The search is on for the perfect Father’s Day gift. But something you should keep in mind before you head out to the mall or drive yourself crazy trying to find the perfect present is that gift-giving can go beyond buying and wrapping a perfect present. We’re willing to bet that what dad really treasures are those cards with the handwritten messages and the opportunity to spend the day with his family.
To help stir your creativity this Father’s Day, we’ve got seven unique ways to show dad you love him.
1. Plan A Camping Trip
Does dad love the great outdoors? Not only does Father’s Day fall in June, but the summer month is also “National Camping Month.” See what we’re getting at?
PitchUp.com can help you locate and book the perfect family camping site, with options ranging from traditional tent camping sites to places great for your RV to fun accommodations like tipis or yurts. For example, St Hazards Waterfront Resort and Brewery in Ohio is located on an island within Lake Erie and features an on-site private beach and microbrewery. Bring along some hiking polesor a kayak to enjoy some quintessential summer fun.
2. Make A Brunch
Avoid the brunch crowds and ace an at-home breakfast. How about setting up a waffle bar the whole family will love? Put someone in the family in charge of the waffle maker. Then, you can have both sweet options (fruits, syrups, whipped cream or ice cream and chocolate chips) and savory options (fried chicken with a drizzle of honey).
3. Set Up A Dream Yard
The backyard can be the perfect family gathering space in warmer months, great for cookouts, playing yard games or just relaxing around a firepit. With a few thoughtful additions, you can get dad a gift that will also bring about more family time. Win-win, right? Some ideas: Buy him a new bbq grill or gas grill, or get him some yard games, like a cornhole or croquet set.
4. Go To A Baseball Game
You can think outside of the big leagues on this one, too. Minor league baseball games can be just as fun. Plan a day at the ballpark, bring some baseball-inspired snacks you can make at home and learn how to save money during game day. To round out the gift-giving experience, buy dad a team hat and tuck the tickets inside of the card.
5. Book Him A Tee Time
If dad loves golf, book him a tee time at a course you know he loves (or has been wanting to try out). To make the gift even more thoughtful, add in some top-rated golf balls.
6. Find Unique Gifts On Uncommon Goods
There’s an art to gift giving. It comes down to finding something personal the recipient will love, but might not have necessarily bought for themselves because it wasn’t “necessary” or is a “splurge.” There are a whole lot of items that fall into this category at Uncommon Goods, an online store with thoughtful gifts. For example, this “family fun bucket list” ($18) comes with ideas like “learn three constellations and spend a night stargazing.” Or there are these whiskey chillers that are designed to resemble golf balls ($24.50).
7. Write A Thoughtful Message In Your Card
Truly customize your Father’s Day card this year. Enlist the kids to make a photo card for dad. (It’s made easy on sites like Shutterstock and Walgreens.com). Then, be sure to customize a heartfelt message. Having trouble? Hallmark’s blog is a great place to get inspiration; card writers there share their tips for crafting memorable messages.
We’re wishing all the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day!
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money.
