Spoil Your Dad With Your Love This Father's Day

Of all the holidays in the year, Father’s Day is my favorite. I love being able to show my dad just how much he means to me, as well as to my children. They might have their own wonderful father - my husband, but my kids also have a close bond with their grandfather.

I am thankful for many things in my life - my husband and children, our good health, and our happy home. But one thing that I am thankful for above all else is my dad. Ever since I was a child, I have been extremely close to him; no matter what ups and downs I have faced, he has always been there for me.

From the moment his first child was born, my dad has always been an incredible hands-on father. From playing with us as children to being there to support us as we grew, there is nothing he hasn’t helped us through.

me and my Dad

For everything my father has done for me, Father’s Day gives me a chance to say a little thank you by showing him how much I care.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the only way to show your dad you love him is with an expensive gift. There are many simple ways you can show your dad that you care without spending a fortune. Instead of shelling out for a present, show your father that you care about him by spending time together making memories.

If you are stuck for ideas of how you can show him that you care without buying a gift, here are a few of my favorite ideas:

Ask him about his childhood

There is nothing that says “I love you” more than taking an interest in your dad's life. Spend some time together just the two of you and ask him about his childhood.

my Dad during his teenage years

If you don’t already know where he grew up, what school he went to or who his best friend was, ask him. Pull out your dad’s old childhood photo album and ask him about your favorite pictures. What’s the story about that goofy picture of him at prom? Who is he fighting with in that black and white photo?

It’s sad to think about, but we only have limited time with our dads. So if you don’t ask about his past now, you might never have the chance.

Plan a Father’s Day BBQ

You can show your dad how much you care about him by planning a special Father’s Day BBQ in his honor. Invite your siblings and their children along, and plan a special family day in celebration of your father.

Create a list of all his favorite grill food and prepare a BBQ feast that he will love. If your dad is a real foodie and is happy to eat anything, pick up a mixture of yummy meats, salads bits, and specialty breads. Grill steaks, king prawns, chicken wings, and sausages, always go down well.

Surprise him

If you live a long way away from your parents, surprise your dad with a special Father’s Day visit. Get your mom and siblings in on it and ask them to help you plan your big surprise.

My Dad is always happy to dine with his favorite restaurant :)

Perhaps you could ‘bump’ into him at the grocery store or maybe at his favorite restaurant? No matter where you surprise him, you coming home is sure to be the best Father’s Day present ever.

Help him in the garden

If your dad has a green thumb and loves his garden, why not get involved and offer to give him a hand? While you could spend the day helping him out with all his least favorite gardening chores, you could also help him with a new project.

If your dad has wanted to create his own allotment, rockery or a new flower bed for a while, why not spend the day helping him to do that? You could even buy him a couple of Father’s Day plants for his new project.

Ask him to help you fix something

Since my siblings and I were young, my dad has been teaching us how to fix things ourselves. He’s a proper handyman and a jack of all trades and is always happy to be asked to help us with any DIY problem.

my Dad and my eldest son doing some carpentry

Most men are natural problem-solvers, and so, love being asked to help solve DIY issues. If there is something you have wanted to learn how to do for a while, ask your dad to help you with it.

Allowing your father to share his DIY knowledge will teach you something new, and will make him happy that he is the one you asked for help. My dad loves knowing that although my siblings and I are all grown up, if ever we have a problem it is always him we turn to.

Get creative

Although buying a present isn’t necessary, I always like to give my dad a Father’s Day card. Sometimes I buy the card, but most years I choose to get a little crafty instead and make it myself.

As well as making him a card, sometimes I like to make a little DIY gift as well. Unlike a store bought present or card, making something yourself has a lot more meaning. The fact you spent time creating something special just for him means a lot.

Bake him a batch of his favorite cookies - my dad loves these chocolate chip and banana ones. Make him a mixed CD of all his favorite songs. Record a funny video for him - perhaps you could get your siblings involved too and each record a message for him?

my dad's most requested banana muffins

Baking more of these rolled oats with choco chips cookies, my Dad's fave cookies

Showing your dad how you feel about him has nothing to do with money. Buying an expensive gift doesn’t show him that you care. Showing your dad that you love him is about spending time with him and making memories.

To show your dad how much he means to your, instead of buying a gift this Father’s Day, spend the day doing something more memorable with him. It might not be the traditional way to celebrate, but spending time with you, will top any present.