Father's Day: how to celebrate and what to give

      It is celebrated on the third Sunday in October — in 2025 that falls on October 19.

      How Father's Day originated

      The idea of honoring fathers originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first such initiative belonged to Sonora Smart Dodd, the daughter of a Civil War veteran who was raised by her father alone. Inspired by Mother's Day, she proposed establishing Father's Day to express gratitude to men who care for their children.

      The holiday quickly took hold, and in 1972 U.S. President Richard Nixon officially recognized it at the federal level. Later the tradition spread around the world.

      In Russia, Father's Day was established in 2021 by presidential decree. Since then it has become another warm occasion to remember how important a father's role is in the family.

      Traditions and meaning of the holiday

      The main purpose of Father's Day is to remind people of the importance of a father's love, support, and involvement in raising children. On this day it is customary to thank fathers, grandfathers, and mentors, spend time together, and give small gifts and words of appreciation.

      Many cities hold campaigns, festivals, and sporting events — "Dad, Mom, Me — a sporting family" — as well as concerts and photo projects dedicated to family stories.

      What to give Dad

      The main thing on this day is attention, but a gift can also be a nice gesture. Here are a few ideas:

      Practical items — a good tool, a thermos mug, gardening gloves, a car kit.

      Novelty gifts — a T-shirt or mug that says "World's Best Dad."

      Experiences instead of things — tickets to a hockey game or the theater, going to a café together, a family dinner.

      Handmade gifts — especially touching when made by children: cards, drawings, crafts.

      Fathers rarely wait for holidays to feel loved. But it is exactly days like these that remind us that they also need words of thanks and appreciation. Sometimes a simple phone call or a hug is enough to make the day special.