“It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.” – Anne Sexton
Fathers play a significant role in their kids’ lives. They’re essential role models, influence children’s self-esteem and school performance, and make great coaches and fun-loving playmates. Once kids have grown and aged, fathers make great friends and confidants, and are there to lend a hand.
Father’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t be caught scrambling for the perfect way to show you care. Try some of these ideas to show your dad (or the father figure in your life) just how important he is to you.
Father’s Day Ideas to Make the Day Memorable
Create a Video Surprise
Make a “World’s Best Dad” video he’ll treasure for years to come. Put on your brainstorming cap for your own ideas, or try some of these ideas for your video. Share special memories of your dad, sing to him, read him a poem, or do skits. Get the whole family involved and conduct interviews with each other with Dad as the main topic. Don’t forget your props, such as a banner or collection of his prized possessions, including sports trophies or equipment, to add a personal touch. Most importantly, be sure to let him know just how much he means to you.
Make Him “King for the Day”
It isn’t every day your dad gets waited on hand and foot. Bring him coffee and toast in bed; fetch his newspaper; lay out his clothes, bath towel, and mat; be a host or hostess and serve him beverages and snacks; clean up after him and anything else to give him the royal treatment.
Create a Memory Book
Buy a scrapbook, and create a record of memories about you and your dad. Include photos of special outings, events, and holidays you’ve had together. Also include other memorabilia such as concert or sporting event ticket stubs, postcards, and brochures. Next to each photo or item, describe your memories of those special times with him.
Write Him a Poem
Get your creative juices flowing, and write a poem for your dad. You don’t need to be a poet to come up with a few thoughtful words to express how much he means to you. Describe the impact he’s had on your life, how he’s helped shape the person you are today, and what he means to you. Then print it on stationery, matte, and frame it.
Take Him to a Concert
Take your father to see his favorite band or performing artist, head to a jazz or blues festival, or pack up some lawn chairs, and enjoy a local concert-in-the-park.
Help Him with a Task
Has your dad been putting off the dreaded task of cleaning out his attic, basement, or garage? Give him a gift of shelving materials and brackets, wall racks and ceiling hooks, and storage crates. Then spend the day helping him to get it organized while catching up on old times.
Get Him the “World’s Greatest” Gift
Let your dad know he’s valued 365 days a year! Give him a “World’s Greatest Dad” coffee mug, t-shirt, book cover, bookmarker, wallet card, or another trinket that he’ll see or use regularly.
Surprise Him With a Sports Outing
Take your dad for a sporting good time. Play a game of golf, tennis, or basketball, go fishing, or enjoy a paddle around a lake. If being a spectator is more his thing, buy tickets to his favorite sporting event, such as a baseball or soccer game, boxing match, or auto race.
Plan a Weekend Getaway
Get in touch with nature and each other on a camping trip for two. Either rough it in a tent or rent a mini cabin at a state park. Spend your weekend hiking, sightseeing, fishing, boating, playing cards, and taking it easy together.
Have a Father’s Day Feast
As the old adage goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, treat dad to a mouth-watering barbecue. Fix him his favorite: steak, ribs, chicken, burgers, or chops for starters. Don’t forget the grilled potatoes or squash, garlic bread or rolls, fresh green beans or asparagus, sweet corn, potato salad, and last, but not least, his favorite dessert.
Gift Him a Relaxing Experience
What better way to show your appreciation for all his hard work than to indulge him? Give your father a gift certificate for a professional massage, which will be sure to please.
Create a Framed Photo Collage
Put together a photo collage of you and your father. There are many ways to do this. Find instructions at your nearby craft store and create a Decoupage photo collage. Keep it simple with a multi-photo frame, or buy a unique 3D photo collage frame. You can find them at art and craft supply stores and online.
Take a Stroll together
Enjoy a peaceful walk in the park or the country together. Better yet, gather your bikes or roller blades, hit a scenic bike path, and enjoy the fresh summer air.
Get Creative with “Dad Coupons”
Show Dad you appreciate his hard work by returning the favor. Make coupons that say: “In appreciation for all that you do, Dad. Redeem this certificate for a hassle-free car wash by me!” Other favors include sweeping out the garage, mowing the lawn, or any other task he usually handles.
Catch a Flick…..or Two
Treat your dad to a movie fest. Rent a couple newly released videos or some of his long-time favorites. Or head to the cinema for a double feature. Whether you take the movies in at home or the theater, don’t forget the hot, buttered popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
Gift Him a Poetry Book or Novel He’ll Love
Give your dad a book of poetry specially written for fathers. Try one of these:
- Fathers: A Collection of Poems by David Ray and Judy Ray
- Fathers: Collected Poems by Ken Koprowski
- Thoughts to Share With a Wonderful Father: A Collection of Poems by Blue Mountain Arts Collections
Or if he’s a big reader, get him a book or two he can enjoy!
Give the Gift of Giving
Does your dad have a favorite cause or charity such as the Humane Society, the Nature Conservancy, or the American Cancer Society? If so, why not give him a membership or make a donation in his name? Remember, small donations add up and are always appreciated.
The Best Gift? Letting Dad Know He’s Loved
No matter how you choose to celebrate, what matters most is taking the time to show the father figure in your life that he’s appreciated — not just on Father’s Day, but all year long. Whether you go big with a weekend getaway or keep it simple with a homemade video and his favorite meal, the thought and effort you put in will mean more than any gift ever could.
Looking for even more ways to celebrate Dad in Central New York?
Check out our CNY Events Calendar to discover family-friendly events happening near you — from outdoor festivals and concerts to local outings that make for a Father’s Day he won’t forget.
