Father’s Day can be such a fun day. I love how my husband embraces spending the whole day with the kids. However, as the other parent-partner, I do help the kids with general organizing of this day. They’re always excited to celebrate him but I don’t want them to think they have to buy a bunch of things to show how much they love and value him. He much prefers gifts that are thoughtful, show effort and come from the heart.
I’m big on less is more…and less can be better. For example, our children make their own cards. Five dollars or more for a card just makes me cringe. (Keep their cards forever in a box because they’re priceless.) We focus on giving gifts that are valuable to the heart, like photos and homemade treats. One year, our children wrote and acted a play all about their dad. it was hilarious and I can’t believe we didn’t film it! When teenagers give gifts of time, like taking their dad for a hike or offering 5 hours of yard work, you know it’s appreciated!
I’m one of those people who has lost a parent but still wants to find ways to honor them. My dad died several years ago. I try to find ways to connect to the memory of his wise advice and fun sense of humor. I love to tell stories about him to the kids…about what he was like when he was little, the goofy things he liked to do etc. We make sure that we are in the present and honoring those with us as we also honor the fathers that were there before. Our children love to hear these stories and learn more about their ancestors…it gives them a sense of connection. It gives me a sense of connection too, even though my dad is no longer with us.
6 Economical Ways to Celebrate Dad
Plan: Sit down with the kids in advance and plan out what you’re going to do for Father’s Day. They will learn that pre-planning usually results in a more enjoyable event. Brainstorm ideas and make an action plan. Pre-planning results in less impulse buying of cards and gifts.
Cards: My dad always loved to receive cards. Our kids have made sweet heartfelt cards as well as funny cards for their father. One year they pasted a picture of themselves in front of his favorite tree on the card. These homemade cards are thoughtful and personal. If you do buy a card, make sure the child adds something to the card such as a nice message. Even the little ones can draw a picture to show their love. Now that our children are older, they love to pull out the old cards they made years ago. Deep down those kids are actually sentimental!
Letter to Dad: Telling Dad why you love him and why you value him is sure to bring joy. As you read these notes, it’s a great time to talk about the fathers before. What was his father like? What traits did he pass down…was he funny, did he have blue eyes too?
Activity: Plan for an activity or adventure for the kids to do with their dad. Does he like going to the movies…taking a hike…attending a car show? It’s an opportunity for Dad to share his passion with his children. Have the little ones pick out a book they want to read with Dad. Once again, it’s a chance to share what the fathers who came before liked to do. What did Dad do with his father…did they like fishing together or building model planes?
Gifts: The reality is, Dad can buy his own power tools or new fishing rods. Dads are less about what they get (or what you spend) and more interested in the gifts you think he will love. Create a thoughtful gift like a coupon book for chores around the house. Or perhaps plan a bike trip or other outside activity. Make a playlist of Dad’s favorite songs or download his favorite movie. If your dad loves chocolate chip cookies…well a tin of cookies is sure to be appreciated. Ask Dad what he used to give his father. I’m willing to bet it was much the same as these thoughtful gifts.
Meals: Going out for dinner is fun but so is cooking at home, and it’s more economical. It’s a perfect opportunity for the kids to help with meal decisions, prep and clean up. Older kids can even handle the grilling or the chopping. My dad loved having fried chicken on Father’s Day. While my husband loves fried chicken too (and was happy to have it while my dad was alive), he really prefers a juicy steak, a baked potato and a green salad… so we make that now. However, every year we talk about all the favorite foods that my dad and my husband’s dad loved. My mom has wonderful memories of Louisiana-inspired dishes that her dad used to make. It’s wonderful how cooking and food brings back so many memories and connects us to our loved ones.
Recipes Dad Is Sure To Love
One of Dad’s favorites!
A special dish for a special meal.
Dad will love this recipe!