How can you make the day extra special for dad in 2021? 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 2021

#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 (2021 edition!)

Some of the best gifts for dad cannot be bought online. Think of all of the things your guy has loved and hated doing at home over the past year 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. 1 hour of alone time
2. Dad’s “in charge of the remote” day
3. Dad’s favorite dessert night
4. Get out of yardwork-free card
5. 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 2021

After over a year of social distancing, 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 2021. I hope you enjoy and make the most of every moment with your sweet family. You got this!