Father’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States and the numbers back that up. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the amount people spend on Father’s Day 2026 is projected to reach a record of $27.9 billion, with consumers expected to spend an average of $226.58 per person. That’s up from $199.38 in 2025.

But behind the gift cards and family dinners lies a surprisingly rich history. Father’s Day took more than 60 years to become an official national holiday, and the story of how it got there is worth knowing.

This guide covers everything you need: when Father’s Day falls this year, how the holiday started, and practical ideas for activities, gifts, and breakfast recipes to make the day count.

When Is Father’s Day in 2026?

Father’s Day in the United States is celebrated on the third Sunday in June each year. This year, 2026, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 21.

The date has remained consistent since the holiday’s earliest celebrations in the early 20th century. Many other countries also observe Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June, though some nations, particularly in Europe and Latin America, honor fathers on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, in keeping with Catholic tradition.

Parents and their two daughters playing outside in a field

Which Country First Celebrated Father’s Day?

Father’s Day originated in the United States. The earliest known Father’s Day event took place on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia. A local church held a memorial service to honor the 362 men, most of them fathers, who died in the December 1907 Monongah mining disaster at the Fairmont Coal Company. That event was a one-time commemoration, not the start of an annual tradition.

The push to establish a recurring, nationwide Father’s Day came from Washington State the following year.

How Did Father’s Day Start?

The woman most credited with founding Father’s Day is Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Dodd was one of six children raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran and widower who raised his family on his own after his wife died in childbirth.

In 1909, after hearing a Mother’s Day sermon at her local church, Dodd proposed a similar holiday to honor fathers. She lobbied local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers, and government officials to support the idea. Her efforts paid off and on June 19, 1910, Washington State held the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day celebration.

The holiday grew slowly from there:

1916: President Woodrow Wilson honored Father’s Day by telegraphically unfurling a flag in Spokane from Washington, D.C.
1924: President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe the day.
1966: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first presidential proclamation designating June 19, 1966 as a nationwide Father’s Day.
1972: President Richard Nixon signed Proclamation 4127, making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday.

All in all, it had taken 62 years from Washington State’s first celebration to official recognition at the federal level.

How Can You Honor Your Father on Father’s Day?

Honoring dad doesn’t require an elaborate plan. The most meaningful gestures tend to be personal and specific to what he enjoys. A few straightforward approaches to show appreciation are:

Cook him a meal. A home-cooked breakfast or brunch is one of the most personal gifts you can give. Egg frittata muffins, loaded omelets, or a classic breakfast scramble eggs are crowd-pleasers that require minimal prep time.
Write something down. A handwritten card or letter communicates appreciation in a way that no store-bought gift can replicate.
Plan something around his interests. A round of golf, a fishing trip, a hike, or a movie marathon. Tailor the day to what he enjoys rather than defaulting to generic gifts.
A dedicated post on Facebook. Most dads nowadays enjoy scrolling through social media. A simple shoutout or a carousel of throwback photos and videos will definitely put a smile on their face on Father’s Day.
Spend uninterrupted time together. For many dads, the most valued gift is focused, phone-free time with family.

the best things to do on father’s day

The best Father’s Day activities depend on what your old man loves to do, but here are some ideas that will put a smile on their faces and a chance to spend time with the whole family.

Outdoor Activities

Fishing or a morning hike
A round of golf or a bike ride
A backyard barbecue with the family

Food-Focused Experiences

A special Father’s Day brunch at home (different types of egg dishes pair particularly well—see below)
A reservation at his favorite restaurant
A trip to a vineyard for a wine tasting

Low-Key Options

A movie marathon of his choosing
A board game afternoon with the family
A relaxing day at home with no obligations

father’s day gift ideas for 2026

According to the National Retail Federation, the most popular Father’s Day purchases include greeting cards, clothing, special outings, gift cards, and personal care products. Here are practical options across different price points:

Grilling gear: A high-quality grill and a set of grilling tools, a cast iron skillet, or a new barbecue accessory is a reliable choice for dads who cook outdoors.
Tech gadgets: The latest iPhone, a smartwatch, or a portable speaker are practical gifts with broad appeal.
Experience gifts: Tickets to the world cup, concert tickets, a cooking class, a golf lesson, or a weekend trip create lasting memories and great stories to tell in the years to come.
Personalized items: A classic customized gift is the “Best Dad Ever” mug especially when they enjoy a cup of coffee every morning. On the other hand, custom photo books, engraved items, or a framed family portrait carry sentimental value that off-the-shelf gifts rarely match.

A list of gift ideas for Father's day. A grilling gear, latest iPhone, tickets to a football game, and a customized Best Dad Ever mug

Gourmet food and drink: A curated selection of his favorite foods, a craft coffee subscription, or a set of specialty hot sauces makes for a thoughtful and enjoyable gift.

Eggs benedict, scrambled eggs with bacon, steak and eggs with tomatoes on the side.

start father’s day with a healthy breakfast

A few breakfast ideas worth considering are simple egg meals. These require minimal time to prepare and is packed with protein and other amino acids. There are about 6 to 7 grams of protein in one large egg which is a great way to start Father’s Day!

Eggs Benedict: A classic for a reason. Pair with smoked salmon or ham for an elevated brunch option.
Loaded breakfast scramble: Combine eggs with sautéed peppers, onions, cheese, and your choice of protein.
French-style omelets: Light, creamy, and easy to customize with whatever fillings dad prefers.
Shakshuka: Eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce. Simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

Check out our other simple and healthy egg recipes you can try at home.

Why Eggs Unlimited?

Father’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, diners, hotels, and food service providers. Brunch menus run at full capacity, and demand for high-quality eggs spikes accordingly. Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading global egg distributors, supplying conventional, organic, cage-free, pasture-raised, and specialty egg products to food businesses of all sizes.

Whether you’re a food service operator planning a holiday menu or a commercial buyer managing seasonal demand, Eggs Unlimited provides the supply chain depth and product variety to keep your operation running without interruption.