This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
As Father’s Day approaches, I followed my curiosity to see what other countries do to honor their dads.
The result is this post, Father’s Day Traditions Around the World.
Have fun reading about other customs and perhaps choosing a few to add to Dad’s special day on June 20.
Thailand
Father’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on December 5, the birthday of King Bhumidol Adulyadej. He is considered the Father of the Nation. Traditionally, children wear yellow as they present canna flowers to their fathers.
United States
The third Sunday in June is Father’s Day in the US. It celebrates the contributions fathers and father figures make to their children’s lives.
Common customs in the US include gifts, either handmade or purchased, cards, outings or dinner with the family. The first Father’s Day, inspired by the work of Sonora Smart Dodd, occurred in June, 1910. However, President Johnson made the proclamation declaring Father’s Day the third Sunday in June. And President Nixon made the holiday official in 1972.
Father’s Day Traditions Around the World – US
Russia
Russia’s Father’s Day began as a military commemoration known as Defender of the Fatherland Day. Soldiers received honor as they marched in parades throughout the country.
Now all men are celebrated on this day, which is February 23. Women give gifts to the important men in their lives.
Germany
Vaterag, or Father’s Day, is celebrated in Germany in connection with Mannerag…Man’s Day. On this fun day, men gather and spend the day together hiking, biking and drinking. It’s common to fill a wagon with beer and head out while the wives stay home with the children.
This event takes place on the sixth Sunday after Easter.
Father’s Day Traditions Around the World – Germany
Nepal
In late summer the Nepalese celebration of Gokarna Aunsi honors fathers. Children give gifts to their dads. And a ceremony is performed. Sons bow, touching their heads to their father’s feet. Daughters touch their heads to their father’s hands.
Finland
The second Sunday in November is Father’s Day in Finland. Fathers sleep in and enjoy a favorite breakfast in bed, prepared by their children. Finnish schools offer cakes and coffee to all dads on the Friday before Father’s Day.
Father’s Day Traditions Around the World – Finland
Mexico
Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday in June. Fathers participate in a 21 kilometer race. Families also gather for feasts that honor dads, with sweet bread as dessert.
Japan
Japan also celebrates dads on the third Sunday in June. Japanese children gift their fathers with flowers, handmade beer glasses and sweets. The celebratory meal is usually seafood such as crab or prawns.
Father’s Day Traditions Around the World – Japan
Brazil
Brazilians celebrate dads on the second Sunday in August, in honor of St. Joachim, the father of Mary and the patron saint of fathers and grandfathers. Children give gifts to their fathers. And the family gathers for food, fun and relaxation.
France
La Fete des Peres is held on the third Sunday in June. The holiday supposedly originated in the mid-20th century when an ad campaign suggested lighters as the perfect gift for dads.
Father’s Day Traditions Around the World – France
What Are Your Father’s Day Traditions?
Sadly, my father passed away 11 years ago. I still spend the day thinking about him and remembering the fun Father’s Day cookouts we used to have.
I’ll take my stepdad out to dinner and present gifts to my son and son-in-law, who is celebrating as a first time daddy this year.
I find Germany’s custom of allowing the dads to have a fun day to themselves fascinating! That’s an amazing gift. I checked to see what German mothers receive on Mother’s Day. Children often gift Mom a trip. I’m liking these German traditions!
If you still need gift idea for the fathers in your life, check out this post. It’s not too late to surprise Dad with one of these unique presents.
How do you celebrate Father’s Day with your dad?
Additional Gift Ideas for Dad from Amazon
Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
Next month brings the shocking realization that we are almost half way through this year. It also presents the opportunity, on June 20, to show appreciation and love to the dads in our lives.
Sadly, my own father passed away 11 years ago, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. I still send out waves of love and gratitude for him on Father’s Day. And I appreciate the other dads in my family: Greg, my stepdad, my brother, my son and son-in-law and my nephews. They each bring their own uniquely wonderful gifts to the family and to the world.
Inspired by them, I offer this selection of unique gifts for dad. Although there’s nothing wrong with gifting dad a tie or a sturdy pair of socks, these suggestions go a bit beyond the ordinary. Because…every dad is different. For the sports guy, the hard working man and the fun loving prankster, the new daddy, the experienced dad and the papa…there is a gift for each one here.
Unique Gifts for Dad
I’m an affiliate with these companies or the items are available through Amazon. I can suggest their products with confidence because I’m familiar with them, use them and appreciate each company tremendously.
CBD Living
Established in 2013, CBD Living is headquartered in Corona, California. The company uses only 100% organic hemp sourced from state-licensed farms in Oregon and Colorado
The secret to their superior products lies in the use of nanotechnology that reduces CBD into nano-sized droplets, without the use of emulsifiers. This technique allows the CBD to immediately penetrate the body’s cells, giving increased bioavailability at the cellular level with no waiting.
The company offers a HUGE range of products, from CBD infused water to gummies to energy drinks to pet products. CBD Living is perfect for the dad who appreciates the health benefits of CBD and who makes his health a priority.
For dad, pick up CBD Freeze, to use after a gym workout or a day working out…in the yard. It relieves painful muscles and calms inflammation.
Use my LINK to browse CBD Living’s 100+ products.
Unique gifts for Dad – CBD Freeze
Toad&Co
Toad&Co is a sustainable clothing company that’s woven their intentions into the very fabric of their company: to support communities, take care of the planet, and empower people to live their fullest lives. These intentions shaped Toad&Co for the better, helping them to live well and do good every day.
The company believes that minimizing their environmental impact and helping clean up the apparel industry is an integral part of their business ethos. Therefore, they use 100% sustainable, ecological materials, 100% of the time.
Toad&Co clothing or gift cards are for the father who is ecologically minded and yet fashion conscious. Click HERE to check out styles that are suitable for a fun night with the family or for traveling around the globe.
Unique gifts for Dad – My grandson Dayan, who is not a dad yet, models the super comfy Toad&Co Henley shirt.
Four Sigmatic
The founders of Four Sigmatic grew up in Finland, foraging in their backyards and enjoying the benefits of all kinds of mushrooms. They recognized that perhaps the rest of the world didn’t use mushrooms as much as they did and wanted to change that.
Four Sigmatic includes familiar superfoods in their products such as green tea, cacao, hemp and coconut. And they include some less familiar, like Reishi, Cordyceps and Ashwagandha mushrooms.
This company’s products are for the dad who loves his cup of coffee AND appreciates the additional health boost from high quality, nutrient dense foods. For the dad who works out, they also have a marvelous plant based protein powder with superfoods.
Check out all the products Four Sigmatic offers HERE. And use my special code, CINDYLAUDERDALEMOORE, to save 10% off of your order.
Unique gifts for Dad – Four Sigmatic coffees
Smartr Skin
Smartr Skin is a physician created line of skin care products. The company embraces a whole-person view of health. They believe that feeling healthy and confident is a result of caring for the whole self…body, mind and spirit.
They also believe that smarter, higher quality ingredients lead to better results. Therefore, they’ve created custom formulations from clean ingredients that nourish the skin, from the inside out.
While dads can and should care for their skin too, Smartr Skin offers wonderfully unique gifts just for them…beard balm and beard oil. Both are formulated with the highest quality vegan ingredients and come in unscented or a variety of scents. Plus Smartr Skin products are cruelty free and never tested on animals.
Click this LINK and use my discount code CINDYM20OFF to save 20% off your order!
Unique gifts for Dad – Smartr Skin beard balm
Nina’s Olivar Almeria Gold Olive Oil
For the father or papa who loves to cook and grill or who appreciates fine international products, you can’t go wrong with Nina’s Olivar Almeria Gold Olive Oil.
This exceptional cold pressed extra virgin olive oil comes from Nina’s olive grove in Spain. She uses permaculture farming to produce the highest quality oil in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. And she does not use insecticides, pesticides or herbicides on her olive grove.
Nina’s Spanish olive oil is the recipient of the New York International Olive Oil Competition Gold Award for 2020. Surprise Dad with this deliciously unique gift, using this LINK.
Unique gifts for Dad – Nina’s Olivar Almeria Gold Olive Oil
Battpak from OCTAVE
This clever and practical item comes from OCTAVE and it is perfect for the Dad who enjoys traveling, attending concerts or taking the kids on adventures.
The Battpak is a portable battery pack, for charging cell phones or tablets on the go, PLUS it has a secret compartment for stashing money, credit cards, keys and other loose items. The sleek stainless steel magnetic tray within allows you to magnetize loose articles, like keys, so they will not rattle around inside.
The Battpak easily slips inside a pocket, backpack or messenger bag for convenience and security.
I can’t wait to take this product with me on my next trip. Order through this LINK and use my discount code CINDY15 for 15% off of your order.
Unique gifts for Dad – Battpak 2 in 1 ChargerSecret compartment inside the Battpak
Incrediwear
Incrediwear products work by increasing blood flow to reduce inflammation and swelling. They also relieve pain and accelerate recovery. Rather than using compression, Incrediwear items incorporate semiconductor elements within the fabric that release negative ions when stimulated by body heat.
Those negative ions activate cellular vibrations that speed up blood flow. The increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the target area, which supports the body’s natural healing process.
The company sells sleeves and braces, socks and apparel. The clothing effectively reduces the risk of overuse injuries and relieves muscle fatigue. Incrediwear’s socks relieve foot pain and fatigue while wicking away moisture. The sleeves and braces reduce inflammation and swelling and relieve pain while restoring mobility and accelerating recovery.
Pamper the dad who puts in long hours on the job or spends a lot of time walking or standing. Or provide relief for the athletic dad who is recovering from a sports injury. Use this LINK to order.
Unique gifts for Dad – Incrediwear
Kit and Wilder
For the new daddy or dad with toddlers, check out these sweet offerings from Kit and Wilder.
The founder, Christine, created this online shop with these values in mind: safe, eco-friendly, sustainable, trendy and aesthetically pleasing clothes for babies and kids. Her mission is to carry eco-friendly and sustainable items from like minded brands to help fight for our children’s and grandchildren’s future planet.
Kit and Wilder offers a wide variety of items from wearables to books and toys to nursery items to products to help the teething baby. Delight the new daddy with books he can read to his baby, silicone bowl sets that adhere to the high chair tray or sturdy snack bags to carry treats for his active toddler.
And the adventure loving dad will appreciate a backpack of his own that holds all he needs for a hike in nature with his wildlings.
Use this LINK to order and my code Cindy15 to save 15% off.
Unique gifts for Dad – Kit and Wilder
KeySmart
For the father who appreciates techy items…or who frequently loses his keys…go with KeySmart!
KeySmart’s goal to save the world from bulky, annoying key rings full of jangling keys resulted in a trim, lightweight design that’s easy to carry. The company offers a variety of designs that keep keys organized and tucked within the frame.
The KeySmart Pro is the ultimate key organizer that features a Tile Smart locator that offers convenience and peace of mind. A lost set of keys is never a problem.
The company offers accessories, urban wallets and the totally awesome Urban 21 Commuter Backpack. Get the KeySmart Pro HERE. Then type in “KeySmart” in the search bar to see all their other items offered on Amazon.
Unique Gifts for Dad – KeySmart
Kodak Instant Camera and Portable Printer
As we know, it’s mostly the moms who are busy behind the cameras, snapping family photos. Why not get Dad his own fun camera and turn him loose to be creative?
Kodak offers products that deliver high quality photos that are fingerprint-proof, waterproof and last a lifetime. These cameras + portable printers are perfect for any family gatherings…such as Father’s Day…and make unique gifts that Dad can use for many years.
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro allows Dad or Papa to shoot and print high quality photos directly from the camera. Or Dad can connect his Kodak Mini 3 Square Retro to any mobile device and print out his favorite pics wherever he is.
Let the fun begin as Dad captures memories.
Unique gifts for Dad – Kodak Instant Cameras and Printers
Happy Father’s Day
What unique gifts did you pick out for the dads in your life?
Honor those men and show them how much you love them and appreciate them for all that they do. I’d give a lot to be able to hug my father this year and present him with one of these gifts…or all of them!
In my dad’s memory, I’ll be honoring and celebrating the rest of the fathers in my family.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, on all of their journeys. Many blessings on you and your families.
My son and his familyMy son-in-law and his baby daughter
Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Four Sigmatic, Smartr Skin, Toad&Co, CBD Living, Amazon and Kit and Wilder. These programs provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to the companies, all at no extra cost to you.
My dad passed away seven years ago, on March 30, 2010. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. Father’s Day stirs memories of pool parties and cook outs, my dad grilling, waving a spatula around as he chatted animatedly.
I also remember the long summer evenings of my teen years, when my dad and several of his friends would roar off into the night on their motorcycles, usually with me and one of my sisters perched on the back of a couple of the bikes. That was freedom to me, riding along in the gathering dusk, the cool wind tangling my long hair. The songs of the summer insects and the distintive rumble of the motorcycle as it sped down the road invited my soul to soar.
In fact, I strongly connect motorcycles with my father. He always had one…or two or three…as far back as I can remember. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of sitting as a toddler in front of my young dad on a Harley Davidson as he slowly cruised up and down the street, giving me a ride. Toward the end of his life, Dad favored a yellow Harley Davidson Fat Boy and finally, when he grew more frail, he rode a black Harley trike.
That motorcycle connection carries sweet significance today.
After my father passed away, my gracious stepmom invited my sisters and me to pick out shirts of my dad’s to keep. I don’t recall what Linda and Debbie chose, but I took home a shirt that my dad wore shortly before he passed…a Harley Davidson sleeveless tee.
My dad fought a valiant two year battle with pancreatic cancer. When he drew his final breath he was a shadow of his former self, so the shirt I selected was small in size. I tucked it away in a drawer and never expected to wear it, as I knew it would not fit me. But it was Dad’s. The essence of who he was clung to that shirt like a fragrance. I was grateful to have it.
Imagine my delight recently, nine months after adopting a plant based lifestyle, to try on the Harley Davidson shirt and discover that it now fit perfectly. It forged a stronger connection with my dad, to be able to wear his shirt. I knew then that when Father’s Day arrived this year, I would wear the sleeveless t shirt in honor of my motorcycle dad.
And I have worn the shirt today, with a sense of joy and remembrance. With my jeans, black boots and the black t shirt, I look like a biker babe, or at least, a wanna be biker babe. I think I needed a doo rag to pull off the look! I have felt my dad near in spirit, exuding joy himself. Surrounding me throughout the day has been a deep abiding love, as real as the fabric of this shirt we have shared, a father’s compassion for his child…a daughter’s adoration of her father.
As I drove to my mom and stepdad’s house this afternoon, to join my sister in treating Walter to a father’s day lunch, I scanned the road around me. Since his death, my dad has sent a yellow motorcycle across my path each Father’s Day, as a way to let me know he is near, that death is not the end, that his soul is eternal.
The street I normally use to get to my mom’s is closed for repairs. I was forced to drive another way. The pavement was wet, and the air cool, after hours of thunderstorms. Would anyone be out on a motorcycle today? As I drove I began to ask, “Where are you Dad? Where is the yellow motorcycle? Where are you?”
I was almost to the turn off to Mom’s. I kept watching…asking…hoping. Suddenly, over the hill ahead popped a motorcycle, the only one I would see today, roaring toward me and then flying by.
It was a yellow motorcycle. My iPhone lay forgotten on my lap. I didn’t get a pic. But I laughed and thanked my dad for his timely love note. And I recalled that one of my last memories of my dad involved a motorcycle as well. On his birthday in October of 2010, six and a half months after his death, my father’s ashes were released from the back of a motorcycle as it cruised over the hills of Eureka Springs, AR. Freedom was won for my dad as his soul soared.
Happy Father’s Day Dad. I am wearing your shirt. I am thinking about you, remembering so many things. I am grateful to be your daughter. I love you!
On this Father’s Day, my sister Linda and I had the opportunity to take our stepdad Walter and our Mom out to lunch, in honor of the day. We enjoyed the buffet at Golden Corral and fun conversation. I also thought about my dad, who passed away six years ago, and the other amazing men who have contributed to my life by fathering me.
I’m at that point in my life where all of my father figures, except for Walter, have transitioned into the next life. My stepfather stepped into a large family when he married my mom and he has been a quiet strength in my life. I’ve watched him as he has traveled around the world with my mom, feeding my interest in traveling. And I’ve observed how he takes very good care of himself, going to the Y frequently to work out, and staying active in church and volunteer work. Walter is in his 80s and he’s the most fit man that I know in that age bracket. He inspires me to take care of myself so that I can enjoy life to the utmost.
I lost both of my grandfathers long ago. I never actually got to meet my maternal grandpa, as he died in a truck accident when my mother was very young. However, I have felt a connection to Papaw Bill since I was a toddler. I believe he watches over me, as my protector in spirit. I’ve learned from him that love and family endures, even beyond death.
My paternal grandfather died when I was five years old. I have a few treasured memories of sitting in his lap, watching his face as he talked. I loved hanging out with him in his garage. He tinkered on cars and I played with scraps of wood, engaging my imagination as I clumsily fastened them together. Poopaw taught me to give my creativity free reign.
My maternal grandmother remarried and Pop was the grandfather that I grew up with. He was quiet but fun, a man who worked hard, listened to country and western music and loved his garden. I learned about tending to plants from Pop, and acquired my gift for puttering from him.
My stepfather Max was an important part of my life, from my 16th year until he passed away 11 years ago. It takes courage and patience to be a stepparent, and Max exhibited both, after a brief time of adjustment for all of us. I watched as my stepdad created businesses and sold them. I have never personally known anyone who so fearlessly, and successfully, bought, improved and sold a variety of ventures. He was a wonderful Papa to my children. From Max I learned to go after what I wanted and entrepreneurial skills.
Bob Moore became a part of my life shortly after Max did. As my father-in-law, he welcomed me into his family, the daughter he never had. He was always kind and generous to me, good natured and funny. He loved his grandchildren and spent time with them. From Dad Moore I learned to clean the fish I caught and fry them up, to trust while he deftly flew an airplane through all kinds of weather, and to make awesome peanut brittle. I never saw this man get angry. He taught me to go with the flow and to not sweat the small stuff.
Curt was my dad. He left us six years ago…way too soon…after a valiant battle with cancer. My father was a fun and charming man. He worked hard his whole adult life and earned success and respect as a result. Although my parents divorced when I was nine, they maintained a good relationship for the sake of their daughters. My dad remained an active part of my life, teaching me many things, primarily by example. He was compassionate to animals. He loved to ride his motorcycle. He helped others.
When my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, fear clenched my heart. I knew how my dad’s story was going to end. During the last two years of his life, I learned the most from my dad, as I watched him live life to the fullest, until there was none left to live. He remained optimistic and upbeat, loving and funny. He did the things he wanted to do. Before he died, I had the pleasure of telling my dad how much I appreciated him, and that I knew he had always done the best parenting that he could, where he was in his journey, with what he knew. My only regret with my dad is that I didn’t call him every single night, just to chat. I miss hearing his voice and his laugh.
I am grateful for each of these men. All gave me gifts from their hearts and lives and I cherish them and the lessons they taught.
Clarence B. Kelland said, “My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived, and let me watch him do it.”
That sums up all the fathers and grandfathers I’ve had in my life. They’ve lived as examples before me, for varying amounts of time. Papaw Bill’s life was shared by way of the stories his family told me about him. They all lived their lives well, and because of them, I do as well. Happy Father’s Day Dad, Max, Walter, Dad Moore, Papaw, Poopaw and Pop. I love you. And I thank you.
