Father's Day will be here before we know it and here in the UK, it is the day before "normal" life begins again with all lockdown restrictions being lifted on Monday 21st June. It's an exciting, nerve-wracking time for everyone, but dads just miss out having the best Father's Day of their lives after a year of distancing from family members and loved ones. It's a slight kick in the teeth, but rules are rules. That being said, we wanted to find out what the British population's Father's Day plans are this year, whether they are planning to break the rules, waiting until another day to celebrate the special occasion, or dismissing it as another event stolen by COVID. Plus, we provide Father's Day gifts and safe ways to celebrate with that this year, saving Father's Day for dads across the UK.

How is the UK Celebrating Father's Day 2021? Our Survey Results

We surveyed 2,004 Brits to find out how they plan to celebrate Father's Day after a year of lockdown restrictions. The findings are certainly varied with many people wanting to create special memories with their dads and father figures in 2021.

Spending time together tops the Father's Day wish list

The most important thing this Father's Day is spending time together with 24% of Brits who took part in the survey agreeing with this sentiment. When it came to genders, 29% of women said making memories with their dad is the most important part of Father's Day whilst only 18% of men agreed. In comparison, 16% of women and 13% of men plan to spend more money on Fathers Day gifts this year. It is clear that people want to create memories with their families rather than spend money. It could be said that this year financially has not been the kindest due to lockdowns, redundancies and job losses.

Gen Z leading the way for spending more money and breaking restrictions

That being said, 29% of Gen Z plan to spend more money on Father's Day gifts this year, compared to 9% of 45-54 year-olds; Gen Z are also twice as likely to break lockdown restrictions to see their dad with 16% of 16-24 year olds agreeing to the statement in comparison to 8% of 45-54 year olds. Plenty of Gen Zs are students who have been away from home for a substantial amount of time, perhaps even the first time in their lives. Whilst university experiences are incredible for many, it is certain the pandemic has created a stressful experience for students across the UK. Therefore, it could be said that young people want to splurge their money and are more willing to break restrictions to make up for lost time with family who they have missed. The top activity under current restrictions for Gen Zs is to order a takeaway whilst people aged 25 and over want to meet in a garden. Let's hope it's sunny!

Zoom is over

Zoom has finally had its day with only 1 in 20 people saying they will meet virtually. Who wants to have a phone screen separating them from their loved ones when they can meet up outside (assuming families live close to each other), especially after what seems like forever of staying indoors? Many people want to make up for lost time with their nearest and dearest. The top 5 overall activities are as follows:

  • Have a family meal indoors
  • Meet indoors
  • Meet in a restaurant
  • Go to the pub
  • Visit other family members

2 in 5 have no plans for Father's Day

However, a substantial number of people are undecided how they will spend Father's Day this year. 2 in 5 people haven't made any Father's Day plans for 2021. Like many of the other plans made in the UK, people have had to change things last minute due to a change in the restrictions, leading to disappointment for everyone involved.

How to Celebrate Father's Day Safely

If you want to explore Father's Day ideas to celebrate under restrictions,  there are plenty of ways to do so. The obvious is to meet in gardens or other outside areas which is what plenty of people are already planning on doing. You could turn that garden meeting into an afternoon of BBQ fun. How about heading down to the beach if there's one where you live (don't go breaking the rules to find one!) with a portable BBQ. Grab some tennis rackets or football and get your blood pumping with some sporty fun; great if dad has a competitive streak!

Don't forget you can go to the pub under the current restrictions. You just have to sit outside. Bring a jacket and make sure you check into the venue when you arrive and enjoy a couple of beers come rain or shine. If there's any way to make Father's Day even better, it is to add the element of surprise (even if he claims to hate them). He'll be so shocked that anything you organise will make it the best Father's Day yet no matter what the restrictions are. As long as you stick to the safety guidance, you can make sure dad has a wonderful day that will be remembered for years to come.

Find Me a Gift's Picks for Father's Day Gifts 2021

Plans for Father's Day may have taken a backseat, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate dad's special day with a Father's Day gift he will love. Find Me a Gift provides unforgettable experiences with the ability to make incredible memories (in the near future) as well as sentimental gifts you can personalise with your heartfelt words or an inside joke the two of you share. The gifting fun doesn't stop there as we have funny Father's Day gifts alongside novelty presents for dads, and plenty more gift ideas for him, which will make his day as hilarious as he is (even if you have to launch the gift in his direction in the garden).

Experiences Dad can enjoy

We can see from our survey that people are excited to finally get together with plenty of Brits opting to spend Father's Day face to face in gardens and at places of natural beauty. Now that restrictions are finally lifting, families can make new memories to cherish after a very long time apart. What better way to celebrate dad's day with an experience he can look forward to!

A Fiery Tank Experience

Dads & Lads Tank Experience

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/dads-lads-tank-experience.html

£160

If your dad has a blast around massive machines and wants to feel the magnitude of a tank all around him, this unique Father's Day experience will give him a thrill he'll never forget. Firing paintballs kitted out in specialist uniform with you by his side and a dash of danger. What more could he want?

Only Fools Would Miss This One

Only Fools and Horses Tour for Two

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/only-fools-and-horses-tour-for-two.html

£59

Don't be a plonker and make sure your dad has a lovely jubbly Father's Day with this afternoon at the Only Fools and Horses location in Pec… we mean, Bristol. Dad can get cushti and relax on the coach tour. Included are behind-the-scenes tales, exact filming spots and insider character knowledge.

Fore! Score an Ace with this Gift

2 for 1 Golf Experience - 5 Passes

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/2-for-1-golf-experience-5-passes.html

£15

Potentially save yourself £160 with this hole-in-one dad gift. He can enjoy five rounds of golf with his putting partner at a course of his choice. There are 800+ golf courses to choose from in the UK, including famous favourites like The Belfry and Celtic Manor.

For the Petrolhead Dad

Triple Supercar Drive

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/triple-supercar-drive-experience.html

£99

Get his heart pounding with not one, not two, but three supercar drives in a choice of three powerhouse vehicles. With a choice of supercars like the Aston Martin DB9, V8 Vantage and Ferrari 360 or Lamborghini Gallardo, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 996, your petrolhead dad's eyes will pop out of his head.

Father's Day Experiences He Can Choose Himself

I Love Dad

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/i-love-dad.html

£39

Make it all about dad this Father's Day with a choice of experience days he can pick himself in this unique "I Love Dad" experience pack. From chilli tasting to ghost tours and freediving to a comedy night, there's tonnes of activities to make new memories.

Wall Art personalised by you

For The Proud Family Man

Coat of Arms & Surname History Print

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/coat-of-arms-and-surname-history.html

£24.99

Filled with ancestral history about his family name, this personalised wall art will be displayed pride of place in any father's home. With the surname's origin details, various spellings, early movements and famous contemporaries, he won't need to research his name again.

A Sentimental Poster

10 Things I Love About My Dad Poster

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/10-things-i-love-about-my-dad.html

from £9.99

Reflect on all the things you love about your dad with one of the most colourful heart-warming Father's Day gifts you'll find in our wall art collection. Well, the top ten things you love. From his wicked sense of humour to his tummy tickles, present this gift to new dads and experienced dads alike.

For The Dad Who Has Always Been There

Personalised Dad By My Side Light Box

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/personalised-light-box-dad-by-my-side.html

£39.99

Dads are there through thick and thin, right? Tell him how much you appreciate his presence with this quirky lightbox ideal to brighten any space in his home. With a unique design and a choice of colours, you can make this gift completely your own.

Funny Fathers Day gifts for dad

A Joke Gift

Man Flu Extra Soft Tissues

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/man-flu-extra-soft-tissues.html

£1.99

If your dad has suffered from any type of flu, you know how much he moans. When it's Man Flu, it's a completely different level. This box of tissues might give him some much-needed comfort whilst the Man Flu takes over his body for a few days. He can hope that whoever passes them to him has a sympathetic ear too.

Survival Of The Fittest

New Dad Survival Tool Kit

https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/gifts/new-father-survival-kit.html

£11.99

Fathers Day gifts for new dads don't have to be cute and sentimental. How about a hilarious survival kit for the newbie dad who has no clue what he's doing? Nine useful items make up this kit including an emergency gas mask, emergency nappy and biohazard bags!

In conclusion, it has been a tough year for the entire planet. People across the globe still feel uncertain about making plans in the near future and the UK is no different. Spending time with dad is the number one priority for Brits across the country. Whilst it still might not be in the way that you would hope for, we have shown there are plenty of ways to show dad you care with Father's Day gifts he can treasure, experiences he can look forward to and safe activities to bring dad a little bit of joy this Father's Day. You might think that you just pick a Father's Day gift and go, but actually there are so many reasons why we want the find the perfect gift for dad this Father's Day. Even without a pandemic, we want to show dad just how much we care, reinforce that special relationship, and give him another reason to smile. Our sister site, Activity Superstore, has an entire article surrounding the psychology of gift giving. It explains the inner thoughts of finding gifts, making sure dad has the best Father's Day yet.