Father’s Day 2019 is just around the corner. But despite the fact that it’s the fifth most popular card-buying occasion in the calendar, we still don’t give dads as many dues as mums. Father’s Day is far less of a deal than Mother’s Day. Which, taking absolutely nothing away from mums – they deserve every bit of appreciation they get – seems a little bit sad. So, we’ve put together a few ideas on how you can make this Father’s Day (Sunday, 16 June) the sweetest one yet.

Sweet Ideas to make Dad Feel Special

Whether you’re a grown-up planning a Father’s Day treat for your dad, or a mum with tots looking to make your other half feel appreciated, you don’t need to spend a fortune to make Dad’s day. Gifts can be great, but sometimes it’s the thought and effort that counts. So, why not get into the kitchen and create something spectacular?

A Father’s Day Picnic

June is the perfect time for a day outdoors. Whether your dad is sporty, outdoorsy, or into the finer things in life, a picnic can be a great way to spend a special day. If you have small children, get them to help with the prep. They can design plates and napkins or help you choose the food, and few kids can resist the call of baking. Keep it simple. Don’t forget to add a few sweet treats – maybe some Squashies Fruit Kebabs, if you want to keep it slightly healthy. And plan something to do after the eating: a country stroll; rock pooling; footy; something simple to make dad’s day.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea was created for ladies in the 1840s and has been dominated by ladies ever since. But lead a man to a table of cakes and sandwiches and just to try to stop him from eating! Afternoon tea doesn’t have to be floral and feminine. It just has to be indulgent. And Victoria sponge or caviar, everyone has their own idea of indulgence. Just remember to cut the crusts off your sandwiches and you’re away! Stuck for menu ideas? Check out what some of the UK’s top venues offer for gentlemen’s tea. And don’t forget your Squashies & Chocolate Finger Cake centrepiece!

A Goodie Basket or Sweet Hamper

Not everyone is free to spend Father’s Day with their dad. If that’s you, then a sweet present can make a wonderful substitute. Show how much you care, by bringing all his favourite goodies into one place. Snacks, crackers, chocolates, crisps and some homemade biscuits – Rainbow Drops and Oat Cookies, perhaps – all presented in a beautiful basket, decorated by you and your kids. If you’re looking for a shortcut and Dad’s a fan of Swizzels, you could always opt for one of our lovely sweet hampers.  

Homemade Cake

Sometimes simple is best. And you going to the effort of baking a cake just for him, might just be enough to make Dad smile. A straight Victoria sponge or vanilla cheesecake can create a wondrous base on which to build a spectacular cakey masterpiece. If your dad’s into retro sweets, you could make a bucket cake to fill with Swizzels pick ‘n’ mix. Or you could simply pile ‘em high, using your cake as a platform of sweet-tasting splendour. If you’re not comfortable freestyling, check out our recipe pages for more inspiration. There are so many things you can do to celebrate Father’s Day. Some of them, like helping in the garden or going for a walk, don’t cost a penny. They simply cost time and attention, which isn’t much for all the love that dads bring. So, whatever you do this Father’s Day, just make sure that you do something.