Celebrating an allergy-safe Father’s Day: Fun and safe ideas for the whole family 

Father’s Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes your dad special. If food allergies are part of your life, the day might take a little more planning—but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less memorable. 

Whether you’re dining out, cooking at home, or finding the perfect gift, here are some ideas to help you create a fun, allergy-friendly Father’s Day. 

Dining out, safely 

Taking dad out to his favourite restaurant? You can still enjoy the treat with some smart planning. 

Before you go: 

• Call ahead to speak to the restaurant manager or chef. Ask how they manage allergens and whether they can accommodate your needs. 

• Ask specific questions about cross-contact prevention. 

On the day: 

• Make sure your server understands the severity of the allergy and confirms your order with the kitchen. 

• Always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors if you or someone in your party has been prescribed them. 

Tip: Consider booking a quieter dining time. Less busy hours mean staff may be more able to focus on your allergy needs. See our Eating out tips.

DIY Father’s Day feast 

If eating out feels too risky or stressful, why not plan a delicious homemade meal or picnic tailored exactly to your dietary needs? 

Ideas for a food-safe Father’s Day: 

• Garden BBQ: Grill allergy-safe favourites. Label all food clearly if you’re hosting others. 

• Indoor picnic: Lay out a blanket, put on Dad’s favourite playlist, and enjoy sandwiches, fresh fruit, and sweet treats you know are safe. 

• Cook together: Kids can join in baking an allergy-safe cake or prepping dad’s favourite dinner. 

Allergy-aware gift giving 

Sometimes allergens sneak into surprising places—like grooming kits, snacks, or even socks with moisturising agents. Take extra care when choosing gifts. 

Top tips: 

• Check every label. 

• Be mindful of precautionary labelling (“may contain traces of…”). 

• For toiletries, allergens can appear in Latin (e.g. Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis = sweet almond oil). Check with the recipient or consult a trusted product list. You can also find out more about cosmetics and allergens in our factsheet. 

Allergy-friendly gift ideas: 

• A framed photo or memory book of your favourite moments together 

• A personalised mug or insulated bottle for his morning brew 

• A digital gift card to a store or experience he loves 

• A DIY “coupon book” with vouchers for things like breakfast in bed, a movie night, or a tech-free walk together 

Activities beyond food 

Not everything has to revolve around meals. Here are fun ways to make Father’s Day special without food stress: 

• Go for a nature walk—pack safe snacks and explore a local park or trail. 

• Book a workshop—pottery, woodworking, or photography can be a fun shared experience. 

• Family game night—turn the living room into a game zone with board games or video games Dad enjoys. 

• Volunteer together—find a local cause that means something to dad and give back as a family. 

Final thought 

Celebrating Father’s Day with allergies isn’t about limiting fun—it’s about being mindful so that everyone feels safe, included, and appreciated. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can make the day truly meaningful. 

Here’s to a safe, memorable, and joy-filled Father’s Day!