Homemade Father’s Day Gift Ideas – No More Ties!

What do you get for the man who has always been there for you? You want it to be something special, something he hasn’t gotten before, something that he will cherish. It cannot be the tired old gift of after shave lotion or soap on a rope. Not this year!

To start your idea list, think about the things you used to do or still do together. Think about the “firsts” he added to your life; the first baseball game, the first boat ride, how he helped you get your balance on your first bike, how he showed you it was fun to play the piano, your first hunting or fishing trip. Make a list of the things he does now or things you’ve heard him talk about doing but has never done. Somewhere in this list is the perfect gift for the man who has been your Father all these years.

Wallet Memories – Cut a business card size rectangle out of poster board. Decorate both sides with stickers, photographs, small messages, or drawings (for kids). Laminate it, and give it to dad. He can keep the card in his wallet – a reminder of your kind gesture.

Daddy Cake – Your child will love creating this Father’s Day cake. Bake a cake and then get busy decorating. You can create a golf scene for the golfing dad, a briefcase for the businessman, or simply, just a smiley face. Oh, what fun!

Short story – Write a short story where the hero is your dad. Don’t forget to mention some of the things you’ve always taken for granted, and never thanked him for. This will be a great keepsake for him. An alternative to this would be to write a poem for your dad and frame it for him.

Father of The Year Banner – design a father of the year banner and post it in the front yard before dad gets home on Father’s Day.

Breakfast in Bed – we always do this for mom, but this time, make dad’s favorite breakfast and serve him in bed. Better yet, make breakfast for 2 and leave him and mom alone to enjoy it.

Scented Pillow – sew a small pillow and fill it with cotton and a few drops of clary sage, marjoram or ylang-ylang, or a combination of them, for an anti-stress effect. If you like, you can also hand-embroider some sweet saying like “World’s Best Dad”.

Now, think of some of the things your dad did for you. Here are 10 more specific ideas for dads that relate to their hobby, or something they did for you as a child.

1. For the sailing dad, get him a hand carved scaled model of the winning sailing boat of the America’s cup to proudly display in his office or den.

2. If he still has his grandfather’s pocket watch, get him a leather covered case to display it.

3. If your retired Dad spends a lot of his time traveling in his RV, get him a pair of moccasins made from moose hide. They are comfortable and have extra grip soles for his safety.

4. If he collects small model cars or trains, get a display cabinet that will hold and show off his treasures.

5. If he rides the subway, get him cufflinks with the subway token in display.

6. For the man who showed you how to wish on the moon, give him an acre of Lunar Real Estate. He will get a certificate in the mail.

7. If he showed you the constellations, get him a telescope so he can easily gaze at the stars.

8. If his hands are always busy working on the computer keyboard, give him a squeezable ball to help relieve tension and work different muscles. They come in all sizes now from the baseball to huge ones that will work his shoulder muscles.

9. Did your Dad use to take you quail hunting? Give him a gourmet meal of roasted quail. They come vacuum sealed with all the juices.

10. You can also find a silver plated mouse for his computer and have his initials engraved on it.