Tired of giving Dad the same old socks and ties? This year, think outside the gift box! From treasure hunts for new horizons and toe-tapping concerts to gifts of love and backyard adventures, these fun and unexpected Father’s Day ideas will make Dad smile, laugh, and feel like the appreciated superhero he is.
Growing up we did the standard issue tie or can of car wax for Dad along with a card and lots of hugs. There are a lot more options out there today. I am hoping to stimulate your thinking about what the Dads in your life REALLY want this year.
What Dad Really Wants for Father’s Day
Other than world peace, most Dad’s want to know that they are loved and to share experiences with their family. This father’s day we can do better than the old tie trick!
Experience Gifts
1. Ball Game: Wrap up a new baseball glove or baseball bat, but surprise Dad with tickets to see his favorite team. Professional baseball games can get expensive, so consider attending a minor league or local college game—they’re just as fun!
2. Hiking day: Introduce your dad to the awesome art of geocaching and give him a handheld GPS. Geocaching is an absolute blast, and not only will Dad be intrigued, he’ll be totally up for the challenge of finding those caches!
3. Concert: Bring some of Dad’s music to life by finding out when his favorite group is coming to town. Tickets to a concert may be a little pricey, but isn’t Dad worth it?
Gifts of Knowledge
4. Classes: Wrap up a course book from the local community college and tell Dad that he can register for a course he’s wanted to take next semester. Or if Dad’s not the studying type (or already has the degrees he wants!), find a class that aligns with his hobbies or interests. Consider: riding or flying lessons, woodworking lessons, cooking lessons, music or dance lessons (with Mom, of course!). There’s a place near us (Heritage Homestead) where they teach all sorts of homesteading classes. The Engineer has taken bee keeping, blacksmithing and horse farming to name a few. Maybe there is a place near you that offers the perfect fun class for Dad!
5. Training: Sometimes it’s hard for dads to admit they need help with something, so a private trainer is the answer. Whether it’s a personal trainer at the gym, a few hours with the golf pro at the course, or solo time with a speed coach, whatever Dad loves, there’s a pro out there to help him improve.
6. Stylist: Though he may not think he needs a personal stylist or a make-over, many dads need a little jumpstart to move them in the direction of finding their best self. Most department stores or salons offer styling and make-overs. Believe me, Dad will love it.
Subscription Gifts
7. Music Channel: Tons of music subscription channels are on the market now, so shop around and find one that suits Dad’s needs. Wrap up a pair of headphones along with a note explaining the gift, and Dad will be a happy guy.
8. Favorite Television Channel: Whether Dad loves movies or sports, news or the arts, there is a premium subscription channel for him. Treat him to his favorite for a few months, and I’m betting he’ll be over the moon.
9. Magazine Subscription: Time, Sports Illustrated, Vibe, or National Geographic. People, Wired, Men’s Health, or Car & Driver. Though we’re in the digital age, magazines are still super fun to receive, read, and share.
Gifts of Love
10. Really, all Dad wants for Father’s Day is to know he is loved and respected by his family, so do for him what you know he will love and appreciate. Consider:
- Making all the meals for the day
- Taking over Dad’s household chores for the day
- Treating Dad to a foot massage or back rub
- Putting on a show or play for Dad
- Playing music or singing a song for Dad
- Writing a story about Dad or a poem for him
- Compile a picture/video file of fun family times with Dad for a digital frame
- Or make a playlist of everyone performing (together or separately) something special for Dad to have on a digital frame
Whatever you choose, the main goal is to let Dad know how much you appreciate and love him. So this year, skip the socks and surprise him with something unforgettable. Whether it’s a memory-making adventure, a subscription he’ll love, or a heartfelt gift of time, Dad deserves to feel like the hero he is. Go big, go bold, and give a Father’s Day he’ll never forget—it’s the dad-venture of a lifetime!
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- New Year’s Interview: Fun Family Tradition
PIN THIS FOR LATER
I love giving photo gifts for Father’s Day, but I love the experience gifts too. What a great memory for all involved!
EMMA! super idea–totally forgot photos! Thanks for the reminder!
I start with what has not worked: We got the dad a monogrammed ring last year. Well the ring ended up being too tight on daddy’s finger. After he wore it first thing on the Father’s day morning, his finger started to swell up. We tried a few tricks by searching on Google to remove the ring, but none worked. As daddy’s finger got worse, we had to take a trip to the emergency room and have the ring cut off by the hospital personnel! Obviously not a perfect father’s day of course!
This year we are going to make it up to him definitely! I like the #10 Gifts of Love ideas. Still got some time left, so we’ll figure it out!
Sanam! WOW! That IS a tough Father’s Day!! But I suppose it’s the thought that counts, right? Here’s to a better Father’s Day 2014!
My husband is still deciding on what he wants. These are great ideas!
Thanks, my friend! Do let us know what he decides when he figures it out !