Kathy Buckworth’s Father’s Day hacks: From Fitness Father to Doodad Dad

Get the kids involved with do-it-yourself and dapper gifts perfect for any dad

Mother’s Day seems to be all about Mom having time to herself, and Father’s Day has evolved into Dad spending a special day with the kids. It generally seems to involve a barbecue at some point as well.

But just like moms, dads are not a homogenous group, so put some thought into the type of Father’s Day the dad in your house would like to have. From Fitness Father to Doodad Dad, here are some easy and fun ideas to make Father’s Day a fit for your father.

Sports Dad: If you can’t find a game he’d like to watch or attend in person on Father’s Day, find a day that does work and write up a “get out of the house free” card, which will allow him to take a few hours to head out with his buddies, or at least to watch the game uninterrupted.

Cooking Dad: Dads do typically like to barbecue, but often the tools of this trade are not in perfect working order. Prep the barbecue for him: put the right equipment in the right spot, clean the racks, refill the propane tank or get some new briquettes. Consider a special barbecue rack for all his preferred spices and sauces.

Fitness Dad: Is Dad using the same running shoes he had in college? Check the size and get him a new pair (with a receipt for easy exchange) and a gift coupon to accompany him on his next run or cycle. And just how short are those shorts of his? Find out.

Golf Dad: “Buy” Dad a bucket of balls at the nearby driving range. Offer to pick up the tab and book a time to head out and get back into the swing of things. Don’t forget to pick up some tees for the next real round.

Movie Dad: OK, he only watches war movies and historical fiction … brace yourself and find a movie online or at a theatre to take him to that he likes, even if you don’t. Read up on a bit of the history first to impress him with your knowledge, and to help avoid napping during the movie yourself.

Music Dad: Probably Dad’s taste in music is not the same as the kids’ taste or even Mom’s. Put together a playlist you know Dad will love … and then actually let him listen to it, in the car, in the house, while he’s barbecuing. You might want to splurge and buy him some headphones, too … after all, how many times can you listen to the Pogues?

Doodad Dad: Some dads are addicted to the latest gadgets — tech devices, tools or kitchenwares. Create a space in the house or garage for Dad to effortlessly stash his latest acquisition. Make a tape guideline around the chainsaw, the coffee bean grinder and the electric tie sorter so he can easily store them after use.

Father’s Day is all about celebrating Dad being Dad. Don’t forget to make his special day special for him.

Kathy Buckworth is the author of I Am So the Boss of You: An 8-Step Guide to Giving Your Family the ‘Business.’ 

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