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Count on lending a hand to help kids make cards and crafts he’ll treasure forever. Photo: iStock
It’s almost here! The day we celebrate the dads, grandpas and other father figures who are giving their all each and every day. That’s right — it’s Father’s Day, June 21, and it will be here before you know it.
While there are infinite ways to celebrate these special guys, you can’t go wrong with a thoughtful gift he’ll truly appreciate. So I went straight to the source — dads — by way of our ParentMap staff to find out what’s really hitting this year. Here’s what they had to say about the best Father’s Day gifts to give.
Traditional gifts can be great
It started with ties and fishing back in the day, and has expanded to now include grilling, golfing, lawn care and shaving. It got me wondering if these stereotypical “dad gifts” are on everyone’s list for a reason.
For our marketing communications specialist Devon Hammer’s husband, it’s “Golf … It’s always golf.” The same is true for our calendar editor, Julie Dodobara, whose husband bought himself a weed whacker for Father’s Day last year. A practical lawn care gift to say the least, it’s hard to pass up a good deal. For some families that’s part of the appeal of these gifts — they’re on sale to celebrate fathers.
For men with more traditional interests and passions, try one of these:
- Grilling thermometer, $59.99
- 9-in-1 multi-tool pen, $6.99
- Golf accessories kit, $24.99
- Harry’s original shaving kit, $15
- Shower steamers, $29.99
- Cooling hoodie, $65
Dad time — it’s a thing
I know for many moms, Mother’s Day wishes come in the form of time away from kids at a spa, on a hike or brunching with friends. But I wasn’t sure where dads landed on this topic. Are they interested in leaning in or leaning out on family time on their special day? Is scheduling time away from the family a great gift to give?
Our head of operations and finance’s partner really enjoys a “guilt-free day of doing whatever he wants.” And while that doesn’t necessarily mean kid-free or time away from family, it does mean letting dad take the lead on planning. Our calendar editor has some great ways to spend the day that will really get him thinking.
Our content editor Kari Hanson’s partner feels the same. “He and the other dads in our friend group usually like to go on a bike ride together or do something similar — like a Dad’s Day Out.”
Kid-made gifts make the day extra special
Of course, you can’t go wrong with gifts kids made. No matter how old they are, they’re guaranteed to melt any guy’s heart. Count on lending a hand to help kids make cards and crafts he’ll treasure forever.
Hanson shared this lasting idea that her kids enjoyed making too: “One year when the boys were little, they screen printed T-shirts for him. He still wears them both.” If T-shirt making sounds like something the father figure in your kids’ lives will appreciate, check out this design challenge from Life Is Good that takes kid designs from the paper to a tee. It runs through July 3.
Dodobara added that making a special meal or treat for dad is always appreciated. She and her son make this part of their Father’s Day tradition every year.
What about cash or a gift card?
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind for Father’s Day, but let’s be real, dads like cash and gift cards as much as the rest of us do. Especially if he’s saving for something or has his eye on a special gift.
Bronwyn Jones, our client services administrative assistant, explains why cash is sometimes king on Father’s Day in their house. “My husband and son have the same birthday, so instead of doing double duty, we go all-in on Father’s Day. He usually asks for money to go toward his tattoo sleeve as a present. Then, on Father’s Day, he asks for time to get said tattoo. Not really something you can wrap in a bow.”
Personal gifts for the win
Bottom line, there’s no wrong gift to give on Father’s Day. But many of our staff dads agreed that the gifts they appreciated the most were meaningful, personal gifts you don’t always find on a “best of” list.
Family fun editor Meredith Charaba’s husband appreciates a gift that keeps giving year after year. “We have a record player, and my husband always has an eye out for additions to our record collection. Whenever we’re driving, if a song comes on the radio and he says ‘This would be a good record to have.’ I save it to a wish list and draw from that for Father’s Day and other special occasions. This year he's getting The Smiths!”
Angela Goodwin, our marketing design specialist, had a similar find: “One year we ordered a custom viewfinder (who remembers those?) with pictures from a big trip we went on together. It’s cool because you can order new photo slides to add to it later. Definitely retro fun!”
If you want to get that viewfinder (who wouldn’t?) you can find it and a few other ideas here:
- Create Your Own Reel Viewer, $16.94–$34.95
- Pickleball Paddle Snack Tray, $35
- Make-Your-Own-Minifig, $11.99
- Interactive Dad Joke Mug, $28
- Crosley Cruiser Plus Record Player, $89
- Soccer ball soap-on-a-rope, $12.99
Happy Father’s Day to everyone who is making a difference in our kids’ lives!
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