Gifts can be so personal! They actually should be personal, but I know often when I don’t have a “perfect” idea, I just search for a “something” I can give that shows my affection. Let’s be dead honest here too, men are a little tricky to buy gifts for. That is why there are jokes about Father’s Day ties, because it’s a thing! Dad sometimes wears ties, so let’s buy him a new tie! Hooray…until dad opens it and gives you that sheepish grin of “Wow, you really shouldn’t have!” So unless your man has an obvious hobby and an ongoing list of things you should consider, then we have a variety of ideas for you! Let’s look through the lens of the 5 love languages hoping to appeal to a wide variety of people. (There are summaries at the end of each paragraph if you want some quick ideas!)
Let’s start with Words of Affirmation. If the dad you are trying to celebrate responds to Words of Affirmation, then consider taking the time to write a letter of the things that dad does well! 🙂 This definitely is my dad; kind words and compliments are his love language! Purposely filling their love bucket with your sincere compliments will go far to bless this dad! Every dad is good at something and actually probably several things, so put it in writing, something they can refer back to when they are needing a boost. If this is for your hubby, then let me recommend a Love Note Journal! This is the gift that keeps on giving, and is a great permanent place to write all those words of affirmation! There are some creative ways to do this too, for my birthday, one of my best friends, gave me a deck of cards with a compliment on each card. I LOVE this darling gift! It sits on my dresser and I usually change the card on top around once a week. Words of affirmation are not even my love language, but I feel blessed to have kind words from this sweet friend reminding me that there are a few things I do well. 🙂 You could definitely do a “Heart Attack” from your kids (Look here for inspiration!)
Words of Affirmation Gift Summary: Thoughtful letter, Love Note Journal, Deck of Cards full of Compliments, Heart Attack of Love
Next let’s take a peek at Father’s Day gifts for Physical Touch Dads! Ok let’s look into a great massage place for this dad! A gift card to a local masseuse with a cute note about ironing out life’s wrinkles could be just what would make this dad feel loved! I personally love a great reflexology and so does my brother! No need to remove clothes at a reflexologist, just wear some comfy loose fitting clothes and you are in for a treat! I have been to few cities that don’t have several options, so search for reflexology and see what you discover. Maybe invite dad to go on a relaxation date, and go to the reflexology together. I have a couple friends who make this a date night! Another idea for this dad is a big hammock, one big enough for two…If you buy one of these and set it up in a shady spot, it’s the perfect place for some one on one time for dad and a young kiddo or even a spouse. Picture relaxing together, chatting and holding hands! Sounds dreamy. 🙂
Physical Touch Gift Summary: Massage Gift Card, Reflexology gift card or date, Hammock for two for future cuddles & convo!
Now let’s discuss the dads who value Acts of Service! This is the dad that would rather have you take something off his plate than give him a trinket. This is my husband! So over the years we have become pretty fluent in this love language. Coupons with actions that are helpful are something easy for kids to create and this dad loves them. We have given coupons for car washes, a car vacuum job, clean the pool job, backyard chores, a batch of fresh homemade cookies, a chocolate cheesecake, ironing 15 shirts and etc. Remember these are gifts from kids to their dad, so not only did the kids come up with their service, but they also need to complete it! I personally love this gift as well, because I want my children to have experiences to serve their dad, who so often does things for them! More coupon ideas here. For this Dad, a child can offer to be a personal assistant on a Saturday morning! A driving child can offer to run errands for a few hours. The options are endless. Don’t forget to examine perhaps hiring a landscaper for a one time overhaul, or to pull out the tree that you have been ignoring, or just to tackle something on the big ol list of things to do that would be a relief to this dad, and he will feel loved. Planning a fun date or planning a day full of activities for some one-on-one time with dad, allows him a chance to connect with each of his kiddos but he doesn’t have to plan it! For example, a gift card to go to breakfast with Annie, and new tennis balls to play tennis at the park with Kurt, and tickets to go see a movie in the afternoon with Kelsie. Anything to simplify this dad’s life is going to go over huge!
Acts of Service Summary: Coupons for Service, Kid acting as personal assistant for 1/2 a day, Kiddo running dad’s errands, set up easy one on one dates with kids that are ready to go.
Now we have a chance to examine gift for the dad that appreciates Quality Time! I LOVE quality time. This is what fills my bucket so much. I love spending time with my loved ones doing a happy activity that we love. I LOVE face to face conversation without distraction. I’m just saying I understand this dad! Two things right off that we have mentioned before: Dates individually with kids are awesome if the kids come up with this, but equally powerful if you help make it happen for the littles. More on this here (#1 idea) and here, but bottom line is have each child give dad a gift certificate or groupon for an activity that would be a fun time for him. Please know just throwing a frisbee at the park is a happy activity and that doesn’t cost a cent! Although these are great frisbees for all ages, because they are fun to throw and don’t hurt fingers. I also love to play games with my family, so if your dad loves quality time and games, here are a few games we LOVE: Skull King, King Domino, Splendor, & Bohnanza! So. Much. Fun! Sometimes the perfect gift for this dad is a gift that took time to create and sends a message of “You are worth my time!” Like an album, or photo book, or something at which you excel like painting, music or the like. My niece recorded herself singing several Broadway show tunes and that gift went over hugely!
Summary of Quality Time: Gift cards or Groupons for experiences for one on one time or for the whole family. Games to play and the time set aside to do it, personalized photo album, or a weekend away!
Which leads us to the Dad that actually prefers receiving gifts. This dad feels loved when someone takes the time to buy or make something meaningful. Okay we are going to go for a list for this one and hopefully spark your creativity.
- Sock of the Month Club
- Chocolate of the Month Club
- A new set of Legos for master builder Dad
- Electronic Scooter for neighborhood rides with kiddos
- Fitness Watch (Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin and etc.)
- Pickleball paddles and balls (Our new favorite sport! So fun!!)
- Apple Air Tags for the dad who loves new tech
- New work out Clothes for the fit dad
- Office Fidget Toys for the Executive Dad (we have purchased these and this–so fun!)
- Photo Calendar or any photo gift (Check out Costco Canvas prints, mugs, collage prints and calendars!)
- A book series for Dad with his favorite treat. (Have you seen The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson–LOVE)
- New Wireless Earbuds
- Scavenger Hunt with Dad’s favorite Treats (have the kids help with this!)
- Luxury Pen
In the end, maybe a combination of two of these categories will be the perfect fit for the cool dad you are celebrating! Perhaps a new book series and the rest of Saturday off to put up his feet and read while the family does the weekend chores. This tells dad he is amazing and loved.
I have half a desire to go on a tangent about the power of a good involved dad, but I bet you already know! 🙂 Dads are amazing! Have some fun celebrating the terrific dads in your life. 🙂
P.S. I’m obligated to tell you there are links in this article. These links bring you to Amazon. If you buy something we will receive a tiny portion. (obviously at no cost to you!) Thanks if you do 😉
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