Father’s Day for 2023 is Sunday, June 18th!
Are you ready?
HE DOES CARE; WHETHER HE SAYS SO OR NOT
I know fathers don’t fuss much if you don’t remember or don’t make a big deal about “their” day. Most of them could care less about what Hallmark and the US government decided to make official. They all will act like Father’s Day is just another conspiracy and an excuse to interrupt their Sunday nap.
Well; that is beside the point!
If you love your father; you should definitely be showing him some love and attention on this day; in spite of the fact that he will act like it isn’t important.
Of course, your father would love you; no matter what, but it is time to step up and give him the spotlight that he deserves.
If you are pondering what type of gift he would like to receive from you this year my best advice follows:
SHARE A MEMORY
Do you remember a time that you and your Dad enjoyed in the past that became a special memory just between the two of you?
If so; that would be a good day to base your gift around.
Maybe it was a fishing trip. You could purchase him some special fishing equipment and as you give it to him reminisce about that day.
Perhaps it was a ball game. You could buy him tickets for his favorite team and go with him to another game. Bring up your memory in the conversation about the invitation.
Maybe you shared a men’s retreat or conference with your church. Buy tickets again. Make sure it is a speaker he would enjoy, or a group he would relate to.
Was your favorite memory a camping trip? Camping gear goes over well if your Dad is a camping fanatic.
You get the idea here; chose your gift around a favorite memory you shared in the past and you can’t go wrong. Dad will think you are brilliant for being so thoughtful and he will love it.
A WRITTEN LETTER OF THANKS
My Dad has graduated from this earth and taken up residence in heaven now; but when he was with us I had the pleasure of giving him the best gift I think he ever received from me. My gift was actually for Christmas one year; but the thought could be geared towards Father’s Day with ease.
What did I do?
I sat down and wrote him a letter thanking him for everything that he had made possible in my life. I used details that brought back long forgotten memories. My Dad was moved almost to tears. I KNOW he cherished that letter.
I simply started from the day I was born and worked my way up through the timeline of my life and pointed out all the things that would not have been the same without his influence and love. If you want something that you can’t put a monetary value on – try this idea.
A GIFT OF TIME
Some Dads simply want you to make the time to enjoy each other’s company. Plan a day for the two of you to spend doing all the things that you enjoy doing together. Only you would know what that is; but give it some detailed thought and plan it out.
Is there a favorite restaurant that you like to go to together?
Do you have a special family recipe that you enjoy cooking with each other?
Maybe you have a hobby that is something that only you and your Dad would relate to and love?
Does your Dad enjoy racing, fishing, running, camping, hiking, horseback riding, golfing, tennis or any other outdoor activity? Have a day to do these things with him.
Maybe you might spend a day tinkering on a project he has going in his workshop or garage. Plan a whole day just to enjoy that particular thing together. Hand him the written invitation on Father’s Day. You may even learn a few things yourself!
THE GIFT OF HELP
Does your Dad have a lot of unfinished projects that he just can’t seem to get completed on his own? Maybe he is needing a helping hand. Write him a note telling him that you will be setting a certain amount of time aside to come over and help him with whatever he needs.
It might be mowing the lawn.
Or it could be helping to finish a half-finished home improvement project.
It might be some painting, or maybe he just needs you to help clean out the garage or basement. Bring your pickup and help him haul off junk and clean things up.
Whatever your Dad needs a helping hand with will truly make him happy whenever the two of you check that item off his never-ending to-do list together.
A LITTLE VACATION
Why not give Dad a much-needed vacation to one of his favorite places?
If your budget is feeling generous you can get creative with this. Give him a few days away from it all at his favorite mountain retreat, or your hunting or fishing club; or give him a stay at his favorite resort complete with a round of golfing while there.
Maybe there is a church retreat just for men that you have been meaning to invite him to attend with you. This might be the year to take that trip.
FRAME SOMETHING SPECIAL
Why not build a special frame to preserve something that you know he values?
My Dad and I shared a love for railroad history. We both loved the old train station in Birmingham, Alabama that was demolished years ago. One day my dad found some nice detailed sketches of that old train station. He was so proud of this find and spent lots of time talking to me about what a treasure he had stumbled on to.
I knew he loved those sketches and wanted to use them on his wall in his home; so I went to a framer and had them framed for him and wrapped it all up for a Father’s Day gift. I had to get my Mom’s help in coordinating this; but he loved it.
Is there something like that which your Dad has stashed away just waiting for “some day” to frame?
Some day never comes.
Surprise him and do it for him now.
WRITE HIM A SONG OR A POEM
Are you musical?
Do you play an instrument?
Could you compose a song just for your Dad?
I can’t imagine anyone not being extremely pleased with this unique and original gift. Make the lyrics special and use your own personal talent to serenade your Dad on his special day. If you have good-natured siblings; they could join in the fun with you and it could be a family moment that will always be remembered.
If you are too shy or can’t play a musical instrument simply put the words to paper in a poem. Read the poem out loud to him on Father’s Day.
Does your father have a hobby that he loves to do more than anything else in his spare time? Music, reading, gardening, sports, outdoor activities, building, collecting; whatever relates to any of those things that he enjoys the most.
I’ll use my own husband as an example here. He has been rebuilding the deck on our house for over a year now; whenever he gets a spare moment. He will soon have that task completed and he is looking to find things to add the finishing touches to an outdoor cooking area he is setting up. He needs a nice grill and grilling utensils. He needs a little bistro style bar area with stools. He needs potted plants to set around and a fire pit that could burn without causing a problem on a deck. He needs some more modern patio chars.
If he got ANYTHING back-deck/patio related; he would love that gift.
Is there something like this going on with your own Dad?
What are his current DIY projects based around?
Does he maybe need pool equipment; boating equipment; camping equipment? Maybe he needs some help stocking his bar in his man cave. If he needs to slow down and rest a bit; why not purchase him a hammock? Or you could give him a swing that attaches to his front porch. Think about it and consider your own Dad’s taste and desires.
ALL DADS LOVE A MEAL YOU COOK JUST FOR THEM
Dad is always grilling for you on special occasions; why not turn the tables and do this for him in your home?
Just make sure you issue your invitation in time so that he can set aside the time to attend.
It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate.
Dad’s like simple foods like hamburgers and hot dogs. If you are letting them rest and running the grille yourself as they sip on a cold one; they will be very happy with this arrangement.
GIVE HIM AN EXPERIENCE HE WILL NEVER FORGET
Does your Dad have a bucket list that isn’t anywhere near checked off yet?
Is there something exciting on that list which you know he would enjoy?
Can you find a way to make it happen?
Maybe he would like an airplane ride, a hot-air balloon ride, a steamboat cruise, a trail ride, something that he would not spend money from the normal budget on; but really desires to do.
I hope these ideas are at least a little bit helpful.
Whatever you pick; just remember the best gift your Dad ever had in life is Y-O-U. It doesn’t really matter so much what you do; just that you give of your time and energy in his honor and do it from your heart.
HAVE A WONDERFUL FATHER’S DAY!
Author’s Favorite Gift Suggestion: Does your Dad love to read? Why not bless him with a copy of our two latest books called THE GOSPEL HIDDEN IN GENESIS – BOOK ONE OF TWO, and THE GOSPEL HIDDEN IN GENESIS – BOOK TWO OF TWO. All you have to do to purchase them is to go to Amazon.com on-line and order them by filling in the titles. Hurry up though; Father’s Day is only a few weeks away. They can ship very fast if needed.
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