Spoil Dad on His Special Day

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to celebrate our dads and all they do for us day in and day out. Dads are our everyday heroes, so it’s natural to want to spoil them rotten with gifts that keep on giving. If you’re in need of some fresh ideas on what you can do for the dad in your life this year, keep reading. This article is for you.

• Let Dad sleep in. Shhhhh. Keep the kids quiet and let Dad lounge in bed as long as he likes. As parents, we know that this is always a great gift.
• Bring him breakfast in bed. Do you know what his favorite breakfast food is? Secretly find out and then let the kids help you prepare it while he sleeps in. Don’t forget the coffee!
• Go fishing. If he enjoys sitting out by the lake, have the gear ready to go and packed in the car ahead of time. Enjoy the day with fishing poles in hand and bring along a picnic lunch!
• Listen to music…live! Does he like live concerts? If so, plan to take him to one in your area on Father’s Day. Or, have the kids put on their own live concert for him in the backyard.
• Head for the stars. Pack up the car with blankets, a telescope and midnight snacks and head for the nearest rural area where light pollution is low. If Dad loves astronomy, he’ll enjoy teaching the kids all he knows as you gaze into the night sky.
• Check out the cars. If Dad loves cars, check out the local car clubs to find a nearby show of vintage hot-rods or the latest and greatest. Let him share stories about his experiences learning to drive, his first car, etc.
• Take him to a game. If Dad loves sports, purchase tickets for the family to watch his favorite team live in action. Check your local stadiums to see whether they offer Father’s Day discounts.
• Make him a custom gift basket. Whether the basket is big and elaborate or small and personal, purchase his favorite things and fill it up with love! Kids love helping pick out items to put inside. They also can make some things to help fill it. Some ideas include candy, nuts, jerky, his favorite beverage, gift certificates, tools, movies, games and a good flashlight.
• Pamper him. Whip out the lotions and oils and let the kids give Dad a foot or back massage. Put cucumber slices over his eyes and spoil him with relaxation!
• Make him coupons. Let the kids help make personalized coupons for Dad that he can redeem throughout the year. Ideas include dinner at his favorite restaurant, a free driveway car wash, a movie night of his choosing, game night with the family (he chooses the games), a free foot massage, ice cream night, etc.
• Do all of his chores for the day. Mow the lawn, wash the car, take the trash out. Give him a break and do the things he normally does each day. He’ll love it!
• Treat him to barbecue. Grill his favorite meat and fixings while he relaxes outdoors. Play Frisbee or catch with him after dinner.
• Get Dad in the kitchen. Does Dad love cooking or want to learn how? Sign up for a cooking class in your area and see what you can cook up!
• Build something together. Whether it’s a birdhouse, a garden, an outdoor flower box or a rock wall, spend the day bonding with Dad being creative and constructive. This is a memory that’ll last a lifetime!
• Go bowling or golfing. Whichever Dad likes most, do it. When the game is over, be sure to take him out for lunch, dinner and/or dessert.
• Visit a historic site. Is Dad a history buff? Visit a history museum, war memorial or another historic site in your area. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!
• Have a movie night. Order his favorite pizza for dinner and then whip up some popcorn for everyone to enjoy a family-friendly movie of Dad’s choosing.
• Go on an adventure. Take a hike, go on a helicopter ride around the city, take the train somewhere fun, visit a rock-climbing gym or an amusement park, play paintball or go camping. Have fun with Dad.

Whatever you choose to do with Dad on Father’s Day, be sure to take pictures and really enjoy your time bonding. Sure, you can give him store-bought gifts, but the gift of time and togetherness is always the best gift of all. Together, you’ll be making memories that will last forever.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein loves thinking up and finding new ideas with her daughters to celebrate Father’s Day each year.