Well readers, it’s hard to believe it is already September and Father’s day is upon us this very weekend. For no particular reason, I have written about Mother’s Day every year, and yet Father’s Day has mostly slipped on past without any real recognition. I am one of the lucky ones who does have a strong bond with my biological father, but I am well aware not everyone is as blessed. However, this post isn’t just for other daddy’s little girls or father son duo’s. It is for anyone who has a father or father figure in their life that they are looking to celebrate or spoil!
If you have left your Father’s Day plans to the last minute and are looking for some fun ideas, look no further!
1. Football.
Maybe your father is into the AFL for those of you in Australia, or he’s like my dad and says that Soccer is the real football! It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, rich or poor, this is an easy one if you have a footy fan on your hands. Buy him tickets for a game, or simply take him for a kick in the park, or to watch a match at the local sports bar over a beer.
2. Fishing.
If your father is more of a fisherman than a footy fan, fear not. You could buy him some fishing gear, anything from a new rod, to a tackle box or just some brew for the trip. You could take him fishing to the local waterways, watch a documentary on fishing, or go to a fishing expo if you can find one. Maybe just take him to the local fishmonger, or, if he likes fish as pets, to your local aquarium to buy a non fur baby!
3. Fragrances
Some fathers are less sporty or outdoorsy. Perhaps yours is a serious businessman or plays more video games than sports. That’s ok, what man doesn’t want to smell nice? There are some lovely men’s fragrances out there, and some for every budget too. Often the knock off’s are just as good, but if you have the means, why not spoil him with a designer brand? Most chemists have a fragrance section, as do most department stores and even discount stores. If you aren’t sure what he’d prefer, maybe take him with you and make it part of a fun day out.
4. Fro Yo
That’s frozen yoghurt for those of you who aren’t sure. After taking him for a fishing trip or game of footy or fragrance shopping, why not stop in for a sweet treat? You’re never too old for frozen yoghurt or ice cream. You only get old because you stop playing, not the other way around, so take the old man for ice cream with the kids! Forever young!
5. Flea Market
Sometimes you find the most unique gifts at the flea market. Hand crafted, one of a kind, thoughtful specific gifts can be located at these places. It could be a fun day out with the father figure in your word, or a fun day out for you on the Saturday before you gift to him on the Sunday. There is often live entertainment, food trucks, face painting and everything from fancy watches to French pastries or French horns!
6. Family Photos
This could be a voucher for a photographer to get the family together for a portrait shot, an organized shoot itself, or a collection of photos printed into an album as a gift. It could be as creative as a slideshow set to music with special effects, or a digital photo frame programmed with the family photos, to a simple single photo in a frame. It could showcase him as he gracefully ages through the years, highlight his achievements or actually be a live interview where you ask him about his life and record the results.
7. Favourite Foods.
Foods can make great gifts. Does he love a packet of wine gums like my father in law, or does he enjoy a square of fudge here and there? Perhaps he is more savory and would prefer a packet of specialty barbeque sauces or spices or a cheese subscription where they send you different cheeses to sample each month? Could you gift a voucher for his favourite Italian restaurant, or even better make a booking and go together, your treat?
8. Frisbee
Sometimes the simple things in life are the best. Young or old, anyone can throw a frisbee in the park. Throw it to the dog, throw it to the kids, throw it to each other. Have a throwing competition and see who can throw it the furthest. It’s more about the time spent together than the frisbee really, but sometimes some fresh air and something simple really are just what the doctor ordered. Maybe it will bring back some old memories, or maybe it will just make new ones, but you’re never too old to throw a frisbee with your father.
9. Festivals
Is the man in your life new age and into psychics? Maybe see if you can find a new age fair to take him to for a future reading? Is he still into old school rock music? Maybe there is a music festival you could take him to? Is he living the grey nomad life? A caravan expo might be just the ticket.
10. Fart Jokes.
Name me a father that doesn’t still smile at a fart joke?! Buy him a book, write one in his card, or have a farting competition. See who can make the loudest fart noise with an armpit, or buy him a silly sign for the toilet that says “Father’s Fart Factory!” Grab a roll of novelty toilet paper, a book, a small basketball set or putting set and some air freshener and make a little entertainment package for when he’s hiding out in there for some peace!
11. Farmers Markets
Some generations are still the salt of the earth type. Maybe they are farmers, or they just do like a spot of gardening. You could pick up some fresh produce for a quiet picnic, or some bulbs and seeds for planting. You could just take a stroll around together taking in the fresh smells and colours and tastings. You could hand pick your eggs from the hens, or pick up some home made meals for the week, or even try your hand at selling from a stall?!
12. Fruit Picking
If your father or father figure has more of a sweet tooth but is watching his weight or trying to be healthier, there are usually plenty of places around to go fruit picking. It is usually a very cost effective way of selecting the freshest juiciest fruits straight from the vine or tree or plant, whilst also offering meandering time together having some family fun in the sun!
13. Films
If your dad isn’t really the outdoors type, why not take him to the local cinema for a film? There is usually something for everyone, from family friendly to fascinating futuristic films. You can go gold class, and enjoy a meal and a drink while you watch, but these days the frugal fares still get you a recliner chair in air conditioned comfort. And if there is nothing out just now he wants to see, a voucher is a good option because we all know the next big thing is always just around the corner in the entertainment and blockbuster industry!
14. Flights
Ok, I admit most of us probably can’t afford to just whisk someone away for a flight to anywhere, but if you are fortunate enough to be in the position to do so, why not fly to France for a family holiday?! But it doesn’t have to be as elaborate as that, does your dad like flight watching? That can be a free family activity, or there are usually Groupons for a flight simulator to see how he’d go if he moonlighted as a pilot? There are joy flights, scenic flights, helicopter flights. And most malls or arcades offer flight simulations of joy rides if you aren’t too keen on the real deal?!
15. Footwear.
We all need shoes. Even people in wheelchairs wear shoes. I saved this one for last, not because it is the best, most ground breaking idea, but because I personally bought my dad footwear for his birthday this year. He mentioned he could use some new white bowling shoes, as he is a proud member of a lawn bowls club in his retirement village, and his shoes were looking worse for wear with holes in the soles and looking more grey than white. I proudly presented him with a pristine pair of white shoes in the correct size, but sadly they didn’t fit….. because I had unknowingly selected a pair from the ladies section! Haha So if you are shopping online, make sure you’re in the menswear department first! At least we got a laugh and a new memory out of it, and I did exchange them for a men’s pair that did fit in the end!
Of course this list is not exhaustive, but it fits in so well with my adoration of alliteration and it was fun and fast to write! Happy Father’d Day to all the Father’s and Father Figures out there. Anyone can be a Father, but it takes a real man to be a dad or a father figure. Thanks Guys! You deserve the world, especially my dad. I know you all think yours is the best, but it can’t be true, because mine is the best, hands down, aren’t you dad? Love you!
❤ Love,
Your Best Friend ForNever
xx
