Fifteen percent of dads say they want a change of pace this year; no gifts at all. Racks of novelty ties and socks, last-minute gift cards and grilling tools often mark Father’s Day. But in 2025, American dads hope for something a little different.
Most dads don’t desire anything extravagant. What they want most this Father’s Day is to spend time with their children, nearly 60% of them, in fact. Others rank a special meal, a practical gift or a day of relaxation high on their list.
The data suggests a shift in what Father’s Day looks like, and who the modern dad really is. Today’s celebrations go beyond golf and gadgets to reflect a broader, more personal definition of fatherhood. Now, families honor dads in meaningful new ways.
Dads are more involved than ever
Dads are spending more time than ever on child care and interactive activities with their children. Dr. Will Courtney, psychiatrist and founding editor of the International Journal of Men’s Health, agrees. “Today’s dads are definitely more involved with parenting. In fact, the time fathers spend with their kids has increased by over 250% since the 1960s. This is good for both kids and dads, as kids with involved fathers do better in just about every way that we can measure.”
Dads’ increased involvement in parenting looks different for each family but is often focused on play. Ashlyn Ayres Ellington, an Atlanta-based licensed therapist, adds, “I like to say that moms are often the CEOs of family logistics, while dads are the VPs of adventure and play.” As the role of fathers expands and evolves, so do the ways modern dads prefer to celebrate Father’s Day, a shift in emphasis to connection, presence and ease.
Quality time is the favored gift
Nearly 1 quarter of survey respondents over 65 indicated that they would prefer not to receive a gift for Father’s Day. For those who did want a gift, 28% said they would prefer a simple, heartfelt gift such as a greeting card or something handmade.
Paul Zalenski, a father of two and co-founder of the parenting initiative Fathercraft, says, “Last year, my daughters surprised me with what they called a ‘Dadventure Passport.’ It was a simple, handmade booklet with 12 envelopes. Each envelope was labeled with a different mini-adventure. For instance, the first envelope was ‘Pancake Picnic in the Backyard,’ another was ‘Build a Fort and Watch a Movie’ and so on.”
Regarding the ideal gift for Father’s Day, Ellington says, “The essential truth about dads is they never want additional ties. They want to feel seen. Most fathers express their concerns to me about performing well in their duties, and they desire their children to remember shared time together.”
For the fathers who do prefer a physical gift, almost 20% would appreciate a gift card to a store of their choosing, which shows a desire for flexibility and personal choice in their gift. Other commonly requested gifts include their favorite alcohol or beer, tools or gadgets.
More than a meal
If food is the way to a man’s heart, it might also be the way to his ideal Father’s Day. It’s found that 44% of fathers prefer their primary activity for Father’s Day to be a homemade meal, and 36% want to visit a restaurant on their special day. Good food is definitely on the menu for a successful Father’s Day celebration.
Kyle Sobko, an Ontario-based father and CEO of SonderCare, says, “Meaningful gifts or experiences to me revolve around time together. I prefer things that create connection, like time outdoors or a calm early morning with a thoughtful breakfast.”
The good news? You don’t need a five-course meal to impress your dad; consider a homemade breakfast, lunch at his favorite restaurant or a meal at home. Grilling is a Father’s Day tradition, and some recipes will surely satisfy.
For a budget-friendly dinner at home, marinate a cut of lean steak for kabobs. A savory marinade can make affordable cuts of steak like sirloin tender, juicy and flavorful. Layer the marinated steak with bell peppers and onions for a tasty grilled meal. If budget isn’t a consideration, grill a tomahawk steak for Father’s Day. This impressive, bone-in ribeye steak is known for its rich flavor, making it a favorite for grilling enthusiasts.
Grill the side dishes for your meal to add flavor and char to basic vegetables. Add your dad’s favorite vegetables to an aluminum pan with olive oil and seasonings, or make grilled corn on the cob. Even bread is more delicious on the grill. Baste slices of bread with butter and garlic, then grill until lightly charred.
Focus on emotional connection for Father’s Day
If the data is any indication, the modern American dad isn’t looking for fanfare. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Ehab Youssef suggests, “I know that what people often crave most is to feel seen and appreciated, and that’s especially true for dads, who often don’t express that need directly. From both my roles as a father and a son, I believe a truly meaningful Father’s Day gift centers around emotional connection.”
With the role of fathers evolving, it seems that modern dads value experiences, a good meal and meaningful time with loved ones over conventional gifts for Father’s Day. From hands-on parenting to new preferences in celebration, today’s fathers are embracing a more intentional, involved role in family life. However you choose to honor the dads in your life this year, the most important gift may simply be to recognize who they are and all they do.
Michelle Goth is a professionally trained cook and cookbook author dedicated to celebrating Midwestern cooking traditions. She shares easy recipes for family dinners and holidays at Blackberry Babe.
The post More American dads prefer presence over presents for Father’s Day appeared first on Associated Press.
