Father's Day in Groningen, gifts and inspiration

When is Father's Day?

Father's Day is celebrated every year on the third Sunday in June. This year, it falls on Sunday, June 19, 2024.

How did Father's Day originate?
 

In certain parts of Europe, especially Catholic regions, St. Joseph's Day was commemorated on March 19. This is the 'earthly' father of Jesus.
The first true Father's Day is believed to have been celebrated in America on June 19, 1910. In the Netherlands, it was first celebrated in 1937, long after Mother's Day had become well established. Some fun facts about Father's Day!

It was the retailers who really put Father's Day on the map, due to the commercial interest. It was the cigar sellers who ensured that in October, a box of cigars was given on the second Sunday in October. Later, this was moved because October was too close to St. Nicholas and Christmas.
 

Father's Day inspiration in Groningen

There are all kinds of fathers, so we provide some inspiration in different categories! My own father used to work in construction from dawn till dusk. He loved tinkering in his garage or working in the garden. My brother and I often gave him practical gifts or a bottle of berry gin from Hooghoudt. Nowadays, I often play a board game like Rummikub with him, and we do this together in the nursing home. The time we spend together is the best gift.

The active father who loves tech gadgets

Do you have a father who loves mountain biking or running but also enjoys modern gadgets? Consider wireless earbuds or a headset suitable for an active lifestyle. We are big fans of Shokz. This headset provides great sound for music and can be connected for phone calls. It fits comfortably! Plus, you can still hear your surroundings without compromising on sound quality, which is safer in traffic!

Make your dad happy with a Father's Day breakfast

For the dad who loves good food, you can make a delicious Father's Day breakfast. If you're not very handy with baking but still want to be original, make a fruit tart.

Make a tart shell from pastry dough, fill it with custard or pastry cream, and top it with delicious red fruits. Serve with a croissant and a nice cup of coffee or tea.
In Groningen, there are also great places to buy treats, like Broodje van Eigen Deeg, PAAIS, or Pigalle.

Clean your dad's bike!

Another way to make your dad happy is to help him with a job around the house. Think about cleaning his racing bike or car. If you make his favorite things shine, he'll be grateful for a long time! If you want to get something nice for his bike, you can find good inspiration at Spaak Koffie en Koers on Oude Boteringestraat in Groningen. You can also take him there, as they have delicious homemade cakes.

The handy dad who loves cooking

This dad might enjoy a kitchen gadget or good knives from the well-known Swiss brand Victorinox. In Groningen, you can buy them at a good price at Wielinga on Verlengde Hereweg 7. You can find more Father's Day inspiration here if your dad is also a handy man! Another great kitchen store with Victorinox in the assortment is Reitsma in Groningen. This lovely store on Damsterdiep has been a specialist in pans, tableware, cutlery, and other household products since 1899.

The BBQ dad 

You know the type, the dads who never set foot in the kitchen but want to BBQ every day as soon as the weather gets warm. 

For the dad who loves BBQing, there's a great place to visit in Groningen. At the Barbecueshop Groningen, you can find everything BBQ-related. They have the Kamado and Green Egg Barbecue, charcoal BBQ, gas BBQ, and all sorts of accessories. If you're tired of the usual BBQ, buy a pizza stone that you can place on your BBQ and turn it into a pizza oven.
 

The dad who loves to read

For the dad who enjoys a good book, visit our favorite bookstores in the city of Groningen. We particularly like Riemer Bookstore. It's a lovely shop where you can also enjoy a relaxing moment with a delicious coffee from the Coffee Station there.
In addition to books, they also sell fun unique socks, games, or small trinkets that can brighten up your dad's Father's Day.
It might even be fun to take him to an event at the bookstore. They regularly host interesting activities.
 

The dad who loves a beer

There are many special places in the city for a drink, such as Beer Pub de Koffer, Belgian Café de Pintelier, and Tasting Room MOUT. At Tasting Room MOUT, you can buy a beer box here or get a beer subscription.

It's also fun to visit a brewery, such as Martinus, BAXBIER Tasting Room, and De Prael Groningen, which offer great packages.

The dad who loves a game and knows everything about football

If you want to combine the two, you could buy a fun football quiz. For 10 euros, you can get one from Quest. 
But it might be even more fun to go to a pub quiz with your dad. Several are organized in the city. A well-known location is De Toeter. You can enjoy a special beer and they have good whisky.

The dad who loves music

If you want to give a musical gift for Father's Day, we recommend visiting PLATO in Groningen. You can buy great CDs, DVDs, and real records (vinyl). As a preview, you could also visit the Record Fair at Vismarkt on Thursday, June 6.

Here you can find the best gifts for Father's Day!

The dad who loves wine

If your dad loves wine, take him to Barrel Wine Bar. You can enjoy delicious snacks and drinks, or buy a wine tasting for home. 

The dad who loves snacks

Does your dad love to have a drink but especially enjoys snacks? Want to find something quickly? Go for a pre-made snack bag. Various cheese shops, for instance, put together a delicious snack bag or gift basket. It's on our list to explore these (somebody has to do it ;-)).

Our tips in the city of Groningen for snacks and tasty giftbags

• De Kaaskop at the Zwanestraat 
• De Groninger Kaasboetiek at the Astraat, and also get some candy at Droppie 
• De Zuivelhoeve on Vismarkt 

Fish at Vismarkt for Father's Day

Want to keep it simple? You can also get some delicious fish for your dad at Vismarkt! Poseidon Fish Shop has a beautiful new stand. They were the best in the 2023 Groningen Herring Test.

 

The dad who loves nature and camping

If your dad enjoys being outdoors, whether for a nice walk or setting up his tent for wild camping, visit Bever Outdoor Store. Located on Sint Jansstraat for many years, they offer great outdoor gadgets and inspiration. Highly recommended! 

All in all, you can really spoil your dad on Father's Day in the city of Groningen! Whether you go  for a wine tasting or buy a nice book, there are so many different options in this lovely city. We hope you got some Father's Day inspiration!