Father's Day Ideas and Gifts
Updated 15 June 2021
Know This - Sunday 5 September 2021 is the next Father's Day in New Zealand. To help plan a Father's Day that's meaniningful, our guide outlines:
What is Father's Day, and When is It?
Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday every September in New Zealand. In 2021, it's celebrated on September 5 and in 2022, it falls on September 4.
Father's Day celebrations date back to 1910 when Sonora Smart Dodd wanted a way to celebrate her dad, a veteran widower raising six young children in America. Dodd went to the US government to get Father's Day to be a nationally recognised holiday to recognise hard-working Dads.
The tradition spread throughout the world, including in New Zealand. However, unlike America, which celebrates Father's Day in mid-June, New Zealanders wanted more time between celebrations which is why it's celebrated in September.
Father's Day celebrations date back to 1910 when Sonora Smart Dodd wanted a way to celebrate her dad, a veteran widower raising six young children in America. Dodd went to the US government to get Father's Day to be a nationally recognised holiday to recognise hard-working Dads.
The tradition spread throughout the world, including in New Zealand. However, unlike America, which celebrates Father's Day in mid-June, New Zealanders wanted more time between celebrations which is why it's celebrated in September.
Ways to Celebrate Father's Day (Without Spending)
Father's Day is a wonderful day to spend with your dad, step-dad, or any father figures in your life. Many dads enjoy a nice meal, spend time together, and sometimes give gifts, but it doesn't always have to be about gifts. And we believe more quality time together and thoughtfulness is often more appreciated than gifts.
If you're looking for ways your kids can celebrate the special man in their life without spending money, check out these five proven ways:
1. Bake dad a cake – Dads love dessert. Let your children help as you bake his favourite dessert. Children of all ages can help with age-appropriate tasks. Watch the smile on their face when they show dad how hard they worked on something he loves.
2. Take dad on a hike – What better way to spend time together than in wild New Zealand? Let the kids plan a fun hike and even a picnic lunch for the family to enjoy together. The fresh air and sunshine will put a smile on everyone's face.
3. Make coupons – Dads love to receive handmade gifts, especially when it includes a promise kids will do chores or tasks for him. Let the kids come up with ideas to take care of dad, like washing his car, making him dinner, or cleaning up the lawn.
4. Make dinner with dad – If your husband/partner likes to cook, let your kids plan a dinner to make with dad. If you have younger kids, make sure the tasks are age-appropriate, but the most important thing is that you're all together.
5. Go fishing with dad – If your family loves fishing, plan a special day fishing with dad. Let the kids plan the day and even put together a picnic lunch to make a day out of it.
If you're looking for ways your kids can celebrate the special man in their life without spending money, check out these five proven ways:
1. Bake dad a cake – Dads love dessert. Let your children help as you bake his favourite dessert. Children of all ages can help with age-appropriate tasks. Watch the smile on their face when they show dad how hard they worked on something he loves.
2. Take dad on a hike – What better way to spend time together than in wild New Zealand? Let the kids plan a fun hike and even a picnic lunch for the family to enjoy together. The fresh air and sunshine will put a smile on everyone's face.
3. Make coupons – Dads love to receive handmade gifts, especially when it includes a promise kids will do chores or tasks for him. Let the kids come up with ideas to take care of dad, like washing his car, making him dinner, or cleaning up the lawn.
4. Make dinner with dad – If your husband/partner likes to cook, let your kids plan a dinner to make with dad. If you have younger kids, make sure the tasks are age-appropriate, but the most important thing is that you're all together.
5. Go fishing with dad – If your family loves fishing, plan a special day fishing with dad. Let the kids plan the day and even put together a picnic lunch to make a day out of it.
10 Retailers with Popular Father's Day Gift Ideas
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Noel LeemingFind everything dad loves at Noel Leeming, from the latest tech gadgets to grilling tools and appliances. Noel Leeming has some great specials for that special guy in your life, no matter his hobbies or needs.
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The WarehouseFind all dad's favourites at The Warehouse. Whether you want to buy his favourite movies, cologne, clothing, or household gadgets, you'll find it all for great prices at The Warehouse.
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The Pressie BoxAre you looking for something different for dad this Father's Day? Check out the amazing gift basket assortment at The Pressie Box. You'll find baskets with all of dad's favourites, and whether he's a sweet and salty kind of guy or he loves his sweets, there's something for everyone.
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Not SocksThe name says it all – it's not socks for dad this year! At Not Socks, you'll find gifts handpicked for the special dad in your life. You'll find novelty items, and items dad's been wanting for a while, making it easy to find the perfect gift.
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Gifts Less OrdinaryIf you're looking for something extraordinary for dad, look no further than Gifts Less Ordinary. You'll find just about any personalised gift you could imagine, giving Father's Day that personal touch this year while giving dad just what he needs or wants.
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Mighty ApeIf you're looking for something fun, different, and useful, you'll find it at Mighty Ape. They also have some of the lowest prices around, making it easy to afford a special gift for the dad in your life.
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Giftbox BoutiqueIf you're looking for a unique gift box for your dad, you'll find everything you want for him at Giftbox Boutique. From baskets of sweets to baskets of salty foods and his favourite alcohol, you're sure to find the perfect option that will make your dad smile this Father's Day.
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Red BalloonWould you rather get your dad an experience rather than 'stuff'? You'll find the most exciting experiences on Red Balloon that are sure to make your dad smile. Whether he's an adventure seeker or he keeps it tame, there's something for everyone.
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FarmersGet dad his favourite clothing or spoil him with an item he wouldn't usually buy himself at Farmers. They have the widest selection of the highest quality clothes, so you can't go wrong when buying for dad at Farmers.
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Trade MeOf course, no one can go wrong with searching Trade Me. There are gift ideas for every man in your life, and you'll find items you never thought you'd need but now wonder how you ever lived without. Trade Me's Father's Day guide is a good starting point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Father's Day a public holiday?
No, Father's Day isn't a public holiday. It falls on a Sunday, and most retailers and other businesses normally open on Sunday remain open.
Why is Father's Day on a different day in New Zealand to many other countries?
Around the world, Father's Day is celebrated on different days. In the US, it's celebrated mid-June as that's when Father's Day originated. The UK follows this date too, but other countries, including New Zealand, changed the date to spread out the celebrations throughout the year.
Why is Father's Day important?
Father's Day is a day to celebrate the important men in your life. It's a day to celebrate your relationship with your dad or other men in your life and to celebrate their role in our society.
Does Father's Day change?
The date of Father's Day changes each year because it's on the first Sunday of September, which has different dates each year.
Related guides and resources
- Mother's Day Ideas and Gifts
- Public Holidays
- School Holiday Activities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
