Now that I have a little mini in my life, Father’s Day has taken on a new meaning! Whether this is your first Father’s Day that you have to plan/buy for, or your 10th, here are a few fun ideas for both the activity and the gift:
Activities
- My all-time favourite – a scavenger hunt. I am planning this for my husband as an activity for Jaxson and him to do together (my father-in-law will also be here to join in on the fun). I have prepared a batch of envelopes that will lead them to various locations — a coffee shop, the park to sit and read a book and play, and then brunch). Along the way I have also included little gifts for my husband to open — a bottle of cologne to start the hunt which I will hide in the house and have him find, a gift card for the coffee shop so that him, Jaxson and his dad can grab a treat and a coffee, a book about Father’s Day and some candy to sit on the grass and enjoy (including some Puffs for Jaxson to munch on). This is a fun activity for the kid/kids to enjoy with their dad. If your kids are a little older, they can participate in making the trail and picking out the gifts. Having them write out the stops and decorate the envelopes/letters setting out the scavenger hunt is also a great learning activity and fun craft time!
- Making dad breakfast (or lunch or dinner)– this is a fun activity to do as a whole family, allowing the children to participate as well
- Going to the park (including some snacks (dad’s favourite treat) and perhaps a little trinket gift like a book about Father’s Day to read when you get there)
- Going to see a movie that is appropriate for the whole family to watch together
- Using the gift you buy dad as an inspiration for an activity — for example: if it is a fishing rod, take dad fishing
- Going out as a family for a meal is also a nice treat for everyone to enjoy together. Dads also love BBQs!
Gifts
- Dad’s favorite cologne
- T-shirts for the family (for example: “Papa Bear”, “Baby Bear”)
- A book about Father’s Day that the little kids can write a message to dad on the inside
- Some new clothes
- A gift certificate to his favourite restaurant/store
- Taking Dad out for a meal
- Something to support a hobby (I mentioned the fishing rod above)
- Gardening/yard/camping tools or equipment
- Dad’s favourite treats/snacks/drinks
- Something homemade that the kids can have fun creating — key chains are always fun to make (buy a ring and attach something symbolic or special for dad). A hand print is also easy and fun!
- A framed photo/picture book of baby or baby and dad together.
- I find it is also nice to ask what they would like — maybe that something they wouldn’t typically buy themselves, but it is something they want/need.
Happy planning for Father’s Day, and an early Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there!
*Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18 this year!
M.J.
