Gifts for dad: birthday and Father's Day ideas

Dads are hard to buy for: they often say they "don't need anything". But a good gift shows that you know his interests and value time together. Here are gift ideas for your dad's birthday and Father's Day — by hobby, for dads and grandads — and tips for making your wishes special. For grandfathers, see gifts for grandpa. For the June holiday, see Father's Day gift ideas.

Bouquets and plants for dad are in our flowers for him and potted plants sections.

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Father's Day

In Ukraine Father's Day has officially been celebrated on the third Sunday of June since a 2019 presidential decree; in 2027 it falls on 20 June. The USA, the UK and many other countries celebrate it on the same day.

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Ideas by hobby

• Sport — exercise equipment, a punch bag, his team's kit, match tickets.
• Fishing and the outdoors — gear, a flask, camping equipment.
• Music and theatre — an instrument, records, concert or theatre tickets.
• Tech — headphones, a smartwatch, a power bank.

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Birthday gifts for Dad from his daughter

To a dad, his daughter is always “his little girl”, so gifts full of care and memories touch him most: a “Dad and me” photo book from childhood to today, a mug or T-shirt with a photo of you together, a letter thanking him for everything he taught you. Practical ideas from a daughter: a warm jumper or scarf he’d never buy himself, a beard-care kit, a massage voucher, a book on his hobby. Or a day together — fishing, a match, a trip out of town, just the two of you.

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For Dad’s milestone birthdays

For a milestone, children often club together for a substantial gift: a trip, the gadget Dad has long wanted, a dacha or garage makeover, a family photo shoot with the grandchildren. See age-by-age ideas in milestone gifts for men.

Experience gifts

Time together is often worth more than things: a fishing or mountain trip, the theatre, a workshop, a family dinner out. Many dads especially treasure a photo album or a video of family moments.

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Gifts for grandad

• A warm blanket, comfy slippers, a good flask.
• Books, audiobooks or a subscription to a favourite magazine.
• Garden tools or a flowering potted plant.
• A family visit and help around the house.

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Flowers for dad

A restrained bouquet can go with the gift: deep-coloured roses, chrysanthemums, anthuriums or a boxed arrangement. How to choose a bouquet for a man is covered in "Flowers for men", and more gift ideas in "Gift ideas for men".

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How to make it special

• Say warm words in person or write him a letter.
• Collect wishes from the whole family in one card.
• If you are far away, order delivery of the gift and flowers and make a video call.

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FAQ

When is Father's Day in Ukraine?

On the third Sunday of June; in 2027, on 20 June.

What do you give a dad who "doesn't need anything"?

An experience or time together: a trip, dinner, tickets or a family photo album.

Can I give my dad flowers?

Yes, a restrained bouquet or a potted plant is appropriate.

For card messages, see Father's Day wishes.

To go with your gift, pick one of our birthday wishes for dad.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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