfumers, the savoir-faire of two olfactory worlds is combined to create an intense men’s cologne for strong, sophisticated gentlemen.
- Price: £79
- Brand: L’OCCITANE
- Gift: L’Occitan collection
- Description: Sophisticated with an unexpected twist, the L’Occitan collection suits the modern gent. The carefully crafted fragrance of distilled lavender blended with nutmeg, black pepper and smoked woods is redolent of the natural scents of Provence.This gift includes a 75ml Eau de Toilette, 250ml Shower Gel and 350ml Roll-on Deodorant in a L’OCCITANE signature gift box.
- Price: £78 (Worth £96.50)
- Brand: Oliver Bonas
- Gift: Papa White Ceramic Wave Rim Mug
- Description: Short squat mug with an organic shape, speckled surface and silver hand painted ‘papa’ text.
- Price: £14.50
- Brand: Clarendon Fine Art
- Gift: Rolling Stones Logo – Original Sketch on Paper by John Pasche
- Description: More than just a logo – First created by Pasche in 1970. It embodies an era of change and embracing freedom. Framed within distressed black and silver antique wood measuring 33 x 39 inches, this artwork captures the rebellious spirit of one of music’s greatest legends.
- Price: £4,450
- Brand: Diamond Heaven
- Gift: Men’s Silver Bracelet
- Description: 10MM men’s silver chain bracelet
- Price: RRP £300 discounted Price £255
- Brand: Frankie and Benny’s
- Gift: Free Budweiser Beer from 14th June – 16th June 2024
- Description: Pint or bottle of Budweiser free when ordering a main meal between 14th June – 16th June for all fathers or father figure
- Price: Free with the purchase of a main meal
- Brand: Clogau
- Gift: Dinas Watch
- Description: This watch has a three-button chronograph function powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement. With classic styling, the timepiece features rose gold ion plating on a tough stainless-steel case and engineer-style bracelet, plus contrasting gold-tone hands and markers on a navy blue dial. Water resistance rating 10 ATM.
- Price: £550
- Brand: M&S
- Gift: Pure Cotton Printed Pyjama Set
- Description: With a leafy print, these woven cotton pyjamas will make are a stylish nightwear addition and are available with a matching ‘mini me’ set ages 1-16. Regular fit, with a button-up, short-sleeved top and matching shorts with a comfy elasticated waist.
- Price: £30
- Brand: Vivienne Westwood
- Gift: Combat Tartan Baseball Cap in COMBAT-TARTAN
- Description: Inspired by classic men’s suiting, this cap in green, black and yellow tartan is made in Italy. With blended cotton and tonal stitching, it has a panelled design and a curved brim.
- Price: £180
- Brand: Flying Tiger Copenhagen
- Gift: Basketball set
- Description: Small indoor basketball game. The net is attached to a wall with a screw and the ball is included too.
- Price: £5
- Brand: Thomas Sabo
- Gift: Turquoise and Tiger’s Eye Beaded Bracelet
- Description: Radiating positive energy, this bracelet impresses with its imitation turquoise and tiger’s eye beads. Each bead is meticulously designed with elaborate engraving lines, symbolising the winding path of life, reminding us to seize the day. As a gift for a loved one, it’s a meaningful and stylish choice.
- Price: £198
A FEW FREEBIES
We thought we’d start with some stuff to make and do. We’ve had our team put together a few free things you can use to make (or get the kids to make) something original for Dad. You can download them and use them as you feel. Just click on the blue Father’s Day Freebies button below to download them straight to your device.
The first is a Father’s Day card front, the kids can add what they feel to the inside. We love the illustrations our guys have drawn and are sure there are lots of ways they can use those. The cut outs below are brilliant too. Just download, print, cut-out and put wherever you like.
These freebies are proving to be very popular so we’ve had our team come up with a few more designs. We’ve zipped them up so you can download them to your device. Once again, print them off and let the kids go crazy. Inside, there are picture to print and stick onto cards or use as wrapping. Banners to let Dad know he’s the best and some stickers to print and stick wherever you like. Enjoy, and feel free to share this page link with family and friends.
Just click on the blue link below the pictures.
DIY DAD
Now we certainly don’t mean go online and buy Dad one of his favourite tools as a gift. That’s almost as bad as buying Mum a new iron for Mother’s Day. We actually mean go all DIY yourself and create Dad something from you and from the heart. It may not look incredible, it could be a little rough around the edges, but I can assure you it’ll be his favourite thing.
Let’s be honest, we still have a little spare time at the minute, so why not get ahead of the game and make his gift now. If he’s in the house with you, sit him in front of the telly, with a bag of crisps and a drink and tell him not to move. He won’t complain at that one.
So here goes with a few ideas, starting with: The SOUTH WALES LIFE list of DIY Dad stuff……
DENIM TECH SLEEVE
We really love this one because we can never decide which protective sleeve to get for our prized tech. We reckon something personal and hand made is the answer. Dad can put his tablet inside a customised felt-lined denim sleeve. A half-yard of each fabric lets you make enough for yourself – and a few friends.
MATERIALS
- 1/2 yard denim, medium weight (6 to 8 ounces)
- 1/2 yard wool felt
- Iron-on adhesive
- Craft knife and straight edge
- Awl or rotary punch
- 2 leather washers
- 2 caps and studs
- Rivets and setter
- Sewing machine and supplies
- Waxed twine, 12 inches long
STEPS
- Following dimensions in diagram, or create a template on paper and cut it out.
- Cut denim so it’s several inches larger, in all dimensions, than the wool felt. (Both pieces of fabric should be slightly larger than template.) Fuse denim to felt with iron-on adhesive, ironing on denim side.
- Place template on fused fabric and lightly trace with a pencil. Cut out, using craft knife and straight edge.
- Use awl and a mallet, or rotary punch, to make small holes, as indicated on template. Place a small scrap of excess fused fabric at same points on felt side (to reinforce rivets). Align hole of a leather washer over one hole and set a rivet through washer, fabric, and scrap. Repeat for other rivet.
Here’s a couple of simple templates to get you started.
MAP ARTWORK
This is one of those gifts that will not only make Dad smile, but in these days when we don’t know when our next holiday will be, it’s a perfect chance to be transported back to a time, and place, when you all had a great trip away. Transform a map from Dad’s favourite holiday spot, or it could be his childhood home, or even the route of a family trip last summer. Get yourself a frame, print it and put it in and you have a lifetime framed keepsake.
FAMILY MAP SCRAPBOOK
This is an extension of the map theme and can be a family project: Celebrate those summer holidays spent together by gathering maps, mementos, and more from your favourite getaways, then compiling everything into a bound book for Dad to browse through when he’s feeling sentimental.
To make this craft, start by cutting the map to fit, and glue it in place along edges. For the frame, cut a rectangle larger than the photo, and cut slits into the corners. Next, prep the envelope by unfolding an existing envelope; trace around it on a double-sided map. Continue by cutting out, and then fold and glue it to match the original. You can of course add so much more to the project. Be creative, we all have the time right now.
SHIRT CUFF CARDS
Fashion a card to look like a shirt cuff, and then use it to present a gift of cuff links perhaps. Cut a 3 1/4 by 9 inch rectangle from strong paper/card; round two corners, as shown in the picture. Rubber-stamp a greeting on one side (these are cheap as chips online). Gently bend paper in half and cut four slits for cuff links. To make cuff links, hook 24-gauge wire onto a button’s shank, securing with needle-nose pliers. Cut wire to half an inch and loop through a second button’s shank; repeat.
FATHER’S DAY COUPONS
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like to get a token book, and knowing how much Dad’s love a deal, he will go crazy for this one. There is so much you can offer; a free car wash, lawn mowing, breakfast, and much more, all using DIY designs. Let the kids’ imaginations run wild. Simply make this project with strong paper, card or other craft paper you have lying around your house. Deck out the coupons with designs using markers and an array of colours that will catch Dad’s eye. Once the kids make a cover, they can fasten, staple, or sew the booklet together.
DAY WITH DAD
Kids love to be in charge, so let them take Dad on a Father’s Day “date” of their choosing. Ask them to consider what Dad would like best: a movie, a museum, or a rugby game? This can be a perfect way to surprise Dad and offer a chance to plan an activity the whole family can join in on. A handmade card tells him they’re treating. Kids can buy or draw the “tickets;” Mum can cut a slit for them in the card.
DAD LIBS
Of course your kids love him “thiiiiisss“ much! But with this fill-in-the-blanks Father’s Day game, they can get specific in pinpointing Dad’s traits, like his favourite foods and what makes him laugh (beyond their artistic interpretation of him drawn in the frame on the card’s front, that is). To make this fun craft, you will need to find the Dad Libs template, we’ve put a couple of ideas below. After this step, the options are endless to answer the Dad-related sentences. Kids can use colourful markers to write why they love Dad and more.
This is not Dad’s Libs related we just thought you’d like it. It’s very sweet and would be perfect in a homemade or bought frame.
FATHER’S DAY NOTEPAD
Give Dad the perfect addition to his office space with a DIY notepad. This is so easy to do. Just wrap a rubber band around a notepad cube and have the kids write greetings and make drawings on two sides with a broad, pointy marker. (Fine tips will get caught between the pages.) Move the band, and decorate the other two sides. Tie the notepad with a colourful ribbon. As an added gift, slide in a pen.
POPS FOR POP
Satisfy Dad’s sweet tooth with something besides the usual chocolate and cakes. These Father’s Day cake pops are too cute-and delicious-to pass up!
These are really nice, fun to make and we are sure he’ll devour the lot, it is Father’s Day after all. Of course you could buy some lollies and stick his name on them but why not have a crack at making these sweet treats. The full details are right here. POPS
So let’s on from the stuff you can make to the things you can do and share with Dad and the whole family.
PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF
Golf is everywhere across South Wales, as is Adventure Golf – take a look at our feature HERE. If the weather is bad, or you plan to stay at home on the day, you can still get in a quick round, at home. You can all get involved, have a laugh and even a drink as you play a few holes. How about setting up a MINI-GOLF game around the house and garden.
Obviously this will only be putting, unless you have acres of grounds, but with a bit of imagination you could certainly get 9 holes set up and have a little course thing going on. Best of all it’s only going to cost you time, a bit of printing and a little bit of imagination.
Be creative, think of a theme for the day, possibly a Zoo Course with all the kids stuffed animals. Driveway or Garden Golf if the weather is nice. Under, Around and Over – you’ll need great imagination for this one.
Seriously, this will be amazing no matter how much or little space you have. Dad will love, because you will love it and it’ll be a perfect way to spend a Father’s Day. Actually, forget that, we reckon this would be brilliant fun at any time.
FAMILY PICNIC
Leave all the fancy stuff behind for the day, grab Dad, get a whole load of food and head out into the great South Wales outdoors, or the garden, or backyard, for a good old fashioned family picnic. Pack all the essentials, plus a few things you and the kids may have made for him and get out to Dad’s favourite outdoor spot (his own private space) for a fun and stress-free meal.
THEATRE AT HOME
Many families with children spend long days at home wondering what they can do to keep little ones entertained. When schools are closed for holidays, it’s up to us parents to find things to keep the kids occupied and amused. So, in addition to getting them involved in the other suggestions, here’s one that’s designed especially for them.
This is really good and the kids will love it. Suggest they dress up and put on a play to surprise Dad. They can recreate a story, a movie, or let their imaginations run wild or best of all, invent a new story. They’ll love the idea of being actors for a day and you’ll all have a great time together as a family.
DAD IDOL
This one may not be as crazy as you might think, especially with celebrities being relatively accessible through social media. We are real believers in the phrase ‘if you don’t ask you don’t get get’ and in this case, it could pay real dividends.
Find out who your Dad’s favourite celebrity might be, it could be a sports personality, a musician or even a comedian. Then, in search of a real meaningful and very special gift, you could try reach out to these celebrities on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and ask them if they would possibly be able to wish your Dad a Happy Father’s Day – or even if they could create a short video personalised to your Dad to make his day.
First of all, it won’t cost you anything, second you’ll instantly become the favourite child, and most importantly, it will be cooler than cool can be.
In case you’re worried about what these celebrities might say when you ask, well they’ll either not reply or you’ll get an outright no. But you know what, remember they have been self isolating too and boredom creeps in no matter who, or where you are. Go on, give it a go but remember this is about Dad’s favourite idol, not yours.
VIRTUAL GET TOGETHER
Getting together virtually was a big thing during lockdown, with families are sometimes spread all over Wales, or the world, that doesn’t mean we still can’t keep make plans to virtually meet up with the special people in our life. We are so blessed that we live in a digitally connected age, so make the most of it. You can surprise Dad by organising a group video call with everyone in the family, no matter how far away they are on their special day.
One of the ways to do this is through our lockdown saviour ZOOM.
Like so many group apps, they make it possible to create “rooms” where users get together to do the video call as a group, as well as play Trivial Pursuit, Guess Who, Pictionary, and other classic games, as if you were all together in your living room! Can you imagine the look of surprise on your dad’s face?
Here’s a few more ‘things to do’ suggestions, which need no explanation outside of a title.
- Bake a Delicious Cake & Prepare His Favourite Meal
- Go Down the Memory Lane and Play Some Games
- BBQ
- Get Him A Local Take Away
- Home Made Sweet Treats
- Spa Time
- Support Local Buy From an Open Shop Close by
Now more than ever, your local businesses need you, so if you’re looking at buying Dad a special something, take a look at the local retailers in your area or perhaps have gone online, or maybe send him some flowers using a local florist? Or even vouchers for his favourite restaurant.
We have loads of other features if you want to do something special with Dad.
OUR SOUTH WALES – is something we ran after lockdown to help us reconnect with our area. Take a look at some of the nice places to visit around South Wales.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take Dad for a meal, take a look at our feature below.
And if you’re looking for tickets for a Gig or Show, take a look at our entertainment pages below.
