Father's Day Ideas

Written by Amanda Liljedahl
With Father's Day less than a week away, there is still time to make this one Dad won't soon forget, by giving a thoughtful gift to show your appreciation for all he does. Here are some ideas I have come up with to make a happy father on his special day.

1) Dress up your little boy in Dad's suit and frame with the caption, "I wanna be just like you when I grow up."

2) Prove that "a picture is worth a thousand words" by taking a picture of your gang spelling out "I love my Dad". The letters can be made by shaping colored tape onto white jerseys or onesies, or use masking tape on matching darker colored shirts.

3) Have kids make Dad a paperweight for his office. Find a rock in the yard, wipe it clean, let dry then paint.  Wrap with the caption "You're Our Rock."

Some Other Ideas....


For the new Dad:

A framed picture of his little baby's hand print (use a washable stamp pad in pink or blue) will surely melt dad's heart on his first Father's Day, especially if mom writes a poem below like this one I came up with:

I know my hand is still so small

With your help it will learn to catch and throw a ball

My hand will always reach up to you

for love and guidance in all I do

With this hand, we'll give high five's

and hold each other close for all our lives

For Dad's that like to Grill: 

How about putting together a "cookout basket" with Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby's book, License to Grill or The Thrill of the Grill, some flavored smoking chips which give meat extra flavor while cooking (available at William Sonoma and Restoration Hardware) and a gift certificate or box of Omaha Steaks. If you have a gadget obsessed hubby or father include a Grill Daddy (as seen on infomercials) available at your local pharmacy to clean off your grill with steam power. To complete the basket, kids can decorate a white apron, sold at craft stores, with their hand prints for Dad to proudly wear while tossing burgers on the deck!

For Dad's that like to Golf:

How about a gift certificate to a local driving range? Hitting a bucket of balls is much more affordable and takes up much less time than a round of golf, but will still give dad a little time for himself and time to perfect his swing. Some personalized golf balls from http://www.personalizedgolfballs.com might also be a nice touch. Kids can get in on the fun by setting up a mini golf course for dad to try with them in the yard. All you need are some small flags (colored paper and sticks), a few obstacles (hit the ball through the paper towel roll and into the tin) and a little imagination.

For Dad's that like the outdoors:

A SIGG aluminum water bottle from a sporting goods store and the book Best Hikes with Children in Conn, Ma, and RI, might be a nice start. How about a hammock for relaxing in the yard? Make the gift giving an adventure in itself by having the children make a map of the house or yard and give clues to lead Dad to his gift.

For Dad's that drive the kids around all week/weekend:

Surprise Dad with a car wash on Father's Day morning. Give the kids some sponges, a sudsy bucket filled with car cleanser (available at any hardware store), and a hose and let them get to work making Dad's car shine. Maybe add in a gift certificate for an interior carpet and seat shampoo at your local car wash.

For the Baseball fan:

Red Sox tickets are pricey and difficult to obtain, but the minor league games provide a similar experience for a lot less money. Dad would surely love a trip with the family to see the Pawtucket Red Sox or your local minor league team. Wrap the tickets inside a pair of red colored socks from Walmart, and put together with an official shirt of his favorite player, all wrapped in the sports section of the newspaper and tied with a bow.

For the music lover Dad:

Find a time to "borrow" Dad's Ipod without him noticing and download a compilation of meaningful songs, from itunes and label; Father's Day Play list. Some songs to consider might be, Paul Simons' Father and Daughter, Lonestar's Front Porch, Luther Vandross's Dance with my father, Bob Calisle's Butterfly Kisses and Daddy's little girl by Karla Bonoff.

These gift ideas are sure to please the great Dads and Grandads in your life this father's Day! Just use your children's help and a little time and creativity to show the important men in your life how much they mean to you.

About the author:

Amanda Liljedahl lives in Needham with her husband and five children (two boys, a set of identical twin girls and their newest addition, another girl). She chronicles her days which include arts & crafts projects, great recipes for the family and driving her kids from hockey practice and ballet to what's happening in her life as a mom, wife and friend on her blog: www.thelittlelilypad.blogspot.com.