"He didn't tell me how to live;
he lived, and let me watch him do it."
~Clarence Budington Kelland
On July 19, 1910, the Governor of Washington proclaimed the first "Father's Day," but it did not become a U.S. national holiday until 1972, 58 years after Mother's Day was named an official holiday by President Wilson. Why the delay? One florist explained, "Fathers haven't the same sentimental appeal that mothers have."
Well, we at Macaroni Kid wholeheartedly disagree! I fell in love with my husband all over again when I watched him bottle-feed our first child; and then again with our second. I am inspired by his acceptance, patience, devotion, and love of our children ... and of me!
Perhaps my son said it best when, at age 3, he announced, "Mommy, I want to be just like Daddy when I grow up!" I sighed audibly and smiled to myself when I heard the sentiment. After a short pause, he added, "Or a giraffe!" Yes ... a daddy or a giraffe ... both are inspiring indeed!
Here are a few gift ideas to let Dad know he's special this Father's Day:
If Dad has a favorite hobby (golf? art museums? fishing? cycling?), schedule a day on your calendar (or several) where he has no other obligations and can enjoy a day doing just what he wants. Write the date(s) on a piece of paper and attach them to the gear or tickets he'll require.
What is the #1 chore he hates? Create a gift certificate letting him off the hook for a week, or a month, or the summer and do it for him (or hire someone). One year I hired lawn-care service for the summer and he was tickled pink when he realized he wouldn't have to mow the lawn again till next summer.
Has Dad ever gotten an old-fashioned straight razor shave? Lots of men want one but would never splurge on it for themselves, and many barber shops still offer this option. Add a neck and shoulder massage to the package if you can!
If Dad loves ale or stout, how about a subscription to The Beer Connoisseur magazine, a Mr. Beer® brewing kit, and a personalized beer stein.
Got a coffee-drinker in the house? A photo mug and a bag of his favorite beans plus a gift card to his favorite coffee shop will be a great way to start his day.
For the father who travels a lot for business, consider a pair of personalized, recordable stuffed animals. Dad can put a personal message for the kids, and they can do the same for him! Check out Bearegards.com or CuddleTunes.com.
Here are some dad-recommended books:
- For the soon-to-be dad: The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be
- For the new dad: Keeping the Baby Alive till Your Wife Gets Home or Rookie Dad: Fun and Easy Exercises for Dads and Babies in Their First Year
- For the sentimental dad: Why a Daughter Needs a Dad or Why a Son Needs a Dad
- For the techie dad: Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share
- For the science-minded: The Geek Dad Book for Aspiring Mad Scientists
- For the history enthusiast: The Constitution: The Essential User's Guide
- For the war buff: Taps on the Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton
- For the dad who likes to laugh out loud: Sh*t My Dad Says or The Household Tips of the Great Writers
- For the grilling guy: 1001 Best Grilling Recipes
- For the sports nut: Red and Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend or Babe: The Legend Comes to Life
- For political satire fans: America: A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction or America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't
Of course, when all is said and done, most dads are like most moms ... time with their families and a homemade card topped the lists of the dads we polled. As one dad put it, "All I want is a nice long hug and a kiss from my baby girl."
You might also like ...
- Life Lessons We've Learned from Our Dads
- 8 Ways for Dad to Bond with Baby Before and After Birth
- Memorable Father's Day Photos
- "Dad Rocks" Picture Frame
- Shadow Picture for Dad
- Following in Daddy's Footsteps
- A Toolkit for the Sweetest Father's Day
- We're Nuts for Dad
- Make a "Tee" Bag for Dad
- DIY Photo Coasters
