A new tie or bottle of after shave might seem the obvious way to show your appreciation for Dad on June 19. But chances are he already has enough of both.
So instead of rooting through the tie table at Macy's again, it might be cool to try something new. Surprise Dad on Father's Day with something that you can enjoy together. In the end, corny as it may sound, giving some of your time to Dad is the gift he will probably like the most.
Here are some ways to make Father's Day a cool day for both of you:
1. Share Dad's favorite hobby with him. If you don't know what your Dad likes to do, find out! Whether it's baseball, fishing, or working in the garden, getting out there with him can make his day. Sometimes joining Dad for an activity he likes might seem like the most boring thing in the world. But even if you think you won't enjoy it, Dad probably will, and that's the main point of Father's Day.
2 Go to a sporting event with Dad. If the two of you have been rooting for a particular team together since you were a kid, why not give him tickets so you can see the action in person? This is also likely to be a day that you will enjoy too, so everybody wins!
3 Take Dad on an outdoor excursion. Try going to a park or lake that you've never been to before. Make an adventure out of the day. If your Dad feels up to it in the June heat, bring some bikes or take a long hike. But try not to wear him out too much so he can enjoy the rest of the day!
4 Do something with Dad that you haven't done in a while. You and your Dad may have drifted apart a bit over the years, so it could be time to reconnect and do something together that you used to enjoy. Go down to the basement and dig up that old board game or go outside and throw a ball around. Even if it seems boring to you now, Dad will probably enjoy it. And it's just one day, right?
5 Step into Dad's world. You might want to see what your Dad's life is like. Even though Father's Day is on a Sunday, pick a day of the week to go to work with your Dad if it's OK with him. He'll probably enjoy showing you what he does and spending time with you while he does it. If you can't go to work with him, you could ask Dad to show you how a checkbook works or ask him for other financial advice. Most fathers like talking about money, even if you don't.
Nobody gets along with parents all the time. That's just impossible. But this Father's Day, why not forget the office wear and give Dad some emotional ties instead. Doing something together can help you get to know each other a little better — and may even surprise you as a welcome change of pace from your own routine.