2024-07-09

father-sonFather’s Day is a celebration honoring fathers and fatherhood. We lift up male (and sometimes female) figures for their powerful roles and influence in our lives. So, naturally on Father’s Day, we want to find something special for our father figures that will not only make them happy, but also honors all they’ve done for us. When it comes to guessing what dad really wants or he could really use on June 15, more often than not, it just about the basics and luckily for you, most of the ideas only require your time and a little TLC. This Father’s Day, honor your father or paternal figure with these things.

A Day of Fun

Many dads want a little extra bonding time with their children on Father’s Day. As children begin to age, it’s easy for them to get caught up in their own daily routines and dads aren’t able to spend as much quality time with their kids like they used to. A day of fun with dad can be a really special gift, particularly for dad’s who haven’t been able to, but want to spend extra time with their kids. Bond with your dad based off his interests. If your dad is a thrill-seeker, take him on an amusement park outing filled with thrilling rides, funnel cake and tacky souvenirs. Not only is this a great opportunity for your dad to do something he already loves to do, it’s also a great time to show him that you care enough about him to spend time doing something special with him that he loves. Many dads just want to spend fun, quality time with their kids.

Vacation Time

After a hard, strenuous year, many dads would enjoy, and benefit from a little time away. A vacation can be a great opportunity to allow your dad to get out of his comfort zone and spend quality time with the people he holds closest to his heart. This is another opportunity to really play on your dad’s interests. For example, if he likes long drives, take him on a trip cross country and travel to places you remembered going to with him as a kid, or places you both wanted to travel to and never had a chance to before. It can even be a vacation to the next city over that you know offers the best go-kart experience. Give your dad a speedway, a go-kart and a helmet and tell me your dad won’t go crazy. Vacationing with your dad is another opportunity to bond while also getting some extra ZZZs and a little R&R.

Outdoor Fun

Many dads love the great outdoors and Father’s Day is a great opportunity to have a little outdoor fun with him. If your dad likes to fish, bond with dad at a local fishing hole or spend the weekend out at one of America’s best fishing spots. If he’s into camping, start a camping tradition. Pitch a tent, start a camp fire and swap memories about growing up. The two of you will love the opportunity to travel together down memory lane. Pull out your old camping gear and find a campground that’s near you for the ultimate bonding experience. You can even let dad explore his inner warrior with a family paintball experience. Nothing says I love you like a friendly battle of generations.

Time With the Family

Sometimes dad’s best gift doesn’t have to be to go to the fanciest restaurant in town or his favorite local bar but at home with his wife and children. For some dad’s, nothing’s better than coming home to his favorite home-cooked meal and having the rest of the evening to be with family. This goes back to a dad’s great love of quality time with the family.

A Fun, New Toy

I’d be lying if I didn’t put a fun, new toy on this list of what dad’s really want on Father’s Day. While quality time with dad is still important on Father’s Day, many dads won’t turn away a cool new gadget, especially if your dad is the kind of dad who likes to keep up with the Joneses by having the latest and greatest in technology. Has your dad had his eye on something all year, but hasn’t been able to get his hands on it, or maybe even afford it? If so, surprise him with it. There’s no doubt you will release his inner child with this one.

A Better Relationship With You

No matter what experiences you recall having with your father growing up, even the best of dads and the dads who have fallen very short will say they want a better relationship with their children. Whether your relationship has built up over time, or broken down over time, sometimes the best gift to a dad is giving him some father-son or father-daughter time. It’s important that you continue to nurture your relationship with your dad. Father’s Day can be a date you set to open the doors to spend more time together and to improve you communication. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Quality time with your dad never gets old.

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