Present and correct
If you are anything like over half the people in the world, still trying to choose an ideal Father’s Day gift, here’s something to think about.
Most fathers are probably not that fussed about an actual present, and if they are… well, perhaps that’s just because they attach a certain amount of importance and tradition to a custom that should be more sentimental than it is commercial. But that is not to say they would wish their day to be ignored.
For the little ones it’s easy. They will love creating a handmade present, washing the car, making a cake or taking dad to see a film they will all enjoy. Meanwhile, we anxiously search for a gift that tells our father how much we value him, knowing that the most precious present in the world couldn’t equal how much he is loved.
And yet, what so many fathers, would really like is an event organised in their honour that illustrates just how important they are to their children and grandchildren, and represents one of their particular interests.
It will take some research and a bit of organising but that in itself can be fun. And there’s no reason why families cannot get together and arrange an outing or activity with both generation of dads at its centre. A visit to somewhere everyone can enjoy, with a meal, cards and small, token gifts to open, would make a day to remember. It need not cost a fortune, and it can be as simple as bundling everyone onto an open top bus to play tourists for a day or sailing off to Gozo or even Sicily for a weekend.
Find out some of the things your father loved to do before you turned up. There must be some places he enjoyed, that have escaped being flattened in concrete and towered over, or something like bowling, quad biking, fishing, even going for a good, long walk that can give you some time to really connect and revive some happy memories for him. Take him out for a meal and hand the conversations over to him. Fathers perennially complain or worry that no one ever listens to them so give him the floor. You may well end up knowing and understanding him better than you ever thought possible. And what could be a nicer outcome than that?
Whether or not he likes surprises, there’s no harm in telling your father you want to do something ‘different’ or special this year and asking of there is anything he’d like to suggest. And even if you are a little surprised at the answer go ahead anyway. It’s his treat.
New fathers, and those whose children are too young to plan and execute events, would most likely appreciate any of the following: children who put their things away, before someone has fallen over them and nearly broken a limb, a barbecue they can trust will light instantly, some time away with the mother of his children to recharge the romance, a whole 24 hours without hearing the words ‘Please can I have?’ ‘Why?’ ‘It’s not my fault.’ and ‘It’s not fair.’ Oh and a couple of nights uninterrupted sleep.
Of course, if you really cannot resist a proper, wrapped gift, and you know exactly what you dad wants, go for that too. If you are still trying to make up your mind between a pedometer and a puppy, think very hard about what kind of man he really is; not only what he used to love but what he enjoys today. A gift that recognises how his interests and enthusiasms may have changed is a touching way to stay close as you grow up and shows that you not only still love you him as your father but see him as the special person he is.