Parents bring you into the world, giving you life and raising you to be the person you are. They also do that for your spouse, the person of your dreams. Fathers play a truly unique role in that experience. That’s why we celebrate National Father-in-Law Day every July 30. Although there are plenty of ways to celebrate your Dad-in-Law, the best way is simply to let him know you care.
National Father-in-Law Day timeline
- 1840
Royal in-laws
European monarchs, Christian IX of Denmark and Nicholas I of Montenegro, become known as the "Fathers-in-Law of Europe" because all of their children married foreign princes and princesses.
- Unknown
Mysterious origin theory #1
Some believe an online greeting card company started this day to boost sales.
- Unknown
Mysterious origin theory #2
Others believe an envious father-in-law began this day in response to Mother-in-Law Day.
National Father-in-Law Day Activities
Send him a card
Back in the day, it was unusual to find a card written specifically for fathers-in-law. But, that's changed. Today you can select lots of cards with father-in-law messages from the heart. Or, make your own!
Join him in one of his favorite activities
On this special day, hang out with your father-in-law. Treat him to dinner, a ball game or a fishing trip. Share a game of cards or a chess match. Take in a movie or keep things simple by watching a football game or even the Tour de France. The operative idea is to do something together.
Above all — bond with him
Being together with anyone to show that you care is a gesture like no other. And there's a lot to gain when you share time and talk with your father-in-law — the guy who raised the person you love most.
5 Famous People With Famous Fathers-In-Law
Thomas Mann, father-in-law of W.H. Auden
Auden married German writer, Erika Mann, to get her a British passport so she could flee from Nazi Germany.
Jerome Kern, father-in-law of Artie Shaw
Big-band leader, Shaw, was married to pioneering composer, Kern's, daughter.
Cecil B. De Mille, father-in-law of Anthony Quinn
"Zorba the Greek" actor, Quinn, was married to De Mille's adopted daughter, Katherine, for 38 years.
Red Foley, father-in-law of Pat Boone
Singer, Boone, married Country Music Hall of Famer, Reed Foley's, daughter, Shirley.
Kirk Douglas, father-in-law of Catherine Zeta-Jones
Actress, Zeta-Jones, married Kirk's son, Michael, in 2000.
Why We Love National Father-in-Law Day
It's a great way to honor an elder
As someone who's experienced life and its tough times, your father-in-law is someone to be cherished. Value the time you spend together — even if there are occasional bumps in the road. After all, every relationship has its challenges but they can easily be overcome with love.
It shows your spouse that you care
The person you love and care for the most was raised by someone who instinctively loved and cared for them. Celebrating the role your father-in-law played in your spouse's life is a beautiful way to deepen the bond with your husband or wife.
The relationship has countless value
As humans, we have a lot to share with each other. On National Father-in-Law Day, it's possible that even if you don't always see eye-to-eye with your father-in-law, you can acknowledge the family bonds you both share. This day shows that your relationship can be a potential source of wisdom and inspiration.
National Father-in-Law Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | July 30 | Thursday |
| 2021 | July 30 | Friday |
| 2022 | July 30 | Saturday |
| 2023 | July 30 | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 30 | Tuesday |