A Simple Guide to Father’s Day

Whether it’s your first time putting something together for your dad, or you’ve exhausted all your usual options, or this is the first year you get to celebrate your husband being a dad, we’re here to help!

Holidays centered around parents can always be tough, for a myriad of reasons. Still, the most common issue children face is figuring out what to get or do for their dad on Father’s Day. We may have spent a lot of time with the man, but when it comes down to it, do we really know what to get him? Can we really honor him in the way he deserves? Here’s a quick guide to spark some ideas!

Creative Father’s Day Gifts

Fathers love getting gifts from their kids, especially ones that are handmade—and this isn’t just relevant for kids in kindergarten and elementary school! Here are some crafty ideas to get the wheels turning on a gift for your pops!

• For my visual artists, why not create a portrait? There’s a reason I’m including this on the Father’s Day post as well as the Mother’s Day. Portraits made by someone close to you are not only a window into your soul but also a window into how the artist sees you. Do a classic pencil sketch, with shading inspired by the masters, go full-out and abstract, including all the things your dad loves, or find your own balance in between!
• Crochet or knit a small garment for him. Be it gloves for the colder months, a scarf, a hat, or even just a cozy for his favorite mug, something cute, useful, and made by you is sure to be a smash hit.
• Dip into some clay and make some pottery! An ash tray, pencil holder, or so forth is an easy, classy, and useful gift for your dad. When I was younger I made a dish my dad could use for anything he wanted—and it’s still in his office to this day as a coin tray.

Outings for Father’s Day

So, your dad prefers to do things rather than get things, huh? Well that’s alright, we’ve still got some good ideas for you! From outdoorsy to plain ole time with family, here are some of our best recommended outings for Father’s Day.

• Shooting Range. If your dad is a hunter or an outdoorsman of any caliber, consider an outing to the shooting range! Spending time with your family, using firearms (safely), and maybe even trying out some cool ones you’d never get to shoot otherwise? Sign him up!
• Golf. I’ve never met a dad who doesn’t, on some level, enjoy a game of golf, so consider taking him out for a day! If he’s not a full-game guy, drop from 18 to 9, or even consider taking him just to a driving range. Top Golf is a fun experience, but you can do something as simple as setting up on a nice field and seeing how far you can hit it. If you’re in our area, stop by Pine Ridge Golf Club and see where the day takes you!
• Bowling. A oft forgotten pass-time, bowling is still alive and well! Gather up your dad, some family members, and challenge them to a friendly game. Or an unfriendly game, if that’s your family’s style. Top it off with a pitcher of beer or a huge pizza, and that’s a good Father’s Day outing right there.
• Brewery Visit. Like a the winery tour for mother’s day, we offer you a brewery tour for Father’s Day! It doesn’t have to be a tour if you (or your pops) doesn’t want it to be, but go ahead and make a list of the coolest breweries in your area and go out with your family in honor of your dad. Bonus points if you purchase him a tasting flight.

Unique, Easy Gifts

Okay, I hear you. Father’s Day is around the corner and you still don’t know what to do. Here are some simple gifts to get that let you show your dad you love him and didn’t forget this holiday.

• Key Holder. Not a keychain, a Key Holder. Now, you could get your pops a personalized keychain, or something that dangles, jingles, and reflects his winning personality and interests. That’s all still valid. However, if your dad wants to have his keys give off the same vibe as his favorite multitool or Leatherman, look no further than the key holder.
• Wallet Multitool. A flat metal tool that’s a pocket wrench, knife, bottle opener and more? Sign your dad, your brother, your sister, your cousin, your friend, and your grandpa up! This is the one my husband has, and it goes with him everywhere.
• A Personalized Leather Wallet. Now this isn’t a terribly unique Father’s Day gift, I know. Lots of dads get wallets. Lots of dads get personalized wallets. But have you considered personalizing it in a different way? Ditch the initials for something he loves. Maybe get a duck burned into the corner, a deer, a boat. Perhaps a quote he likes, or a quote of his own. Initials are great, but give your dad something that shows him you know him.

Hopefully that gave you a few ideas on how to treat your dad this Father’s Day! They fill a place in our lives that is so specific and important—it’s only fair we can turn it around and reciprocate the love they’ve shown us! Happy Father’s Day to all dads—new, old, and soon-to-be!