Father’s Day is right around the corner, and with that often comes concern about finding the “perfect gift” for Dad. Whether you’re a wife, daughter, or son, you want to give a gift that will be enjoyed and used. But as many families in Milwaukee, New Berlin, and Brookfield know, dads can be notoriously hard to shop for! That’s where we come in. Our caring staff at Krause Funeral Home came up with suggestions any dad would love. If your goal this Father’s Day is to make your dad feel extra special and appreciated, we’ve got you covered.
- Add flair to his favorite hobby. Ask yourself what your dad enjoys doing in his spare time and figure out a way to enhance that experience. If he’s a sports fan, present him with tickets to the next home game. A gadget guy? Look for a smartphone case that has his name written all over it (literally or figuratively). Does he like to cook out or eat out? Select new grill accessories and wrap them with a gift card to his favorite restaurant. Every dad has a favorite pastime and items that relate will never disappoint.
- Family movie night – with a twist! One of the joys of parenthood is sharing books and movies you loved as a child with your own children. Ask your dad to name a few of his favorite flicks from when he was a boy, and plan an evening to watch them together. This may require a little online shopping to track them down, but the nostalgia he’ll feel is a gift in itself!
- Conduct a “dad interview.” Some dads are at ease talking with their children, and others may not open up as readily. Asking him questions and recording his answers in writing or electronically will give you a glimpse into what made him into the man he is today. Questions can be about childhood memories, jobs he’s had, favorite pets, hobbies, places he’s been, etc. Learning more about who he is will be a gift to you both.
- Create a family memory book. It’s safe to say many dads don’t love the idea of a family photo session. But presenting a book filled with photos you’ve compiled from the past is a fun idea everyone can enjoy for years to come. You can sort photos the old fashioned way by printing and organizing them in an album, or use an online tool that essentially makes the book for you using images you choose. Either way, sitting down together and talking about old times (even if the “old times” were last year) will help bring the whole family closer together.
- Express your love through painting, drawing, or writing. Some families are more lovey-dovey than others, but no matter how often you say “I love you,” this is a perfect opportunity to express the sentiment. Frame a picture you painted or drew, write a letter that includes why your dad means so much to you, or fill out a printable “All About Dad” form that you can find easily with an internet search. Or maybe you could bake his favorite cookies or other goodies! This personal touch shows you care, and that’s what Father’s Day is all about.
If your father has died, you can still do many of these same things in his memory! You can also focus on doing something special for the people he loved or donate to his favorite charity in his memory – both are wonderful ways to honor him. If you feel like you need more help, remember that we have years of experience caring for people who are grieving, and we know the best specialists, resources, and support groups in Milwaukee. Please reach out to us if you need help or encouragement.