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Now that's not to say that they're not thankful. In fact, if yours are anything like mine, they're usually really appreciative of the little stuff, and get awkward when you do too much. That electric drill you've been eyeing might be too expensive for him to accept. Plus it opens up the "now get out there and work on the porch" implication. It's a fine line we children walk.
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In my opinion, it's best to avoid all of this together. Folks, it's time to exercise those DIY skills.
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These days, meals are an important part of any cele ation. And, while Mother's Day tends to go down the unch route, when I think Father's Day, I think dinner. More specifically, I think grilling.
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Grilling is great in that it has a ton of possibilities. Whether dad's favorite protein is shrimp or steak, chances are you can throw it on the heat. It's totally veg-friendly, too. (Have you ever tried grilled butter lettuce or hearts of romaine with a Caesar dressing and some shaved parmesan? Be still, my beating heart.)
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If you're looking for some grilled inspiration, The Kitchn has a great collection of recipes here.
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Given the fact that Father's Day falls in the middle of June, chances are you'll want to enjoy the awesome weather. Granted, firing up the grill gets you outdoors, but why not ing the family together for an activity? It doesn't have to be much -- my family has had some epic badminton games over the years -- just enough to get moving and get bonding. (I should put a word in to First Lady Obama to see if she wants in on that slogan.)
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If you do want to get pops a present, let me again encourage you to stick with the DIY theme. Coupons (100% off a car wash or a lawn mowing) are a good standby, a travel kit with tools for the open road (a flashlight, maps, a tire gauge, etc.) will undoubtedly come in handy some day, and a framed family tree can be really touching, especially if the kids work on it. Young children can also decorate a white canvas apron with fa ic paint and markers to create some awesome BBQ apparel.
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If you really want to go all out, consider reminding your dad how much he's meant to you or how much new fathers will mean to their children. If you can find them, pull together sonograms, hospital acelets, baby hats, first photos together, and keepsakes from any shared memory. Then, follow these instructions to make a framed scrapbox.
