How to Make Dad Feel Special on Father’s Day

Even when children have long left the nest, your role as parent never really stops. It may evolve over time, turning more into a friendship as your kids become adults. And if your father is still around, you might still look to him for advice and counsel.

Father’s Day is one day out of the year to really make the dads in your life feel special. Whether it’s cherishing your own father, honoring your children who have become fathers themselves, or acknowledging the father figures we’ve had throughout our lives, let’s use Father’s Day to show them how much we appreciate them.

The One Gift All Dads Want

If you find yourself struggling with gift ideas, you’re not alone. The cliché of giving dad a tie for Father’s Day is pretty outdated. (How many ties does a guy need, anyway?) But there’s one gift that practically every dad would love. It fits any budget, works for dads of all ages and sizes, and can’t easily be returned.

This Father’s Day, skip the tie and give Dad your time.

Five Fun Activities for Father’s Day

The gift of time is a great way to do something together that both you and the dad in your life enjoy. It can even bridge generations, with you, your dad and your own children doing an activity together.

Here are five fun things to do with Dad:

1. Treat him to a meal. Everyone needs to eat, and sharing a meal together can be a meaningful way to connect and spend time. Any meal will do – brunch, lunch, coffee or dinner. Choose a restaurant you all enjoy, have a picnic at the park, or host it at your house. The food is less important than the conversation and time spent together.
    
2. Go to a ballgame. Father’s Day is in mid-June, which is prime baseball-watching season. Major league games are great, especially if you’re local fans, but minor league or farm team games are a lot of fun, very family friendly and often easier on the budget.
    
3. Do a project together. If you or the dad in your life are fairly handy, do a home improvement project together. Working on a shared project has a way of letting the conversation flow. Besides, having something to show for your efforts at the end of the day is a present unto itself.
    
4. Plan a family reunion. Summer is a good time to get far-flung families together. If the past few years of being socially distant has taught us anything, it’s that we need physical connections more than ever. Plan something that is convenient for most family members, taking into consideration various ages and abilities. From a simple potluck picnic in the park to a big-ticket event like a family-friendly cruise – the memories you make will last for years.
    
5. Tell him how much he means to you. Sometimes it’s hard to speak from the heart. Consider writing down your feelings in a card for the dad in your life to read later, or record a video message for him to watch. Sharing genuine, heartfelt words in a card or video will not only stir up some sweet emotions, but they will also be a treasured keepsake.

Two More For You

If you’re a father and you plan to spend the day away from family, look at it as an opportunity to honor yourself. Here are two things you can do:

1. Do something you love. This is your day, so spend it indulging in your favorite things. Carve out time to read a book, enjoy the great outdoors or meet up with friends. Whatever makes you happy.
    
2. Compile some dad-isms. Everyone loves wise words from people who have lived a full life. Take some time and write down a few pieces of advice or catchphrases to pass down to the younger generation, whether it’s to your own kids, your nieces and nephews, or a young adult who looks up to you. Having these “dad” notes can help them when they need a pick-me-up or some words of wisdom.