How to Give Dad Something More Meaningful Than Material This Father's Day

Of course you’ll want to give your dad something that he’ll love on Father’s Day. You can (and probably SHOULD) give him something material for the big day. This year, give something to express just how much you love him and couldn’t do life without him.

Check out these sweet ideas for gifts for the dads in your life that come directly from the heart.

• Time- Most fathers just want to spend time with their kids. Set aside some time to spend with just you and dad. Do something apart from your routine with him that he’ll remember for years to come.

  • Practical Idea- Plan a day spent partaking in dad’s favorite hobby or thing he’s been wanting to try. Present him with a gift card for a day of golf together or a woodworking class to take with him. Set the date to ensure both your calendars are cleared.

• Memories- Some dads are sentimental. Take time to reminisce with dad about the happy memories you’ve shared.

  • Practical Idea- Create a custom photo book of childhood photos with dad. Write captions summarizing your happy memories together.

• Respect- Many dads would say that they hope their children grow to respect them. It ’s sometimes difficult to say how much you do respect the man who you’ve known for your entire life. Instead of letting it go unsaid, share with him just how much you respect him and all he’s accomplished.

  • Practical Idea- Create a mug using this sharpie mug tutorial. Write words that sum up how much you respect him. On a piece of paper or a card, expound on each word. For example: “Intelligence” on the mug along with a list of all the ways you respect your father’s smarts. Fill the mug (and the card) with all the ways you respect him.

• Gratitude- The art of gratitude is lost on people these days. Although Father’s Day is a great day to show dad you appreciate him, it’s important to make sure to thank him specifically for what he’s done for you.

  • Practical Idea- Write a heartfelt thank you note to go along with your other Father’s Day gifts. Don’t just assume a store-bought card will do the trick. Place a letter of thanks inside your card for dad to read. He’ll appreciate your show of gratitude and will love it.

• Self-Care- Moms are often the ones who are given self-care style gifts, such as a spa day. Fathers need to take the time to care for their own wellbeing and are often not encouraged to care for themselves. Dads carry lots of stress and would love a way to recharge their own batteries.

  • Practical Idea- If dad appreciates a good massage, set up an appointment for him with a therapist. Your dad may recharge with the help of a good book and some time in a café. Give him the latest book from his favorite author along with a gift card for a coffee shop so that he can enjoy some alone time doing what he loves. Outdoorsy dads may love the gift of time set apart to hit the trails.

It’s possible to give dad a gift he’ll remember for more than just the material reasons. Use these ideas as a springboard to plan the best Father’s Day gift yet!  

Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash