Don't Forget Fathers Day

Where did Fathers Day start?

It all started with a lady called Sonora Smart Dodd. Sonora was at Church on Mothers Day listening to a sermon about how wonderful Mother's are which of course is absolutely true but it inspired Sonora to think about her own father. He had raised Sonora and her five siblings after her own mother died during childbirth becoming both Mother and Father. She started a petition to make the third Sunday in June to be the day we all think about and thank our Fathers, June being the birth month of her own Father.

She also suggested that we all wear a rose on that day therefore making the rose the Fathers day flower. The petition worked and on 19th June 1910 in Spokane in Washington, the first Fathers Day took place. Of course the Mothers were ahead of the Fathers, but not by much, with the first Mothers Day taking place in 1907.

When is fathers day?

Fathers day is on June 21st 2009. After Valentines Day, Easter and Mothers Day, the poor Dads can almost be forgotten about in June when peoples thoughts turn to barmy summer nights and holidays. Therefore, make a note in your diary, or your Outlook Calendar and synchronize it with your Blackberry. So when you think June and then events such as Royal Ascot and Wimbledon make sure you automatically think 'Father's Day'.

Fathers day gift ideas.

We know it is difficult, not only do you have to remember the date, you then have to think what you can do to celebrate such an important day. I am sure your Dad did appreciated those socks at Christmas but are they sitting at the back of the drawer unused because he doesn't need them yet or has he completely forgotten that he received these for Christmas, as it was more or less the same type of presents he always receives. Of course, sparing time out of your busy life will always be appreciated, but if you cannot make it in person or you can spare time to visit but would also like to purchase a gift then maybe look for something new and which you haven't bought before!

It will mean a lot to him that you have put a little thought into it to saying a big 'Thank you' for the ice-cream he bought you, the pyrotechnics expert he became so you could have fireworks in the back garden without setting fire to the house, that he was and maybe still is your own personal cash machine and taxi service and generally that he could fix anything that needed fixing.

My top 10 of things to do or buy to show Dad how special he is are:

1. Buy a good quality photo album or digital photo frame and add family holiday snaps most of which are probably still sitting in her camera.

2. Make Dad Breakfast in Bed, food and relaxation are usually top of his priority list and here you are combining both.

3. Bring the chef out in him with a cookery course. It's is about time that he got to perfect his skills - hopefully part of the course will include not to use every saucepan in the house and a quick guide to the washing up afterwards!

4. Let him watch sport on TV without interrupting - remember it is not helpful to point out that it is only 'just a game'.

5. Plan an afternoon out, a walk in a park or along the coast with a stop for a cup of tea or coffee is a good day out for everyone that doesn't have to cost a fortune. If it is a mild day - pack a picnic.

6. If you have young children, get them to paint or draw a picture of them and you with your mum - a family portrait. Frame it, or paint it straight onto a canvas so that it's really special.They will love it.

7. Book an adventure day. All Men (Dads included) like to think they are Lewis Hamilton so allow them to live this dream with a few laps at your local race track in a sports car.

8. Look for a gift that he won't usually bother buying for himself but will be glad that his children have thought if it - a stylish pair of cufflinks for example.

9. Male Grooming is again something he might not admit to be interested in but if his children buy him a luxury shaving kit he will always be grateful.

10. If he's a sports fan a ticket to a big sporting event such as The Ashes or to the British Grand Prix this summer is an excellent gift for him and the family.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's.