Celebrate Dad with thoughtful gifts

EAST COAST MOMMY

With June 20 fast approaching, it's time to start thinking about how you are going to spoil the special men in your life this Father's Day.

A thoughtful gift is always a fantastic way to show your dad how much you care. I have a variety of wonderful, budget-friendly options that are perfect for kids and adults to give this year.

When it comes to gift giving, young children can use their imagination and crafting skills to create adorable handmade cards and gifts their dads will love. With a few cuts and folds, a piece of cardstock can be transformed into a card that looks like a dress shirt with a collar. Add a colourful paper tie and a heartfelt note and you are good to go.

Children can also make a variety of crafts from simple materials. Paper “#1 Dad” medals and painted rocks that say “My Dad ROCKS” are easy to make and fun to give.

Older children can spend time creating more labourintensive and sophisticated homemade items. Spending some time in the kitchen baking up a batch of your dad's favourite cookies is a wonderful option or creating an edible “flower” arrangement is a great idea too.

In the past, my boys have crafted donut bouquets for my husband that made a whimsical and fun Father's Day treat. Simply insert Timbits onto the ends of wooden skewers, arrange the donuts into the shape of a bouquet, secure in place with an elastic, wrap the arrangement in tissue paper and tie with a ribbon.

Tweens and teens can also give the gift of their time by creating custom coupons for outings together, breakfast in bed, cleaning the car or helping around the house. These are guaranteed to brighten your dad's day. This year, my 11-year-old made a coupon for his father that can be redeemed for 30 minutes of help with yard work. I know my husband will love it!

Adults can give meaningful gifts to their parents too, but it can often be a challenge to buy a gift for a dad who seems to have everything he needs. To minimize clutter and waste, I love the idea of buying something consumable.

Consider gifting a personalized mug with a gift card to dad's favourite coffee shop or wrapping up a beer mug with a variety pack of craft beer. You'll be getting your dad something he'll use and enjoy while also supporting local businesses, which is extra important this year!

Gifts are great but don't forget to make your dad's day special by showing him how much you enjoy the time you spend together. Consider planning a picnic at the park, a backyard barbecue, a movie night, an afternoon playing golf, a hike on a favourite trail or a family bike ride. And if spending time together isn't an option this year, a phone call or virtual “get together” online is sure to be appreciated.

Dads are special people, so don't miss out on the opportunity to spoil them on Father's Day. Shower them with homemade cards and gifts, spend time together if you can and let them know how much they are loved and appreciated.

Happy Father's Day!

Gina Bell is a mother of three and can be found online at www.eastcoastmommy.com.