How can you make the day extra special for dad in 2023? Let’s discuss five unique Father’s Day ideas to make this year his most memorable celebration yet! Whether he’s is a foodie, sports fanatic, or sentimental family man, this list has something for everyone.
But first, my FREE gifts for you!
5 Unique Father’s Day Ideas to Celebrate in 2023

#1: Recreate his favorite restaurant meal with a copycat recipe

Tired of going to the same old restaurant for special occasions? Try making a homemade copycat recipe of his favorite restaurant dish at home! This unique father’s day idea shows thoughtful planning. Plus, we all know the key to most men’s hearts is through their stomachs. 🙂
He may be embarrassed to admit this publically, but my hubby loves Olive Garden’s “Zuppa Toscana” soup. I remember when he discovered there were pages of copycat recipes online he became obsessed with the idea of trying our own version at home. Here’s the one we loved the most!
#2 Setup a surprise double date or guys night
Whether virtual or in-person, consider including another dad-friend in your celebration. If your guy is like mine, he isn’t keen on having to make plans himself. However, if someone else sets the stage he’s all in!
Over the past year, we’ve missed our old high school friends, college roommates, coworkers, and heck, even our fellow mom and dad friends down the street. If you don’t feel comfortable or restrictions are still in place in your area, you can still reach out to a buddy or two. Schedule a surprise double date night or guys night on Zoom or Google Hangouts after the kids go to bed!
Worried your virtual gathering could fall flat? Prepare a game to spark some competition and laughs! Here’s a fun list of 10 games that can be played virtually to spice things up.
#3 Make good old-fashioned coupons (2023 edition!)

Some of the best gifts for dad cannot be bought online. Think of all of the things your guy has loved and not loved doing at home over the past year few pandemic years and voila! You have your ideas for some genuinely meaningful and personal homemade coupons.
Have your kids take part in coloring some small pieces of paper (post-it notes or index cards will get the job done). Write down some special things you are willing to do for him when he decides the time is right. Here are a few ideas that may be particularly special after a year of social distancing:
- 1 hour of alone time
- Dad’s “in charge of the remote” day
- Dad’s favorite dessert night
- Get out of yardwork-free card
- 10-minute back massage
#4 Create a “We Love Dad” slideshow
Did you know you can make a super professional-looking slideshow straight from your iPhone in a matter of seconds? If you didn’t check out this simple tutorial from Business Insider. Create a sentimental montage of all of your family photos taken this year to celebrate dad. Don’t forget to add some music with a quick click of a button!
When my family discovered how to do this for my son’s first birthday we were all fighting back tears. Apple really found a way to tug at some parent heartstrings! Bonus, your kids are going to love and be entertained by watching this one too. 🙂
#5 Host a “Game Day” & stream classic sports footage

Sure, your man is big into sports, but his favorite isn’t in season right now. Don’t sweat it! The New York Post has put together a comprehensive list of where you can stream classic games (most of which are free!). Go all out by making dad’s favorite tailgate food and having the whole family dress in his team’s colors. He won’t see this one coming… football in June?! This might have to become an annual tradition.
The last thing you need to know about unique Father’s Day ideas in 2023
After over two years of pandemic life, many of us have shifted perspectives when it comes to holidays and celebrations. Family time is what matters most.
A little bit of thoughtfulness from you and the kids will go a long way for unique Father’s Day ideas in 2023. I hope you enjoy and make the most of every moment with your sweet family. You got this!

I really loved the idea of old fashion coupons… Definitely gonna try this 🙂
Thanks !
Hi Priyanka! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and leave a comment. I hope your family has a fun time making and redeeming the coupons! 🙂
Great ideas. Pinning it for later
Thank you so much, Surabhi! I hope your family has an amazing father’s day!
These are truly unique! And something that can be done during quarantine! Thank you!
Thank you, Nat! Social distancing has required us to get creative on so many levels! 🙂
These a great ideas! I especially like the recreate his favorite meal– I know my Dad would really like that and I’ll pass that one over to my mom! Thanks for sharing!
Heather, thank you so much! I hope your dad LOVES his favorite restaurant dish made with love! 🙂
I really thing the slideshow idea is my favorite, nothing gets us all emotional like some good old photos from memory lane.
Hi Shay! Thank you so much for taking a read and or leaving your sweet note. I agree- just the right music too can really get the waterworks going. I love this one too because you can keep it forever!
The double date idea is so cute, can’t wait to have a family with my boufriend to celebrate him as a father 🙂
Thank you! I hope you and your boyfriend enjoy a phenomenal double date!!
Tana, these ideas are genius! I just pinned this so I can share with my girls …their husbands would love every suggestion. And the grandkids would, too!
Hi Rosemary! Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing these ideas with your children! I hope your sweet family has an amazing father’s day, whether celebrating together or from a distance!
These are amazing ideas for Fathers Day! I’m always stuck on what to do with Hubby. I will definitely share this as well!
Thanks so much, Maya! Don’t worry mama, I’m usually stuck on this too. That’s why my hubby helped me make this list for all of us! 🙂
What a great list! I love the idea of making a copycat restaurant meal. And I’m sure my kids will be glad to make some Dad coupons!
Thank you so much, Jen! I hope your special meal and coupons turn out beautifully and that your family enjoys a fantastic day!
We take a lot of photos, I’ll be trying to slideshow idea this year!
Thank you so much, Kelly! I’m sure your slideshow will turn out beautifully and will be treasured for years to come! 🙂
What fun ideas! I love the classic sports game day. That sounds like so much fun!
Thank you so much, Kait! Same here… I’ll be dreaming of tailgate food for the next few weeks 🙂
I love these creative ideas! Thank you for this list!
Thank you, Sandra! Wishing you and your family a very happy father’s day!
Great ideas. Fun gifts that the kids can really be a part of making. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Idara! I hope you and your sweet family have a wonderful, creative, and memorable father’s day together!
These are such cute and creative ideas for Father’s Day! Love that they don’t cost anything either 🙂
Thank you so much Rosie! 2020 has been quite the year… it’s all about family in these uncertain times!
Just started following you. Great ideas. My daughter will love the color pages! I created a card game that families will enjoy playing together. Check it out at SHAmory.com take care 🙂