Gift Ideas and Activities for Celebrating DAD this Father's Day

Umema Arsiwala -

Father’s Day is that one special day when we get to celebrate the man who has quietly shaped our lives in countless ways. It’s a day to think about the little moments that have made us smile, the big moments that have brought us together, and the quiet support that has carried us through tough times. For many of us, our dads are our first heroes, the ones who taught us how to ride a bike, cheered us on at every game, and offered a shoulder to lean on when the world felt too heavy.

While Father’s Day is internationally celebrated on the 16th of June, in the UAE, we honor our dads on the 21st of June this year. This day is about more than just giving gifts; it’s about creating memories and showing our dads how much we love and appreciate them. It’s a time to let them know that their love and guidance have been the foundation of our lives and that no matter how much time passes, the bond we share only grows stronger. As we celebrate, let's remember that the greatest gift we can give is our time, our gratitude, and our heartfelt words that remind them they will always be our heroes.

Unique Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

1. Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts add a special touch that shows your dad you put thought into his present. Here are some ideas:

  • Custom-Engraved Watch: Choose a classic watch with a heartfelt message or his initials engraved on the back.
  • Personalized Photo Frame: Select a beautiful frame and fill it with a memorable picture or a collage of special moments.
  • Custom-Made Wallet: A leather wallet with its initials embossed on it can be a daily reminder of your love.
  • Personalized Mugs or Glasses: Get a set of mugs or beer glasses customized with his name, a special date, or a meaningful quote.
  • Monogrammed Robe: A luxurious robe with his initials embroidered on it for a touch of elegance and comfort.
  • Special Cake: Little Venice Cake Company is celebrating Father's Day with a special treat: a delicious 4-inch Cookies and Cream Cake for just AED 90. This indulgent cake is the perfect way to show appreciation and make Dad's day extra sweet (Available from June 20 - 22 at Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Contact: 04 426 2150).

2. Experience Gifts

Give your dad an experience he’ll cherish. Here are some ideas:

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Treat him to a breathtaking view of the landscape from above.
  • Cooking Class: Book a class where you both can learn to cook a new cuisine together.
  • Weekend Getaway: Plan a surprise trip to a nearby destination he’s always wanted to visit.
  • Concert or Sports Event Tickets: Get tickets to see his favorite band or sports team live.
  • Adventure Activities: Sign him up for activities like skydiving, scuba diving, or a helicopter tour.
  • Father-Son/Daughter Spa Day: An adorable option for the little ones, you can book the ‘Daddy & Me’ serenity package for a father-son or father-daughter spa day at Centara Mirage Beach Resort. Dads will enjoy a back massage while the kids get a mini massage in the kid's spa zone (AED 695, 04 522 9999).

3. Subscription Services

A subscription tailored to his interests can be a gift that keeps on giving:

  • Magazine Subscription: For his favorite hobby or interest, like cars, technology, or travel.
  • Gourmet Coffee Subscription: Monthly deliveries of unique and high-quality coffee beans.
  • Streaming Service Subscription: For movies, TV shows, or sports.
  • Book Club Subscription: A new book every month, perfect for the avid reader.

4. DIY Gifts

Handmade gifts carry a lot of sentimental value. Here are some ideas:

  • Scrapbook: Fill it with photos, mementos, and notes recounting cherished memories.
  • Homemade Treats: Bake his favorite cookies, cakes, or snacks.
  • Handcrafted Art: Create a piece of art, like a painting or a sculpture, that has personal significance.
  • DIY Tool Organizer: Build a custom organizer for his tools in the garage or workshop.

5. Tech Gadgets

For the tech-savvy dad, consider these gadgets:

  • Smartwatch: Helps him stay on top of his fitness and daily activities.
  • Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for enjoying music or podcasts without distractions.
  • Smart Home Devices: Smart speakers, lights, or thermostats that make life more convenient.
  • Fitness Tracker: Keeps track of his health and fitness goals.

Activities to Make Father’s Day Special

1. Family Picnic

Organize a family picnic at a local park or in your backyard:

  • Location: Choose a scenic spot with plenty of space for games and relaxation.
  • Food: Pack his favorite sandwiches, salads, snacks, and desserts. Don’t forget the drinks!
  • Games: Bring along a Frisbee, soccer ball, or a set for badminton.
  • Comfort: Pack blankets, cushions, and a portable speaker for some background music.

2. Movie Marathon

Plan a movie marathon with his favorite films:

  • Setup: Create a cozy environment with blankets, pillows, and a projector if you have one.
  • Snacks: Popcorn, nachos, candy, and his favorite drinks.
  • Movies: Choose a mix of his favorite genres. Some suggestions:
    • Action: "Die Hard," "Mad Max: Fury Road"
    • Comedy: "Airplane!," "Groundhog Day"
    • Drama: "The Godfather," "Shawshank Redemption"
    • Classic: "Casablanca," "The Great Escape"
  • Intermissions: Plan fun breaks between movies for discussions or trivia games.

3. Cooking Together

Spend the day cooking a meal together. Here are some recipe ideas:

  • Breakfast: Make a hearty breakfast with homemade pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.
  • Lunch: Try making homemade pizzas where each person can create their own unique pizza.
  • Dinner: Cook a three-course meal together:
    • Starter: Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil.
    • Main Course: Grilled steak or salmon with a side of roasted vegetables.
    • Dessert: Classic apple pie or chocolate mousse.

4. Outdoor Adventure

Plan an outdoor adventure based on his interests:

  • Hiking: Find a local trail and spend the day exploring nature.
  • Fishing: Head to a nearby lake or river for a relaxing day of fishing.
  • Beach Day: Spend the day at the beach swimming, playing beach volleyball, and having a picnic.
  • Camping: Set up a tent in the backyard for a night under the stars, complete with a campfire and s’mores.

5. Game Night

Host a game night with his favorite board games or card games:

  • Board Games: "Settlers of Catan," "Monopoly," "Scrabble", "Sequence"
  • Card Games: "Exploding Kittens", "Uno," "Bridge"
  • Outdoor Games: Cornhole, bocce ball, or croquet
  • Snacks: Keep a variety of snacks and drinks available to keep the energy up and the mood light.

Special Offers and Dining Experiences

  1. Souk Al Manzil, Downtown Dubai
  • Offer: Dads visiting the restaurant will enjoy two drinks and one main course from a special Father’s Day menu. The offer includes meals for two guests.
  • Special Perk: The first 50 reservations will receive a complimentary Ting Irie-themed summer hat.
  • Contact: 04 557 5601
  1. Dhaba Lane (Al Karama, Al Garhoud, JLT, Al Nahda)
  • Offer: Enjoy a complimentary serving of Baklava Shrikhand, a delightful fusion of rich, creamy shrikhand and the sweet, nutty flavors of baklava.
  • Contact:
    • Al Karama: 04 358 3554
    • Al Garhoud: 054 999 4252
    • JLT: 054 999 4251
    • Al Nahda: 04 526 0039
  1. Anantara (Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai & The Ritz Carlton Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi)
  • Offer: Dads can enjoy free meals when accompanied by three paying adults. For an additional AED 69, dads can enjoy unlimited servings of hops, grapes, and frozen margaritas.
  • Contact:
    • Dubai: 050 194 1107
    • Abu Dhabi: 050 668 3054
  1. Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria DIFC
  • Offer: Dads can enjoy a free roast dinner on June 23. The meal will be accompanied by incredible live jazz music.
  • Price: From AED 105
  • Contact: 04 515 9888
  1. Mint Leaf of London
  • Offer: Located in City Walk and Dubai Mall, children up to 12 years old can dine for free with their dad between June 21 and 23. The kids can enjoy the play area, where they can create their own pretend pizza, while dads indulge in freshly baked pizza or burgers.
  • Contact: 04 338 0839

Father’s Day is a precious opportunity to show our dads how much they mean to us. Whether through thoughtful gifts, special activities, or simply spending quality time together, it’s the perfect chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s make this Father’s Day a heartfelt celebration, honoring the love, strength, and support that our dads provide every day. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is to make sure your dad feels cherished and appreciated. After all, it’s not the gifts or the activities that matter most, but the love and gratitude we share with the man who means the world to us.