He's always been there for you. Whether coaching your little league games or loaning you his car for prom, he's gone the extra mile...and then some! Maybe he was like former President Harry Truman, who threatened a Washington Post music critic with physical harm (“You'll need a new nose!”) after he gave his daughter a negative review. Or maybe he's the father of your children, that incredible catch you chose to make a future with. And now there's a whole day dedicated to showing your appreciation for this wonderful man in your life. A word to to the wise: Don't disappoint.
Below are five common blunders loved ones make when celebrating this special guy.
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1. Buy Him a Tie.
Did you know 3 out of 5 fathers will receive ties for Father's Day? Yawn. Even with men who actually like ties, this gift is so ridiculously cliched as a Father's Day gift it practically screams, "I gave you two whole seconds of thought this year. Enjoy." Lack of planning results not only in a less-than-thoughtful gift, but a message that communicates “you really aren't worth the effort.”
Definitely not what you're trying to get across to the dad in your life. Instead, consider who he really is. Does he belt in the shower? Tap the steering wheel in time to the radio? Instead of a tie, why not give him a Songwriting Experience? By working with a professional songwriter to create his own jingle, he'll have the perfect chance to explore both his creativity and musicality! Now that's a gift.
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2. Make it Complicated and Pressure-filled.
Ask most dads what they want to do on Father's Day and they'll mutter, “Just give me some peace and quiet.” This does not mean he wants to retreat to his man cave all day! Most dads want to feel appreciated, and enjoy together time with his kids and woman. They just don't want hassle. This is where you come in. Take care of the details, and spirit Dad off to someplace he'll enjoy, whether it's a cabin in the woods, a blanket on the beach, or a hotel in the city. Keep it simple and fun. It'll draw you all closer together, and create lasting memories, too.
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3. Don't Show Appreciation.
This is a big no-no. Fathers need, and deserve, our thanks! And a hastily signed two-dollar greeting card isn't cutting it. Neither is calling him long-distance...collect. (Father's Day is actually the busiest day of the year for collect phone calls. Fail!) Instead, give him something with heart. Kids can write essays or poems about him and read them at dinner. Or create a Father's Day photo album, where everyone shares their favorite memories. While it doesn't have to fancy, appreciation should be heartfelt. After all, Father's Day should make dad feel loved, appreciated, and even a little pampered. Activities that bring everyone together to honor dad are the best gifts of all!
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4. Don't Get Creative.
Let's be honest: it doesn't take much effort to be boring. Imagination, however, is king – not to mention fun! It also lets your man know you were really thinking about him. One great idea that involves the whole family is creating a restaurant atmosphere to make dad's favorite dish on Father's Day. Have the kids work together to serve the meal, and go all-out with ambiance. You can even incorporate a father's day theme by naming his courses based on the traits the kids admire in him.
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5. Don't Know Thy Man
Nothing is more thoughtful than a gift that reflects who someone really is. That's why generic doesn't work! So, do your homework. Is Dad a sports nut? Consider major- and minor-league games in the area. If baseball's not his thing, there are often arena football, soccer, high school sports, and even some college athletics going on. Even if there aren't any to watch, take him out to the park and play your own! Nothing is more fun than family football, softball, volleyball, or whatever sport he likes best.If he's more of a sci-fi guy, go for a fun gadget or even some lunar real estate. That's not a gag gift, by the way – he can actually legally own 1 Acre on the Moon. Talk about an interesting conversation piece – and a prudent potential investment! Bottom line: Dads can be surprisingly sentimental, and few things move them more than a unique gift given or created with them in mind. Thoughtfulness and creativity are key to great gift-giving!
