Father's day is around the corner, and you certainly want to make it special for your dad. To do that, you need to understand what makes him happy and content. Whereas, the way we feel depends on four hormones: dopamine, serotonin, endorphin, and oxytocin. But don't worry, we'll look at each one more closely.
In this post, HighlyUnique has rounded up 16 Best Father's Day Gift Ideas That Boost His 4 Happy Hormones. It'll give you a deeper insight into 4 happiness chemicals in our bodies as well as some gift guides to boost those chemicals.
Four Happy Hormones
What makes some people and experiences peaceful, cheerful, or even joyful? Our pleasant interactions and experiences of amazement actually cause a chemical reaction in our brain, which is one of the essential elements for this. And hormones are chemical messengers that communicate with our brains.
Feel-good emotions and experiences are principally caused by four primary hormones. They influence our sense of happiness through our stress levels, self-care, and lifestyle choices. Here are the main happiness chemicals in your body:
- Dopamine: Pleasure – Motivational role in brain’s reward system
- Serotonin: Mood stabilizer – Well-being, happiness
- Endorphins: Primarily help one deal with stress and reduce feelings of pain
- Oxytocin: Bonding – Love and trust
DOPAMINE: This hormone controls the reward chemical in your brain. When you are doing something enjoyable, it is released. This might include having a delicious meal, listening to uplifting music, getting a massage, or working out. Dopamine releases feelings of happiness and pushes you to seek out activities that you enjoy and excel in.
SEROTONIN: Serotonin regulates our mood, happiness, and feelings of well-being. It also aids in the reduction of our worries and concerns and is linked to learning and memory. Regular activities such as going for a stroll in the sunshine, getting a good night's sleep, spending time in nature, or self-care activities that reduce stress levels naturally produce serotonin.
ENDORPHINS: The central nervous system produces endorphins to help us cope with physical discomfort. They are released in response to pain or stress, as well as during other activities like eating, exercising, or having sex. They produce a temporary exhilaration that masks the discomfort. When athletes push their bodies to the point of true discomfort or agony, they talk of getting an “endorphin high”.
OXYTOCIN: Oxytocin is also known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin release has been connected to levels of life satisfaction in extensive studies. It appears to be more important to women's physiology and happiness than it is to men's. Oxytocin is primarily associated with affection and close relationships. This hormone has a dual effect, boosting serotonin and dopamine while also reducing anxiety.
16 Best Father's Day Gift Ideas That Boost His 4 Happy Hormones
Experience shapes the way our brains are wired. Our neurons form connections every time our neurochemicals surge. You've been wired to activate your brain chemicals in the same way they did before. They are simple to construct when we are young, but they get more difficult to construct as we grow older. It takes a lot of practice to create new circuits. So, choose a new joyful habit and begin repeating it until it feels as natural as your old ones and you begin to feel happy.
In other words, you can trigger your pop's happy chemicals by giving him some practical gifts, which will directly or indirectly support his joyful habits. Consequently, his happy hormones are released and he'll probably enjoy his day to the fullest!
To Boost Dopamine
When you perform well, dopamine is released. Make it a habit to include activities that you enjoy and are good at in your daily routine. Kicking a goal, hitting a target, or completing a task all release dopamine and signal to your brain that you've done well. Doing something nice for someone is another option. Volunteering on a regular basis will provide you with a steady supply of dopamine, which will make you feel better.
So, below are several recommendations – best Father's Day gift ideas to support his hobbies and encourage him to hit a target. Subsequently, he'll be content and proud of himself, as you've always been!
#1. YouTheFan NFL 3-Piece Spirit Series BBQ Grill Set, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas, Practical Gift For Dad
Source: Amazon
Every pop is a Grill Master and this BBQ Grill Set is definitely for him. Its unique laser-cut design in heavy-duty stainless steel plus team-colored composite handles with durable brass rivets will probably make it one of the best Father's Day gift ideas. Every time he uses this to make the best BBQ, he will surely be satisfied himself!
#2. Gift For Baseball Lover, Weekend Forecast Baseball With A Chance Of Drinking, Baseball T-Shirt, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas
If your great man is a baseball fan, he loves competition, he loves to drink. This shirt is to motivate his hobbies. The Weekend Forecast Baseball With A Chance Of Drinking shirt is perfectly one of the best Father's Day gift ideas. When he has a baseball match or just wants to hang out for a drink, wearing this tee from his beloved kids will probably make his day full of joy!
#3. W&P Homemade Gin Kit, Botanical Blend and Juniper Berries, Homemade Gin Kit, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas, Sentimental Gifts For Men
Source: Amazon
Your family's entertainer will impress guests when he tells them that the gin they're sipping on is made from scratch — by him, no less. This six-piece kit comes with everything he needs to transform a basic bottle of vodka into a botanical blend. Great for beginners and professionals alike, the Homemade Gin Kit is easy to use and can turn anyone into an at-home bartender. It will certainly make one of the best Father's Day Gift Ideas!
#4. UMAID Natural Himalayan Rock Salt Block Cooking Plate, Special Gifts For Dad, Creative Father's Day Gift
Source: Amazon
Your dad who loves to chef it up will get a kick out of this fun prezzie. This Himalayan salt tray adds some saltiness to any dish, whether he grills or chills his food on it. The Salt Block Holder is made out of high-quality steel that provides sturdy support and protection. It works as a frame to keep the salt slab pieces together, so he can keep on grilling. This tray is sure to be the best creative Father's Day gift.
To Trigger Serotonin
You may boost your serotonin levels naturally in a few ways. One method is to expose yourself to sunlight. On a sunny day, everyone feels better. Work on your self-esteem. There are successes and losses for us all. Your serotonin will be reduced if you focus on your losses. Make it a habit to celebrate your victories, no matter how big or tiny they are.
Serotonin levels can also be raised by exercising. Even a 10-minute brisk walk will improve your mood. Why not go for a long walk? You'll get great heart and health benefits in 20 to 40 minutes.
Consuming foods high in tryptophan also boosts serotonin levels, according to research. Chicken, turkey, and pork are all high in tryptophan.
Based on those guides, below are some suggestions to help you get the best Father's Day gift ideas to activate his serotonin this Father's Day.
#5. Columbia unisex-adult bora bora booney, Thoughtful Gifts For Dad, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas
Source: Amazon
This hat is essential for any outdoor collegiate event, with its wide, protective brim providing all-day sun protection. This high-performance hat also features a mesh breeze-inducing vent to keep you cool and protected and is equipped with an adjustable drawcord and toggle at the back for a fit that's adjustable and comfortable. It will certainly make his strolling day in nature perfect and itself is a practical gift for dad!
#6. Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Coolest Father's Day Gift, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas
Source: Amazon
If your great man loves to hike, support his favorite activity, and make his day with a cool new pair of boots. Its features include a waterproof membrane that seals out water and lets moisture escape, pigskin leather and meshes upper, and a metal hook traditional lace closure. Surprise him with this new pair of boots and it'll be his coolest Father's Day gift!
#7. God Says You Are Canvas, God Says Landscape Canvas Print, Landscape Wall Art, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas
This wall art canvas print is another way to acknowledge his important role in your life. It is ideal for all occasions including Father's Day, Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, etc. He can display it in any space in your home and be reminded of God's unconditional love for him each day. This is probably one of the best Father's Day gift ideas you're looking for!
#8. Traeger Grills SPC171 Pork And Poultry Rub With Apple And Honey, Unique Father's Day Gift, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas
Source: Amazon
This pork & poultry rub featuring apple and honey flavors will definitely make his dishes tastier. While chicken and pork are all high in tryptophan, it's obviously an indirectly perfect way to trigger his serotonin with this practical gift for dad!
To Release Endorphins
Exercise is once again the best way to release endorphins. The ‘high' from exercising is real. There are, however, alternative ways to release endorphins, such as a good belly laugh or stretching. A genuine chuckle cannot be forced, and a genuine stretch needs some talent. In these approaches, though, you create opportunities for endorphin release.
To give him the biggest laugh, then consequently release his endorphins, check out these best Father's Day gift ideas below!
#9. World’s Greatest Farter I Mean Father, Funny Mug For Dad, Gifts For Dad
World’s Greatest Farter I Mean Father, Funny Mug For Dad, Gifts For Dad
This World's Greatest Farter I Mean Father mug is the ideal way to let your dad know how much you love him and appreciate him. The mug includes a phrase that will make even the most stoic dad crack a smile. It's sure to bring some laughs around the breakfast table! This mug comes in two sizes: 11 oz. and 15 oz., so it can be used as a travel mug or a regular mug at home. This funny mug for dad would make an excellent gift for any occasion, but it's especially great for Father's Day!
#10. Funny Daddy T-Shirt, It’s Not A Dad Bod It’s A Father Figure, Best Gifts For Dad, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas
Imagine your great pop wearing this tee around and everyone can't help bursting into laughter. Let this funny tee speaks for itself and shows the world that your dad doesn't need a six-pack or an exercise routine to feel good about himself. This It’s Not A Dad Bod It’s A Father Figure is sure to be one of the best Father's Day gift ideas.
#11. Happy Father’s Day Dad From Your Swimming Champion, Funny Gifts For Dad, Personalized Mug For Dad
Happy Father’s Day Dad From Your Swimming Champion, Funny Gifts For Dad, Personalized Mug For Dad
It's important to celebrate every victory and your pop's swimming champion is one of them. It's a cheeky way of telling your dad how grateful you are that he shot his load deep inside your mom's uterus. This funny mug for dad is practically the perfect yet hilarious way to celebrate fatherhood as well as his victory!
#12. You Can’t Tell Me What To Do You’re Not My Daughter, Funny Dad T-Shirt, Perfect Father's Day Gift, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas
You Can’t Tell Me What To Do You’re Not My Daughter, Funny Dad T-Shirt, Perfect Father's Day Gift
This t-shirt is the ultimate coolest Father's Day gift because it combines everything your dad loves: being sassy and being proud of you. When he wears this You Can't Tell Me What To Do You're Not My Daughter shirt, everyone will know just how proud he is to be your dad, and they'll also know that they can't tell him what to do because his big boss is you!
To Increase Oxytocin
Giving and receiving love in all forms releases oxytocin. Take care of yourself by attending a holistic yoga session, getting a massage, or listening to music. Cook for those you care about or have a meaningful chat with family or friends. Hug your pet or spend time with someone special.
With these sentimental gifts for dad, your wonderful man will realize how much he's meant to you. He will be showered with affection and praise, then be truly happy this Father's Day!
#13. Dear Daddy Do You Remember The First Time You Laid Eyes On Me, To My Dad Blanket From Daughter, Meaningful Gifts For Dad
Why don't you celebrate your lifelong bond with your wonderful man by giving him a gift that reminds him of your sweet moments? This personalized To My Dad Blanket From Daughter features a heartwarming message printed in bold letters on a 100% cotton blanket. This Father's Day blanket will make all of his memories come flooding back. This is probably one of the most meaningful gifts for dad that will shower him with honor and affection!
#14. Fishing Dad Canvas, To My Dad You Will Always Be The Man That I Will Look Up To, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas
Do your dad and you share a love of fishing? Then this canvas maybe what you're looking for! This canvas is printed on high-quality canvas material that's ready to hang right out of the box. It comes with mounting hardware so you can easily install it on the wall or door. This canvas will certainly put a smile on his face and be on top of the best Father's Day gift ideas!
#15. To My Dad Blanket From Daughter Lion Pride Design, Best Personalized Gift For Dad, Father's Day Special Gift
Give your dad this To My Dad Blanket From Daughter as one of the most meaningful gifts for dad – so that every time he uses it while camping or sitting around the campfire with family or friends, he'll remember how much you love and admire him. Whether he loves fishing or hiking, this personalized blanket makes the perfect gift for any dad who appreciates the great outdoors!
#16. To My Dad, You Are My Sunshine You Are Appreciated I Love You To The Moon And Back, Best Father's Day Gift Ideas, Father’s Day Canvas
This Father's Day canvas is perfect when you want to express your love to your dad. The words are written in a fun scrawl font that's sure to make anyone smile, but there's also some serious sentiment behind it: “To My Dad, You Are My Sunshine You Are Appreciated I Love You To The Moon And Back”. This canvas is also great because it can be hung up in any room in your house – it doesn't matter if it's the kitchen or home office or bedroom – and it'll still look great! It's sure to make one of the best Father's Day gift ideas!
In Conclusion
HighlyUnique hopes that our list of 16 Best Father's Day Gift Ideas That Boost His 4 Happy Hormones will aid you to come up with ideal presents to make your wonderful man feel ecstatic this upcoming Father's Day. We wish our dear readers and your great men the best Father's Day ever!