National Parents’ Day History and Gift Ideas For Those Special Guardians In Your Life

Where would we be without our parents? They loved us before we were even born, changed stinky diaper after stinky diaper, and many times put our needs above their own. As we grow into adulthood, they still offer flat-tire help, bad jokes, relationship counseling, unsolicited (sometimes) advice, recipes, last-minute babysitting, life coaching skills, and so much more.

So it’s not surprising these heroes were awarded a national holiday to be celebrated every fourth Sunday in July. National Parents’ Day is a day to honor the special one-in-a-million bond of love between a child and their parent(s). 

The History Of National Parents’ Day

It was a dark and stormy night when the little ankle-biter refused to eat for the forty-seventh time. Mom and Dad wiped the food off the floor, pushed down their hopelessness, and desperately tried again. Finally, when success was achieved on the forty-eighth try, thankfully keeping their bundle of joy alive, every parent around the world was elected to sainthood.

I’m just kidding. That incident didn’t happen. But most parents have experienced this over and over again since the dawn of time. In 1994, Republican Senator Trent Lott introduced “The Parents’ Day Resolution” with the aim of “uplifting and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.” Lott had two children himself. I’m sure they were little angels all the time. No horns holding up those halos. Congress, not surprisingly, unanimously passed it. On Oct. 14, 1994 President Bill Clinton signed it. Now, we all know he had quite a lot of kids, both known and unknown. Makes me think maybe he shouldn’t be celebrating himself on this day, but he celebrated himself every day, so whatever. 

Thus the bill proclaiming parents as the greatest gifts of nature was born. All jokes aside, parents could be considered the backbone of this country as they have such vital roles in instilling morals, responsibility, knowledge about our rights, and love into the future generations who will run this country. Americans and organizations arrange National Parents’ Day events to recognize, uplift, and support the heroic parental efforts that help build a strong, stable society.  This bill also encourages responsible parenting and positive reinforcement. So many events offer parenting information and some, like the Parent of The Year Program, honor nominated parents who have done outstanding jobs.

National Parents’ Day Celebration Gift Ideas

Recognize your folks this Parents’ Day as a way to say thanks for all their love and support over the years. Offer to run an errand for them, cook dinner for them, or get them something meaningful. Here are several special gift ideas to help you celebrate the unparalleled bond of love between you and your parents.

Personalized Engraved Bamboo 3-piece Barbecue Grill Set Gift

This gift is for the grillmasters of the world, the backyard chefs, and the pitmasters. To cook up a juicy steak or burger, your dad can use this engraved bamboo grill set.  It comes with a stainless steel spatula, fork, and tongs. The case reads, “To the world, you are a dad, to our family you are the world.”

Personalized Cherry iPad Cookbook Holder 

If the grill isn’t your parent’s style, maybe this iPad cookbook holder suits their needs better. The attractive wood grain detailing makes this a beautiful kitchen accent. The inscription reads, “In our home, always be honest, never give up, be thankful, forgive and forget, work hard, and love one another.” On this 8”x16” holder, there is a spot to engrave your family name and date. It’s made of durable, long-lasting renewable cherry wood and is sure to lend a natural warmth to your parties and your kitchen.

Our Greatest Blessings Sign

Grandparents are parents too, and awesome ones at that, since they’ve worked twice as hard by raising their kids and helping raise their grandchildren. This 8” x 24” sign honors how special they are. The sign reads, “Our greatest blessings call us Nana and Papa.” Plus, this sign is easy to hang thanks to a pre-installed sawtooth hanger on the back.

Happiness is Homemade Wall Clock

Tell your parents you are so grateful for their time by giving them this beautiful wall clock. Measuring 12” x 1.5” in size, this timeless gift is both meaningful and useful, helping them to never be late to their babysitting gigs or family outings. This clock has a built-in easel for tabletop display and a tooth hanger on the back to hang on the wall. 

My Dad Double Photo Picture Frame

This heartfelt picture frame sends the best message of love for Parents’ Day. It says, “The only thing better than having you as my dad, is my children having you as their papa. Xoxo…” This is customizable so that you can have his children's or grandchildren’s names inscribed on the frame.

My Mom Has a Heart of Gold Keepsake Box

Surprise your mother this Parents’ Day with this customizable keepsake box that shows how much you appreciate her. This box reads, “My mom has ears that really listen, arms that always hug and hold, love that’s never-ending, and a heart of Gold.” You can get the names of her children printed on the bottom along with the year at no extra charge.