Fathers come in all sizes, shapes and families. In mid-June, the U.S. recognizes the fathers and father figures in our lives by celebrating Father’s Day. This year, it will occur on Sunday, June 18. 

Mother’s Day was the inspiration for Father’s Day, and the nation’s first day honoring fathers was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday.  

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A history of Father’s Day 

According to history.com, a West Virginia church sponsored the nation’s first event explicitly in honor of fathers on July 5, 1908 during a Sunday sermon in memory of the 362 men who had died in the previous December’s explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah, but it was a one-time commemoration and not an annual holiday. 

The state of Washington celebrated the first statewide Father’s Day in 1910, following a campaign by Sonora Smart Dodd who was raised by her widower father.  

By the time World War II ended, Father’s Day was recognized around the U.S., but not yet an official holiday. By then, some advertisers had jumped in and used the unofficial holiday to help boost business and recognize fathers who were also soldiers. 

In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon signed the proclamation that made Father’s Day a federal holiday. Today, Father’s Day is a major holiday filled with relaxation and gifts for dads, grandfathers and other father figures. The National Retail Federation expects that more than $20 billion will be spent in 2023, up from the last two previous years. 

More than ties and grills: the best gift ideas for Father’s Day 2023 

Father’s Day is a chance to celebrate and honor the men in our lives who are fathers, grandfathers, uncles and those who step up to nurture, inspire and raise children. Devotion to their families and to those they care about is acknowledged and appreciated on this special day.  

Some of the most popular gifts include neckties, grills, golf accessories or books. But you can find something that will please any father by looking deeper into his interests. If he’s a sports fan, you can buy a team jersey, hat or some game tickets. If he loves to ride his bike, think about a new pair of padded gloves or sturdy sunglasses. Offer to take him to a car show or the museum if that is something of interest to him. 

If you don’t have time to make it out to shop around, online stores like Uncommon Goods have hundreds of 2023 Cool Father’s Day gifts for you to peruse. 

While children are encouraged to make cards, buy gifts and spend time with their father or father figure, no one has to spend large amounts to make a dad feel loved. Some low-cost gift ideas for Father’s Day include:  

• Walk and talk 

Some one-on-one time is a true gift for both father and child, no matter what the age. 

• Cook something at home

Let the whole family come together and prepare a delicious meal that is one of dad’s favorites. 

• Go camping or to a local park 

Many parks have camping sites for a small fee or free activities for families.  

Just for fun: famous dads in pop culture  

We see a lot of fathers portrayed in media from sitcoms and movies to dramas and books. We thought it would be fun to list a few favorites. Who else can you name?  

Famous movie dads include:  

• Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird
• Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof
• George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life
• Darth Vadar in the Star Wars trilogy 
• Tom Banks in Cheaper by the Dozen
• Marlin in Finding Nemo

Famous TV dads include:  

• Phillips Banks of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
• Mike Brady of The Brady Bunch
• Ward Clever of Leave it to Beaver
• Andy Taylor of Mayberry R.F.D.
• Howard Cunningham of Happy Days

Famous Dads from history include:  

• Composer J.S. Bach, who fathered 20 children (10 lived to adulthood) 
• Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau had two sons, one who carried on his father’s legacy of aquatic environmentalism
• President Barack Obama, the father of two girls who grew up while he was in the White House 
• Jim Henson, the puppeteer who invented Kermit and his pals, raised five children with his wife
• Silent film star Charlie Chaplin sired 11 children, many who worked in the film industry
• President George W. Bush, father of twin girls, Jenna and Barbara
• King Charles III of Great Britain, father of Prince William and Prince Harry
• Earl Woods, father and coach of famous golfer Tiger Woods

Here’s to all the wise, funny, tough, gentle, playful, hardworking men who make a difference. —Keely Chace 

There are never words enough to thank the good men who helped us find our way into the world. —Jim Howard 

WayForth celebrates and honors all fathers for their contributions and support. 

WayForth can help you or a family member with our comprehensive moving solutions including downsizing, space planning, packing and moving, unpacking and settling in your new home. Contact our moving professionals today at 1.844.WAYFORTH.