What a Dad Needs…
by Jenny Keener
Father’s Day is almost here and I’m sure that I’m not the only one who is always at a complete loss as to what to get the fathers in my life. I have my husband, my father, and my father-in-law to think of something that they need, want or would otherwise not make them wonder if I actually cared about them.
It shouldn’t be terribly difficult to show appreciation to the man who raised me, the man who raised my husband and the man who is raising my children. Shouldn’t be, but it is. Why? Because, at some deep level I suspect they don’t relate to ‘thoughtful’ gifts the same way women do.
We girly types are so happy to receive the handmade cards and gifts, a bath & body basket thrown in and a new plant to nurture in our garden. And we save those things. The cards go in a special box and we keep them, guard them. I have this feeling, though, that many guys wonder what in the world they’re supposed to do with the cute, handmade thing that looks a little bit like a wreath. Not to say that they don’t love it, but as soon as they’re done ‘loving’ it, they really want it to have some sort of functionality. Anxiety then sets in as they figure out what to do with it.
The point I’m eventually getting to is: Dads are action-oriented, and they always have such a long list of things-to-do; get them something that doesn’t add to their do-to lists or force them to find a use for “thoughtful” gifts!
Feel free to steal some of these ideas to do for Dad
Mulch the garden; Plant some flowers; Plant a tree; Place a new garden statue; Install a natural stone walkway (or a few stepping stones); Build a raised bed; Place a new boulder; Fertilize the lawn or garden; Hang a new birdfeeder; Place a new birdbath; Fill up that Propane Tank and cook him dinner; dig up that old walkway he’s been wanting to get rid of. How about a Rock Pile Gift Card with a handmade “coupon” to help with whatever project he’d like to start?
