Fathers Day 2012

17th June (Sunday) 2012

Father’s Day in the UK is celebrated on the third Sunday of each month giving families up and down the country the chance to pay tribute to their dads. Fathers Day 2012 is on June 17- Its perfect timing for football-crazy dads as it falls smack bang in the middle of the European Championships. Or if your father is looking to escape football fever then you can always treat him to a day out far removed from the fervour of the tournament.

The tradition of Father’s Day does not date back as far as Mother’s Day, nor does it have any religious connections, but it has spread across from celebrations originally held every year in the USA where it sprang up as an annual day to celebrate fathers to complement Mother’s Day and give dads a day in the limelight.

In the USA it was officially recognised as a holiday by President Richard Nixon in 1972 but had been first celebrated some 64 years earlier as part of a tribute to 250 fathers killed in a mining disaster in West Virginia. Modern celebrations bear little resemblance to those early tributes, but the largely commercialised tradition is still a popular one as a chance for children of all ages to honour their fathers - and more often than not to spoil them rotten.

Whether or not your dad craves the attention, June 17th 2012 is still a great chance to treat him to something special. Dinner out or a homecooked meal are great ways to show your appreciation, while an afternoon down the pub is always a winner with many dads up and down the country.

Check the fixture list and you might be able to combine celebrations with relaxing in front of the telly to catch the big match. Or if your restless dad is the sort who would relish the chance to do something active, then try searching for the perfect experience day for you and him to enjoy together; track days, assault course adventures, football stadium tours - the list is virtually endless with plenty of activities available to suit dads of all tastes.

Even if you’re too far away to pay your dad a visit or take him out for the day then a phonecall is always gratefully received, or try video calling if you want to be ultra-modern. Father’s Day is all about the simple things to show your dad you care.

Flowers and chocolates might not be quite the winning formula they often are on Mother’s Day, but cards and presents are still gratefully received. Finding that perfect gift for Father’s Day shouldn’t be too hard either, forget the pretty or frilly gifts, dads always love gadgets, useful things or presents that can help them put their feet up and relax. Throw in a sports theme as well and you’re bound to be onto a winner. If only those remote controlled slippers that made him brilliant at football had been invented.

For more great gift ideas for Fathers Day 2012 or the perfect treats for your dear old dad, search this site for inspiration.