It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.
— Anne Sexton
Fathers play a significant role in their kids’ lives. They’re important
role models, influence children’s self-esteem and school performance and
make great coaches and fun-loving playmates. Once kids have grown and aged,
fathers make great friends and confidants and are there to lend a hand.
Father’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t be caught scrambling for
the perfect way to show you care. Try some of these ideas to show your dad
just how important he is to you.
Video Surprise
– Make a “World’s Best Dad” video he’ll treasure for years to come. Put on
your brainstorming cap for your own ideas, or try some of these ideas for
your video. Share special memories of your dad, sing to him, read him a
poem or perform skits. Get the whole family involved and conduct interviews
with each other with Dad as the main topic. Don’t forget your props such as
a banner or collection of his prized possessions, including sports trophies
or equipment to add a personal touch. Most importantly, be sure to let him
know just how much he means to you in your video.
King for the Day
– It isn’t every day your dad gets waited on hand and foot. Offer to be his
loyal servant for the day. Bring him coffee and toast in bed; fetch his
newspaper; lay out his clothes, bath towel and mat; be host or hostess and
serve him beverages and snacks; clean up after him and anything else to
give him royal treatment.
Memories of Dad –
Buy a scrapbook and create a record of memories about you and your dad.
Include photos of special outings, events and holidays you’ve had together.
Also include other memorabilia such as concert or sporting event ticket
stubs, postcards and brochures. Next to each photo or item, describe your
memories of those special times with your father.
A Man to Remember –
Get your creative juices flowing and write a poem for your dad. You don’t
need to be a poet to come up with a few thoughtful words to say how much he
means to you. Describe the impact he’s had on your life and how he’s helped
you to become the person you are today. Then print it on stationery, matte
and frame it.
Musical Moment
– Take your father to see his favorite band or performing artist, enjoy a
jazz or blues festival or pack up some lawn chairs and enjoy a local
concert in the park.
Togetherness Takes Two –
Has your dad been putting off the dreaded task of cleaning out his attic,
basement or garage? Give him a gift of shelving materials, brackets, wall
racks, ceiling hooks and storage crates. Then spend the day helping him to
get it organized while catching up on old times.
World’s Greatest –
Let dad know he’s the greatest 365 days a year! Give him a “World’s
Greatest Dad” coffee mug, t-shirt, book cover, book marker, wallet card or
other trinket that he’ll see or use regularly.
Sports Buff’s Surprise –
Take your dad for a sporting good time. Play a game of golf, tennis or
basketball, go fishing at the river’s edge or enjoy a paddle around a lake.
If being a spectator is more his thing, buy tickets to his favorite
sporting event such as a baseball or soccer game, boxing match or auto
race.
Weekend Getaway
– Get in touch with nature and each other on a camping trip for two. Either
rough it in a tent or rent a mini-cabin at a state park. Spend your weekend
enjoying nature hikes, sightseeing, fishing, boating, playing cards and
taking it easy together.
Father’s Day Feast
– As the old adage goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
So treat dad to a mouth-watering meal on the barbecue. Fix him his
favorite: steak, ribs, chicken, burgers or chops for starters. Don’t forget
the grilled potatoes or squash, garlic bread or rolls, fresh green beans or
asparagus, sweet corn, potato salad and last but not least, his favorite
dessert.
Treat Him Like a King –
What better way to show your appreciation for all his hard work than to
indulge him? Give your father a gift certificate for a professional
massage, which will be sure to please.
Just the Two of Us –
Put together a photo collage of you and your father. There are many ways to
do this. Find instructions at your nearby craft store and create a
decoupage photo collage. Keep it simple with a multi-photo frame, or
purchase a unique 3D photo collage frame. These are available at arts and
crafts supply stores and online.
Take a Stroll –
Enjoy a peaceful walk in the park or the country together. Better yet,
gather your bikes or roller blades, hit a scenic bike path and enjoy the
fresh summer air.
Certificates of Appreciation –
Show Dad you appreciate his hard work by returning the favor. Make coupons
that say: “In appreciation for all that you do, Dad. Redeem this
certificate for a hassle-free car wash by me!” Other favors include
sweeping out the garage, mowing the lawn or any other task he normally
handles.
Catch a Flick … or Two –
Treat your dad to a movie fest. Rent a couple of
newly-released videos or some of his long-time favorites. Or head to the
cinemas for a double feature. Whether you take the movies in at home or the
theater, don’t forget the hot, buttered popcorn, candy and soft drinks.
Get in Touch with His Soft Side –
Give your dad a book of poetry specially written for fathers. Try one of
these:
-
“Fathers: A Collection of Poems” by David Ray and Judy Ray
-
“Father’s: Collected Poems” by Ken Koprowski
-
“Thoughts to Share With a Wonderful Father: A Collection of Poems”
by Blue Mountain Arts Collection
A Gift of Giving –
Does your dad have a favorite cause or charity such as the Humane Society,
the Nature Conservancy or the American Cancer Society? If so, why not give
him a membership or make a donation in his name? Remember small donations
add up and are always appreciated.
