Celebrated every summer on the third Sunday in June, Father’s Day evolved from its companion holiday, Mother’s Day. Inspired by a sermon on this day dedicated to moms, a woman in Spokane, Washington decided she should make a day dedicated to her father, who was raising her and her siblings. From then on, unofficial observations of the day took place until 1972 when President Nixon made it a national holiday. Just as the time and work that went into to getting the day officially recognized, today’s dads devote their energy to loving and supporting their families. As Father’s Day approaches, plan to show dad how much you appreciate him with one or more of these special treats.
Gifts for New Dads
When couples welcome their first child, the moms usually receive the bulk of attention from gifts at baby showers to offers of help so they can take a shower after the baby arrives. But the new Dad does a lot of work keeping Mom comfortable, fixing up the nursery, and helping take care of the baby. Give him special recognition with these unique, inexpensive Father’s Day gift ideas.
- Sweet notes: Decorate a jar or box in a style that Dad will appreciate. Fill it with handwritten notes describing special moments and activities that just he and baby do together. For example, if Dad plays a mean game of peek-a-boo, you could write, “Baby [insert name] loves when it is peek-a-boo time.” Try to have several of these so Dad can read a different one throughout the day. As baby grows, keep adding to stash for a gift that keeps giving.
- Remember the day: Since Dad probably had to push his old hobbies aside once the baby was born, let him relive a typical free day. If golf was his favorite pastime, set up a tee time at a local course. Got a sports fanatic? Send him to a game or give him the day in front of the TV to watch the games.
Gifts for Any Dad
Sometimes buying gifts for Father’s Day can be tough, especially when a tie just won’t do. But finding the perfect gift for Dads is possible when you think outside the box.
- Container giving: Instead of wrapping up a tie or button-down or picture frame, give a gift that Dad can use and let the container be part of the present. If Dad is a video game buff, buy a masculine-looking basket or storage box to hold new games and snack food. Then let him play all day. Does Dad like grilling? Then fill a grill basket with tools, skewers, and cleaning brushes. Add some new recipes for fun.
- King for the Day: What Dad doesn’t love being treated like a king? Give yours the royal treatment by starting the day with by cooking his favorite breakfast foods. Then wash his car while Dad chills out with a cold drink. In the afternoon, let Dad get an uninterrupted nap before heading out to dinner. Dad’s pick.
