Father’s Day is nearly here, and you might be wondering what to get your dad this year. It’s not about the money you spend on a gift, but the time you spend with your dad. Make the day truly special for him with one of these ideas to honor and appreciate the most important man in your life.
Let Him Tell Old Stories
Whether your dad is the silent type or he’s a man with a gift of gab, chances are that he doesn’t usually have a rapt audience for his old stories. Now’s the time. Whether you’re together in person, on Zoom, or you give him a call, ask him to tell you an old story. “Tell me about the time…” or “What’s that story you used to tell us as kids about…?” Not only does he get the pleasure of reliving the old days, he’ll feel the love of knowing you want to hear his story.
Encourage His “Dad Jokes”
Got a dad who knows all the eye roll-worthy puns? Is he the kind of guy who says, “Pull my finger?” Instead of asking him to stop, Father’s Day is the perfect time to let him revel in his own silliness. He’ll think he’s hilarious, and you’ll get the fun of remembering jokes you’ve heard your entire life.
Do What He Loves with Him
From fishing or bowling to watching old movies or bird-watching, whatever your dad loves to do, now is a great time to do it with him. It’s not about the activity itself, unless you love it, too. It’s about spending time with him while he’s doing something he loves — with someone he loves. You may learn a thing or two about your dad in the process.
Watch Old Home Movies
Was your dad the type to bring a camcorder to everything when you were growing up? Did he figure out the camera on his smartphone before he learned to text? He’s got a lot of memories in those old movies. Walk down memory lane with him this Father’s Day and watch those movies together. You may cringe at your 90s haircut, but he’ll love reliving “the good old days” with you. As a bonus, digitize those old movies for him, too.
Cook Him a Meal
If you can be together in person, cook for him. And if you’re an awful cook, order in or take him out. What matters most is sitting down for a meal with your dad. It’s a great time to listen to his stories or roll your eyes at his puns, too. If your dad has a special recipe or something only he can make, try cooking together. He can pass down an old tradition that you can carry on with your kids in the future.
Write Him a Letter
Want to let your dad know what he means to you, but find it hard to say it out loud? Write him a letter. Pour out your heart and let him know how much you love him. Talk about those tough teenage years that neither of you thought you’d survive. Let him know what he’s taught you and what he means to you. A letter is something he can read over and over again, and it’s something he can keep forever, so even when he misses you, he’ll still have your loving words.
Plan a Trip Together
Now that the worst of COVID seems to be over, planning a family trip is safer for vaccinated people. Plan a road trip or a destination trip with your dad. Maybe it’s to an old cabin in the woods, a motorcycle ride across the state, or to an attraction he’s dying to see. Sit down together and figure out when it’ll happen, plan out the details, and make it happen. On the trip, by car or plane, you’ll have time to chat, reminisce, and enjoy each other’s company.
Make a Family Appreciation Video for Your Dad
Record family members answering a set of questions about your dad. This is especially great if you have multiple siblings or if your father had a big impact on other family members’ lives, too. Ask questions like:
- What do you love best about dad?
- What’s his funniest joke?
- What’s his worst joke?
- What’s your favorite memory of him?
You can play each video separately or do a simple edit to string them all together and even add music. There won’t be a dry eye in the house while he’s watching.
Here at Charlotte Insurance we wish all dads, granddads, and dads-to-be a very Happy Father’s Day.