Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and although we want to, it isn’t always easy to celebrate Dad. My guy is easy going and would prefer to skip the fishing trip and spend a quiet day at home. I find it difficult to shop for him, and after exhausting the usual tie, wallet, and electric razor gifts, I want to make Father’s Day celebrations a bit more meaningful. Here are six easy and heartfelt Father’s Day celebration ideas that are entertaining, don’t break any budgets, and will be appreciated by any dad.
Dad Quiz
Dad Quiz
Create a quiz to see who knows Dad the best. The best thing about this Father’s Day activity is that it brings the entire family together around the man of the hour. The quiz can have simple questions about Dad’s favorite color or favorite food and can also include fill-in-the-blanks and “two truths and a lie” type questions. Everyone can take this quiz and compare answers to see who knows Dad the best, even Mom. This activity provides a unique opportunity for everyone to get to know Dad as a person and not the Work Dad, Coach Dad, or Take Out the Trash Dad. This quiz is also great for grandfathers too.
Create a Playlist
A long, long, time ago, during the neon age of the 1980s and 1990s, one of the most endearing things that someone could do for someone else was make them a mix tape. A mix tape had a specially curated list of songs recorded on a single audio tape. The selected songs and even the order that the songs are played are purposeful and emanate from the heart and soul. Of course, the modern-day mix tape is now called a playlist and it is much easier to put together using music apps such as Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora.
Everyone will enjoy adding songs to a playlist that Dad can listen to in the car, walking the dog, working out, or just hanging out and be reminded of how much he means to his inner circle. The best part is telling Dad the reason why each song was chosen. To take it a step further, write down the song titles and the story behind the song choices and turn it into a Father’s Day card.
Dad Chores
Show Dad how much he is appreciated by doing some dad chores. He will be surprised to wake up on Father’s Day and see his hard-working squad cleaning out the garage, landscaping the yard, or washing his car. The kids will feel the benefits of performing a targeted and specific act of service. A few things on the “Honey Do” list can get checked off as well!
Dad Crafty Creations
Channel your inner art teacher, put the kids to work, and have them create a one-of-a-kind Father’s Day crafty creation to celebrate Dad. I garnered inspiration from the various Mother’s Day gifts that my kids made for me throughout the years. A plain wooden frame has numerous possibilities. Just decorate with the art supplies on hand and insert your favorite “Dad and me” picture. You can also insert a kid-created drawing/painting, poem, or handprint. This is a great activity to occupy free time in the summer and it will likely tug on Dad’s heartstrings.
Dad Impersonations
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Show Dad how much he means to the family by doing the best dad impersonation. Whether he is yelling at the kids to keep it down, coaching the baseball team, or excited when his favorite football team scores a touchdown, the kids will love to poke fun at and celebrate Dad. To make things interesting, have the entire family act like Dad until he notices!
Dad Night
Many dads will sit through everyone else’s shows, movies, and other entertainment choices. On Father’s Day, celebrate Dad and let him pick out the entertainment and menu of the night. Dad’s favorite show, favorite food, and favorite people is the best way to end the day.
Get to know the guy who is proud to be your one and only Dad, and take some time this Father’s Day, and every day, to let him know how much he means to you.