Father’s Day is a special occasion where we get the opportunity to recognize our dads for all they have contributed to our lives.
Finding that perfect gift can be incredibly difficult. You want it to be a perfect blend of appreciation and fun.
Turns out that the best present a dad can receive is spending quality time with him, doing something he loves.
SWNS Digital reports that a new survey by OnePoll shows that 76% of dads “prefer an experience over a physical gift for Father’s Day.”
And if you are wondering if your dad even cares about Father’s Day, the survey proves they do; with 57% of dads saying it is actually their favorite day of the year.
If it’s hard for you to think outside the box of ties and coffee mugs, then we have some great ideas for you to make Father’s Day a memorable experience.
The best part is they barely cost a thing!
1. Bake His Favorite Dessert
Maybe your dad always talks about grandma’s blueberry pie that he misses from when he was a kid, or he is partial to the hard to find caramel apple empanada.
Bake his favorite treat, making sure to throw in a few extra for that midnight snack, and present it to him in a decorated package.
Let your dad know that you remember how he enjoys the treats, and ask him to share his memories around them.
2. Watch A Sports Game Together
Watching your dad’s favorite sports team on tv is probably not your idea of an afternoon well spent, but having quality time with him is.
Find out what time the game comes on, and come ready to be the perfect spectating partner.
Bring the nachos, jersey, and war paint; ready to get into the game. It probably wouldn’t hurt to read up on the rules, so you can chat about the game as it is happening.
3. Make a Card
Buying a Hallmark card may look nice, and seem to say all the right things, but it won’t replace a personal message from the heart.
Get the glitter, buttons, and yarn out of the craft box, and let the kids go to town.
Add a favorite memory of you and dad together, along with a note of how much he means to you and the family.
4. Stay In For a Movie Night
Most dads love a good action flick, and adding either an ice cream sundae or popcorn can make the evening that much more fun.
If you want to make it a surprise, have a couple John Wayne and Bruce Willis movies on standby so he can pick what he is in the mood for.
Let dad know that you enjoy your time together, and are happy that he is there to have these special moments with.
5. Spend an Afternoon Fishing
Fishing out on a lake for the afternoon is many dad’s dream come true. Get your tackle box, pole, and vest, because you are about to enter a man’s sacred territory.
Ask what kind of fishing environment your father enjoys. You don’t want to be chatting the whole afternoon, when he wants to quietly float around.
Pack a nice lunch and dessert for the boat, adding a little note to his box about how you are spending Father’s Day exactly the way you wanted.
6. Have a Game Night
All dads have a hidden (or not so hidden) competitive side to them, and there is no better way to foster that than with an old-fashioned game night.
Choose one of the classics, like Monopoly, Life, Charades, or Rummy, and get the whole family involved.
Be sure to begin the game with a little toast for Father’s Day, raising your glasses to dad who has put in so much time for his family.
7. Cook Dad Dinner
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so dad will find no greater joy than to share a well-cooked meal together.
Prepare his favorite meal, even though it may be tempting to make your favorite heart-healthy meal instead.
You can decorate the table with some of your dad’s favorite things or memorabilia. To make it extra special, have each member of the family go around the table and say what they love most about dad.
Father’s Day doesn’t have to put you into debt in order to let your father know that you are thinking of him.
Put in the gift of time and effort to give dad the most memorable Father’s Day yet.
(h/t Mommy Underground)