Everything you need to know about the history of Father's Day

Father's Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, step-dads, and father figures who have profoundly impacted your life. While a card is a nice gesture, it can't compare to a thoughtfully curated hamper with treats tailored to your dad's preferences. We offer a variety of Father's Day beer and food hampers, ideal for showing your love and appreciation.

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries, including the United Kingdom. But how did this special day evolve into the celebration we know today?

Father's Day in the UK

Before it was officially recognized as a holiday in 1972, Father's Day had already been celebrated in the UK. In the early 20th century, it was observed on June 5th, coinciding with the feast day of St. Boniface, the patron saint of fathers. Over the years, the date varied, but most people in the UK eventually began celebrating Father's Day on the third Sunday in June, following the American tradition. However, some, like in Australia and New Zealand, observe it in November.

The Origins of Father's Day

Unlike Mother's Day, which has roots dating back to Ancient Greece, Father's Day wasn't recognised in the UK until 1972. The tradition actually began in the United States in the early 1900s.

• 1908: A church in West Virginia held a special service to honour fathers following a tragic mining accident that claimed 362 lives. The parishioners distributed red and white flowers to commemorate the living and the deceased fathers, marking the first Father's Day.
• 1909: Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by the lack of recognition for fathers, petitioned her local government to establish Father's Day. She initially wanted it to be on June 5th, her father's birthday—a Civil War veteran who single-handedly raised six children after his wife passed away during childbirth.
• 1910: Washington State celebrated its first Father's Day, though the date was pushed to June 15th. The celebration gradually spread to other states, but it didn't gain the same popularity as Mother's Day.
• World War II: Father's Day gained traction as advertisers used it to support the troops, and by the war's end, it had become widely celebrated.
• 1972 in the USA: President Richard Nixon officially declared Father's Day a national holiday.
• 1972 in the UK: Father's Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in the United Kingdom.

Father's Day Controversies

Although now widely celebrated, Father's Day wasn't always met with enthusiasm.

In early 20th-century America, many men resisted the idea of Father's Day, dismissing it as an attempt to "domesticate manliness" with flowers and gift-giving. For years, Mother's Day was more popular, partly due to societal perceptions that women were more sentimental and appreciative of gifts. In the 1930s, there was even a campaign to combine Mother's Day and Father's Day into a single "Parents' Day." Still, it was defeated because the two separate holidays were better for the economy.

Today, Father's Day is as popular as Mother's Day, with many fathers embracing the sentimental gifts and tokens of appreciation they receive from their children. The holiday has become a cherished occasion for families to celebrate the important role of fathers.

Father's Day Traditions Around the World

Father's Day is celebrated in diverse ways around the globe, with varying dates and traditions.

• Thailand: Celebrated on December 5th, the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyade, who is considered the Father of the Nation. The day is marked by everyone wearing yellow and children presenting their fathers with a Canna flower.
• Russia: Known as Defender of the Fatherland Day, celebrated on February 23rd. President Putin declared it a state holiday in 2002 to honour those in the armed services.
• Japan: Father's Day in Japan often involves children giving their dads handmade beer glasses or a box of traditional sweets, with flowers playing a central role in the celebrations.
• Mexico: Family values are at the forefront of Father's Day in Mexico, highlighted by a city-wide 21-kilometer race in Mexico City's Bosque de Tlalpan, a popular outdoor spot for hiking and jogging.
• Brazil: In Brazil, Father's Day is all about food, with families enjoying huge feasts and all-you-can-eat barbecues.
• South Africa: Children give their fathers gifts like flowers, cards, and neckties, while families often spend the day enjoying picnics or fishing together.

Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day has become a popular occasion to honour fathers worldwide, no matter when or where it's celebrated. People express their gratitude through gifts, cards, and quality time together.

Given the central role of food in many Father's Day celebrations, a luxury food hamper is the perfect gift. Our Father's Day hampers are carefully curated, combining delicious treats and beverages to make your dad's day extra special.

Father's Day Hampers from Peach Hampers

A bespoke hamper is an excellent way to show your love and appreciation. With a Father's Day hamper, you can personally select the products to include, creating a gift tailored to your dad's tastes.

Our Father's Day hampers are filled with hand-selected, taste-tested products to ensure top quality. But it's not just the contents that matter—our creative team designs exceptional packaging to make our hampers truly memorable gifts.

Peach Hampers' offerings are not only beautiful and delicious but also eco-friendly. Our packaging is recyclable and compostable, and we plant a tree for every order received.

We offer next-working-day delivery to UK mainland addresses. Browse our Father's Day hampers today and contact our friendly team for any special requirements.