What day is Father’s day? Sunday!

It has rolled around quickly and we’re here to help you change it up from the classic box of chocolates that Dad will eat in one sitting, or a voucher that doesn’t best reflect how much you appreciate him. 

We’ve got ten meaningful yet fun ways to help you celebrate Dad’s awesomeness, and even earn yourself the title of ‘favourite child’ along the way. 

Also, here at Billie we respect that a father figure can look different to everyone, dependent on their personal scenario. These ideas are definitely not limited to the strict definition of ‘Dad’ so feel free to treat anyone special in your life this Sunday.

Make him a photo album.

Collect a bunch of special images from your younger years to now, with Dad at the forefront. Print them out and pop them into a little photo album, or even make a collage. Bonus points if you write cute captions for each photo. Dad will adore looking back at all the memories.

Watch his favourite sports game.

If your Dad is a sports nut, sacrifice Netflix or your nightly TikTok scroll and sit down with him to watch a game. Put together a little platter of his most-loved viewing snacks and ask him to explain all the rules, tactics, and backgrounds of the players. He’ll really appreciate the interest you are showing, and will love having someone listen to his amateur analysis.

This weekend’s rugby match between the All Blacks and Argentina is a great opportunity!

Make him a mini ‘dad joke’ collection.

There is not one dad who isn’t notorious for the driest jokes in the book. They’re so bad that you can’t help but let out a good belly-laugh. As a thank you for all the cringe yet crack-up times his jokes have provided, craft a handmade book full of all his best ‘dad jokes’.

Send your long-distance dad some snail mail.

Not all us are lucky enough to hear Dad’s snoring each night, or smell his farts from the next room. If you live apart from Dad, give him a pleasant addition to the usual phone call by sending him a handwritten letter. Mail is a rare thing nowadays and he’ll love the effort you would have put into sitting down to write.

Design his family tree.

Family trees are an important part of family history and something that dads love to study for hours. Gather all your possible resources - your grandparents and other relatives, ancestry.com, or even your existing family tree - and design a modern visual representation of your family tree to frame for Dad. He’ll be very proud that you took up the task of learning about your family tree and will treasure the memento of his lineage.

Get him to teach you a new trick.

Dads have plenty of tricks up their sleeves, many of which we usually pay little attention to. Give your dad the floor this Sunday by asking him to help you upskill, in a department of his choosing. Whether that involves learning how to cast a fishing line, swing a golf club, or pour a perfect coffee, he’ll be over the moon to help produce his own child prodigy.

Do Dad’s jobs for the day.

As a parent, Sundays are usually filled with endless chores. This Sunday, let Dad sit back and relax by assuming his role for the day. Rev up the lawnmower, twist up a tea towel, or dance with the broom, and watch Dad have the most zen weekend in months.

Make him a compliment jar.

Days too easily pass without us letting Dad know how much we love him. Warm Dad’s heart by filling a jar with notes from you, friends, and family that remind him of all the ways he adds value to your lives. He can then start each morning with a different compliment, giving him the ultimate spring in his step.

Host a movie marathon of all his favourite flicks.

Letting Dad settle into nostalgia is a sure-fire way to gift him a memorable Father’s Day. Ask your mum, grandparents, or Dad’s besties for his top three childhood films, and organise for you both to cosy in for an at-home movie marathon. He will be flattered and oh-so content at the fact that you are willing to watch a bunch of retro cinema.

Cook him a meal.

Whether Dad salivates over a Sunday roast or can’t go beyond a biryani, tickle his fancy with a homemade meal. Cooking Dad a dish will be a labour of love that shows just how grateful you are for all he does. If your cheffing skills will be put to the test, or the ingredients seem a wee bit beyond your budget, enlist the help of Mum or your siblings.