Playful, extravagant, sporty or relaxed. There are many types of dads in the world. If you’re still unsure what to do on Father’s Day, read our tips and find out what kind of dad you have—or what kind of father you are.
Hippie Dad
Peace and love! The Hippie Dad loves nature and freedom. Pack a picnic basket and head out into the green! Spend a beautiful day with him in harmony with nature—on a meadow, by a river, or at a lake. In a state of total relaxation between fields and meadows, he’ll find the path to enlightenment.
Rambo Dad
Rambo Dad absolutely needs action! Let him tame the river with a rafting boat, cross the jungle in a climbing park, or hunt enemies in a paintball arena. He’ll feel like a hero!
Don Quixote Dad
He’s an idealist. Don Quixote Dad would love to wear armor, fight injustice, and save the world. His perfect place is in a castle or at an archery course to awaken his knightly dreams.
Dracula Dad
The sun? Nooo, harmful to the skin and way too bright! Darkness is his world. Discover the realm of shadows with him on a guided night hike in a national park. Watch out! Especially on summer nights, it’s not uncommon to see the glowing wand of a fairy or hear a gnome running by, alongside bats and night owls…
Bear Dad
Slow and cozy, Bear Dad likes watching sports—not doing them. A walk? Only to the sofa. He’s a great cook—yes, ready meals are his specialty. Figuring out where to go with him on Father’s Day might be a challenge. What now? Surprise him with a delicious breakfast in bed or a lovingly prepared meal. You’ll make him very happy!
Philosopher Dad
It seems like he lives in a parallel world. He stares into space and thinks… and thinks… suddenly he speaks up with a wise quote like “We cannot change the wind, but we can set the sails correctly,” and off he goes again with his thoughts. With his head in the clouds, he can’t see the world. Bring him back down and take him somewhere with a view: a scenic lookout, a panoramic road, or a café with a wide vista. There’s a risk he’ll dream even more afterward, but he’ll be grateful to you for it.
Now you’ve gathered a few ideas. All that’s left is to wish you a wonderful day with your super dad!
When is Father’s Day, actually?
In Austria, Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 14. But Father’s Day isn’t celebrated on the same day everywhere in the world. In some Mediterranean countries like Italy, Croatia, and Spain, it’s on March 19. In Germany, it always falls on Ascension Day. In Scandinavia, the second Sunday in November is often preferred.
However, June remains the most popular month for Father’s Day. This applies to countries like France, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Turkey, China, India, and Japan.
And how is Father’s Day celebrated?
There are differences here too. In Germany, Father’s Day is more like a men’s day—a good opportunity for men to meet up and relieve the stress of being (or not being) a father with a beer. In Italy, France, and the Netherlands, fathers receive small gifts, often handmade by their children, and spend the day with family. It’s similar in Taiwan: on “Baba Jie,” fathers are treated to meals and gifts. In the USA, where Father’s Day originated, all male family members are celebrated with big family gatherings or outings. Even in the distant Kingdom of Tonga in Polynesia, Father’s Day is celebrated within the family. The word for father in Tongan is “tamai.” Interestingly, this word is also used for all male relatives of the father. According to tradition, these relatives must take on the father role if the biological father cannot or does not want to raise the child. So it’s unlikely to find a Tongan child without a “tamai,” and rightly so, they are honored with celebrations and gifts.
Now we say THANK YOU to all dads and “Tamai” and wish them a wonderful holiday!