The start of June signifies two important things: summer is finally here, and it’s time to celebrate all of the dads we know and love. Father’s Day takes place on the third Sunday in June, and it’s been a tradition since 1910.
The first Father’s Day took place in the state of Washington after a mother named Sonora Smart Dodd campaigned to create a Mother’s Day equivalent to celebrate dads. It took a little while for the holiday to gain popularity. It wasn’t until 1924 that President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to finally observe the holiday. Today, it’s as much a part of our regular holiday celebrations as Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or even New Year’s Day.
Father’s Day has become an occasion to acknowledge the important role that dads, grandparents, mentors, and father figures of all kinds play in people’s lives, and to say thank you. With that in mind, here are some tips for crafting a heartfelt “thanks” for the dads in your life.
What to give or send your dad
If you’re going by the stereotypical types of Father’s Day gifts you see, it’s easy to assume every dad is into golf, grilling, and getting a new tie. If your dad really does love those things, then that makes gift shopping even easier for you! But, if your dad or father figure isn’t so enthusiastic about getting a new putter, it’s always nice to branch out and get a Father’s Day gift that’s useful and personal to the person you’re celebrating.
Gifts related to hobbies are always a safe bet. Maybe Dad would like tickets to a concert for his favorite band, new hiking shoes, a video game, or a book. Or maybe, a high quality shave and a haircut or even a facial might be a good option. Gift cards to his favorite stores or online retailers are always welcome. More than anything, most dads, grandparents, and father figures just want to hear from the people they love on Father’s Day. A nice letter, card, or even email is a great way to fulfill that wish.
What to write in a Father’s Day card
Name & date
Greet your dad or father figure with the title you use to refer to them in real life. Adding the date to the card or letter for Dad may feel ultra formal, but he’ll be glad you did when he pulls your letter out of his keepsakes in a few years. It’s nice to be able to look at the date and see exactly when you received something.
Clear statement of gratitude
The point of this letter is to let your father figure know you appreciate him, so do it right from the start. Don’t let the main purpose of your letter get lost in the mix. Make sure your letter begins with a clear statement of thanks, and then use that sentence as a jumping off point for sharing more about why you love and appreciate your dad.
Supporting details
Provide some specific examples of things you appreciate about your dad or father figure. What has he done for you? What do you admire about him? How has he helped you grow into the person you are today? Choose three strong examples to highlight, and use this as an opportunity to say the sincere things you might shy away from saying in everyday life.
Fond memories
Share a favorite memory from the past year or a memory from your childhood that has been foundational for you. We all remember shared events in different ways. Dads and father figures will appreciate hearing about the moments in your relationship that have made an impact on you.
The sign-off
Close your letter by restating your initial message of thanks in a different way, and then add a personalized sign off. Need some examples? Let us show you how it’s done.
Example of a Father’s Day card
If you follow the steps above, you should end up with a card that is personal, honest, and sincere. Younger kids may take a simpler approach, such as writing three simple sentences about why they love their dad, but here’s what our template might look like coming from a tween or teen.
June 20, 2021
Dear Dad,
It’s Father’s Day, and I wanted to write you a note to say thank you for being the best dad and friend I could ask for.
This year, I was so glad I got to spend extra time with you. Our Friday movie nights are my favorite thing that we do together, and I love that you work so hard to learn TikTok dances with me, even though you dance just like grandpa!
I don’t say it enough, but you’re actually a pretty cool dad, and I’m really glad to be your daughter.
Love,
Sarah
Grab our handy Father’s Day letter template
If you’re helping a younger child craft a letter to their dad, uncle, grandfather, or any other meaningful father figure in their life, try a little fill-in-the-blank. Here’s our template with convenient spaces to fill in the right words. You can also avoid some of the most overused Father’s Day words by choosing your favorite synonyms from Thesaurus.com. Copy and paste the template into a new document, then make the changes, and print it out to paste into a card or onto a sweet handmade drawing.
Dear (Title / Name),
Happy Father’s Day! I want to say thank you for being a (special / memorable / unique / extraordinary) person in my life.
As a dad, you are (inspiring / encouraging / motivating), (caring / nurturing / loving), and (fun / joyful / happy). My favorite memory with you is (Memory).
Thank you for being the best dad a kid could ask for!
(Love / Warmly / Sincerely),
(Your Name)
Make your Father’s Day card even more special with Grammar Coach™
Writing is hard, so let us do the editing. Simply write or paste your letter directly into Grammar Coach by Thesaurus.com. This tool can automatically check for grammar and spelling errors. It will even suggest synonym swaps for any words you may have overused. Hey, it happens!
Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all of the fathers and father figures in your life, and they’ll appreciate that you went the extra mile to make them feel special.
