It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.
– Anne Sexton
Fathers play a significant role in kids’ lives. They’re important role
models, influence self-esteem and school performance, make great coaches
and are fun-loving playmates.
Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 21st, 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 do 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 butler for the day: Take him coffee and breakfast in bed; fetch his
newspaper; lay out his clothes, bath towel and mat; serve him beverages and
snacks; clean up after him and anything else to give him the royal
treatment.
Memories of Dad –
Purchase 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 listen to a local
concert-in-the-park. Watch a YouTube video of his favorite singer.
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 and brackets,
wall racks and ceiling hooks or storage crates. Then spend the day helping
him to get it organized while catching up on old times.
World’s Greatest –
Let dad know that he’s the greatest 365 days a year! Give him a “World’s
Greatest Dad” coffee mug, t-shirt, book cover, bookmarker, wallet card or
another 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 football game, wrestling match or horse 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 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 together in a park or the country. 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 newly
released videos or some of his longtime favorites. Or head to the cinema
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 - “
Fathers:
Collected Poems”
by Ken Koprowski
“Thoughts to Share With a Wonderful Father: A Collection of
Poems”
by Blue Mountain Arts Collections
A Gift of Giving –
Does your dad have a favorite cause or charity such as The Humane Society,
The Nature Conservancy or 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.
