As the saying goes, any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a Dad. He’s the provider for all, but normally the enemy of all too. Unlike Mother’s Day, Father’s Day doesn’t have a tradition dating back thousands of years. In actual fact, this occasion is barely 100 years old! Yet, like Mother’s Day, it was invented by a strong-hearted American woman. Her name was Sonora Dodd of Washington State.

Sonora’s father, William Smart, was a veteran of the U.S. Civil War and had lost his sixth wife to child birth. But rather than tie the knot again, Mr. Smart decided to bring up his offspring all on his own. Living on a rural farm in Eastern Washington State, both he and his only daughter, Sonora, shared in the raising of the little’uns.

In her later life, Sonora realised what a diamond her Dad was, and exactly what he’d sacrificed for her and her brothers. She wanted the world to know what a courageous, selfless and loving man her father was. During a Mother’s Day sermon back in 1909, she had a brain wave. If mothers had a special day dedicated to them, then surely Father’s should get the same treatment! A year later on 19th June, 1910 - her father’s birthday - Sonora celebrated the very first Father’s Day.

Although Sonora wasn’t the first to suggest there should be a day to honour Dads, it was through her enormous willpower that the then President, Calvin Coolidge, openly supported the idea of a national Father’s Day in America. So there you go - the history of Father’s Day.

This merry day falls on Sunday 19th June this year, so what are you going to buy Dad to make him beam? Fed up with the average Father’s Day pair of socks? Attempted every Father’s Day recipe under the sun? Relax. Breathe. Thinking of a gift for Father’s Day isn’t nearly as tricky as you first thought.

Some Dads love fishing, others love gadgets, while others prefer golf or football. But Dads all share one thing in common: making memories. So why not give Dad a part of you? Consider personalised Father’s Day gifts - gifts that’ll fill his day with fun, laughter and happy smiles.

Here are a few ideas for Father’s Day gifts…

Thoughtful Personalised Father’s Day Gifts Ideas:

. Make him the leading character in a famous classic novel such as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Romeo & Juliet or Frankenstein.

. A historical map gift, which describes the landscape of the past, making an elegant adornment to his home or office

. Indulge your Daddy with his very own bottle of personalised wine, champagne or whiskey, featuring his name and your very own message to him

Sports

. Personalised football books - crammed with the greatest moments in the history of his club over the last century

. Let Dad relive the exhilaration of his favourite FA Cup Final match with FA Cup Final DVDs

. Personalised football calendars featuring newspaper reports of top games from the last 100 years

Gift Experiences

. A serene Champagne Balloon flight over the countryside

. Let him have a crack at clay pigeon shooting

. Put Dad behind the wheel and experience the adrenaline rush of a Driving Experience Day

All Dads love to feel special. These gift ideas for Father’s Day will get Dad smiling, giggling and feeling genuinely euphoric. GoneDigging is the perfect place to find inspired gift ideas for all occasions.