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Father’s Day Etiquette: How to Make it Special for Dad

13 Jun 2025 By: Diane Gottsman

Father’s Day breakfast spread with pancakes and peppers, omelet bites, and more

A day to celebrate the dads we know and love is nearly here! As you finalize plans and find the tissue paper and perfect card, we’re sharing a handful of helpful reminders and a few new gift ideas just for him.

Avoid Texting It In

While a text is perfectly acceptable most days, if you are away from home for Father’s Day, upgrade your text to a phone call to say Happy Father’s Day. If you live in the same house, texting from one room to another (yes, we all do it!) isn’t the way to wake up dear ole dad.

Give Him the Remote and the Comfy Chair

Dad usually has Sunday chores, like changing the bird feeder, mowing the grass, or grilling the brisket. Let him sleep in, and watch his favorite movies or sports teams all day without any feelings of guilt. Make him “King for the day” and give him full relaxation privileges with zero judgment if he naps the day away.

Skip the DIY Coupons

Unless you have children under the age of 7, a free hug or car wash doesn’t really hold much value because hugs are going to happen anyway and he already has a membership to the local carwash. We all know it!

Get Him the Sports Channel

As much as Dad loves to watch sports, why does he refuse to pay for the channel upgrade? Quit asking him if he wants it, just upgrade without remorse. He will be a much happier human when he doesn’t have to struggle to find the score online.

Start a New Tradition

Holidays are the perfect time to begin something new that will be memorable for years to come. Here are a few fun Father’s Day ideas:

  • The Annual Dad Joke Off: Compete to see who can deliver the cringiest dad joke. The winner gets a trophy that says “Pun Champion.
  • DIY Dad Olympics: Lawn mowing race? Leaf-blower accuracy test? Anything with a cold drink and duct tape works.
  • The “Tell Me a Story” Hour: Ask your dad about the worst car he ever owned, his most embarrassing high school moment, or what he did before Google.

Buy Him a Gift

Even if he’s the guy who barks, “Father’s Day is a made-up holiday,” set the example by getting him a small token of your affection.

The Beach (or Boating) Dad

Ruby Mint and Diane Gottsman | Luxury Beach Towel in black and white, with yellow foam football in the shot

If you are looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift that isn’t the typical grill set, check out my latest beach towel obsession, Ruby Mint. It’s now on my go-to list for birthdays, housewarming gifts, a host gift, and even Father’s Day. Use my link and the coupon code DIANEGOTTSMAN and you will get 20% off. As an ambassador, I earn a 15% commission when you make a purchase through my code. Thank you for supporting my blog and the brands I believe in.

The Handy Dad

  • Magnetic wristband for holding screws and nails
  • Personalized tool set (“If lost, return to Dad’s Garage”)
  • Subscription to a DIY or woodworking magazine

The Chef Dad (Especially BBQ Enthusiasts)

Nutribullet in box on kitchen counter for Father’s Day

  • Custom cutting board or apron
  • High-quality spice rub set or steak branding iron
  • A brand-new kitchen gadget to play with (we love the Nutribullet)

The Techie Dad

  • Retro gaming console or Raspberry Pi kit
  • Customized “Dad jokes” book (yes, they exist!)
  • Star Wars or Star Trek-themed gifts — “Yoda Best Dad” mug, anyone?

The Laid-back Dad

  • Personalized leather recliner caddy (remote + drink holster = dad throne)
  • Noise-canceling headphones so he can “tune out your reality TV”

The Gearhead Dad

  • Car care kits (ceramic wax, microfiber everything)
  • Driving experience gift (track day, exotic car rental)
  • A t-shirt that says “I’m not speeding—I’m qualifying.”

What Dad wants most of all is your time and admiration, on Father’s Day and beyond. I hope the ideas I shared help you pull something extra thoughtful together. Happy Father’s Day to the doting and devoted dads!

You may also like Father’s Day Etiquette: Five Gift Ideas From the Heart

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.