How is the UK Celebrating Father’s Day 2021?

Restrictions that have lasted well over a year have meant family time has been forced to take a back seat in favour of nights in and Zoom quizzes. But, with restrictions looking to lift later this month on the 21st June, we can finally start looking forward to spending quality time with those we care about the most. While current guidelines do allow families of up to 6 to meet indoors, and even hug, the 21st will mark the end of the Covid lockdown roadmap and the full easing of restrictions.

Those who have begun to think about activities and gifts for Father’s Day 2021 may have already noticed the unfortunate date of the occasion – the 20th June, which is only one day before restrictions fully ease. So, where does this leave families when it comes to making plans with dad?

Gifting company Find Me a Gift set out to find out just that, surveying 2,000 people across the UK to establish how the nation is spending Father’s Day this year. Here’s what they found…

Families are looking forward to spending quality time together

One in four (24%) Brits said spending time with dad is the most important thing to them – and spending lots of money isn’t a priority this year. Only 14% of those surveyed said they were planning on spending more money than usual this year, with simply seeing and spending time with dad proving to be the top priority.

This was reflected when the UK were asked what activities they plan on doing on Father’s Day. Rather than rushing to book overnight stays or costly day trips, when asked how they’d spend their dream Father’s Day if restrictions aren’t in place the most popular answer was to simply have a family meal indoors. This was followed by meeting at home, meeting in a restaurant, and going to the pub. The people of the UK are clearly an unfussy bunch – perhaps the past year has shown us all how much the little things matter?

Zoom burnout is affecting the nation

Similarly, the survey reflected just how much people want to meet face-to-face following a year of virtual meets. Only 5% said they’re planning on meeting virtually this Father’s Day. Zoom Burnout is real – people want face-to-face connections and to make genuine in-person memories this Father’s Day.

Gen Z are most likely to break restrictions on Father’s Day

The survey also looked into the possibility of breaking restrictions: how many are willing to break whatever guidelines are in place to see their dad?

The survey found over one in four (28%) Brits said they’d see their dad in person, even if the restrictions at the time didn’t allow it. When looking at specific age groups, Gen Z came out as the group most likely to ignore restrictions, with 40% saying they’d see their dad no matter the restrictions compared to almost half the number (23%) of 45-54s. With many Gen Z’s leaving home for uni for the first time, it could be that being locked-down in halls or uni houses has hit this generation especially hard – particularly when it comes to missing out on time with their families.

Many are uncertain about how to spend Father’s Day

Finally, it is clear that Covid has left many families with uncertainty when it comes to making Father’s Day plans this year. 1 in 5 (21%) said restrictions will result in them spending less time with their dad, while a third (33%) say that the current limit on indoor meetings restricts what they can do on Father’s Day. When asked how they’re spending Father’s Day this year, 2 in 5 currently have no plans.

While Covid has caused an air of uncertainty, with many not fully understanding what is and isn’t allowed, as it stands families are allowed to meet both indoors and outdoors this year on Father’s Day. If you’re feeling concerned, there are many ways you can reduce the risk when meeting, including wearing face coverings, social distancing, using hand sanitisers, and meeting in open, outdoor spaces. For those feeling unsure on how to spend Father’s Day in 2021, Find Me a Gift have put together a blog post on how to safely celebrate Father’s Day.

Whether you’re heading out for a meal or exchanging gifts in the garden, Father’s Day 2021 is a great opportunity to spend quality time as a family and finally get back to making new, unforgettable memories together.