From gifts to gratitude: India's new way of celebrating fathers
The Rise of Gifting for Dads: How Father's Day is Becoming a Major Gifting Occasion in India. For decades, Father's Day remained a relatively low-key celebration in India, often eclipsed by culturally rooted occasions like Raksha Bandhan or Mother's Day. But that's starting to change. As emotional expression gains acceptance amongst younger Indians, there's a clear shift in how fatherhood is perceived and celebrated.advertisementIndia Today spoke with Avi Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, FNP, to understand how gifting is becoming a central part of this evolving Father's Day narrative.FROM STRONG PROVIDERS TO EMOTIONAL ANCHORSIn Indian households, fathers were traditionally seen as providers—present, but often emotionally reserved. Now, a generational shift is bringing fathers into a more emotionally connected light.
'Father's Day gifting in India remained modest for years,' says Avi Kumar. 'But younger consumers are rewriting the script. Gifting is no longer just an obligation—it's becoming the language of emotional connection.'This redefined image of fatherhood—affectionate, involved, and emotionally available—is now finding its way into how families celebrate the day.THE PERSONAL TOUCH TAKES PRIORITYOne of the strongest trends in recent years is the move away from generic gifts like ties or toolkits. Today's consumers are seeking out gifts that carry personal meaning—customised keepsakes, memory-filled photo albums, hobby-based hampers, and even letters of appreciation.advertisement'What's heartening is not just the increase in gifting volume,' says Avi Kumar, 'but the intention behind it. People want to give something that reflects who their father is—not just what he does.'This indicates a deeper emotional investment in making Father's Day more than just symbolic—it's becoming personal.TIER 2 AND 3 TOWNS JOIN THE CELEBRATIONInterestingly, the momentum isn't restricted to big metros. Thanks to improved digital access and the influence of social media, smaller towns are embracing Father's Day with growing enthusiasm.'Digital access has democratised celebration culture,' notes Avi Kumar. 'We're seeing increased traction from Tier 2 and 3 towns. The emotional sentiment behind Father's Day is resonating widely, not just in urban India.'It's a sign that celebrating dads is becoming an all-India phenomenon, cutting across geographies and generations.NOT JUST A TREND—A CULTURAL TURNING POINTThe rise in Father's Day gifting isn't just a passing commercial uptick; it's a reflection of changing societal values. Emotional awareness, especially toward father figures, is no longer a taboo.'This isn't just a commercial trend—it's a cultural evolution,' affirms Avi Kumar. 'Gifting occasions grow when sentiment meets expression. Today's consumers are finally articulating what earlier generations often left unsaid.'WHAT PEOPLE ARE GIFTING DADS TODAYadvertisementFrom thoughtful gestures to grand expressions, here's what's trending in Father's Day gifting:Personalised gifts: From engraved pens to photo collages and custom accessoriesThemed hampers: Grooming kits, fitness boxes, or snack collections curated to match dad's interestsExperience-based gifting: Spa sessions, game tickets, subscriptions, or even short getawaysDigital expressions: Interactive videos, voice notes, and virtual surprise partiesThis shift highlights the growing desire to make Father's Day more meaningful, rather than just ticking a box.Father's Day in India is no longer just another imported occasion—it's becoming a heartfelt celebration of connection and gratitude. Gifts today aren't just material—they're carriers of meaning, memory, and emotion.As Avi Kumar aptly sums up, 'This is more than a market movement; it's an emotional awakening.'For a generation learning to express affection more openly, Father's Day is a moment to pause, reflect, and say what was once left unsaid: Dad matters—and he deserves to be celebrated, not just remembered.
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