When my kids were little, they loved making coupons. With clumsy little fingers, they’d cut out small slips of colorful construction paper. They’d carefully decorate each one and write with a crayon: “This coupon is good for… (fill in the blank).”
One extra hug a day for a week.
Washing your car.
Dinner out at your favorite restaurant.
Sharing a picnic in the backyard.
Or my favorite…a trip to the neighborhood playground. (Self-serving? Sure. But it’s the thought that counts, right?)
I often thought we needed to make the gesture grander with an “actual” gift that we bought in a store, but the kids had the right idea.
A 2024 survey confirms that most dads just want to spend time with their families on Father’s Day – whether through a family vacation (that they don’t have to plan) or simply a day out.
Most dads prioritized good food, but not out at a fancy restaurant. Instead, they prefer a meal at home with family (42%) over going out to eat (30%). A quarter of the dads surveyed wanted control of the remote to watch whatever they choose on TV, and 15% of them said they literally wanted to do nothing!
Younger dads tend to want more material items than older dads who’ve accumulated more things over the years, but even those newer dads value experiences with those they love over tangible gifts. Interestingly, almost a third of dads said they didn’t want any gifts at all and nearly 20% of dads were satisfied just being recognized with a nice greeting card.
The bottom line? If the dad in your life could use a new leaf blower or tech gadget, go for it. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.
But if you’re struggling to come up with that one fantastic thing to get him, maybe it’s time to reconsider your gifting approach.
One dad’s wish: “For my children to tell me they love me.” (Even over the phone, via Zoom or through text.)
Another dad wrote simply: “A hug.”
Turns out most dads want what we all want: to feel seen and validated for all they do every day. And to connect with the ones they love.
So what can you do?
Whether you live close or far away, write a letter telling him everything he means to you. Thank him for all he’s taught you or done for you. Put a dad joke in a well-chosen card that will make him laugh.
Spend the afternoon or day with him doing something creative and fun, even if you never leave the house. Or do “nothing” together with your usually crazy busy dad.
Don’t overthink it. Connect with your dad by giving a bit of yourself and your time to whatever you think he’d like to do. You won’t regret it and your dad will treasure how you made him feel.
Find a way to show him love and appreciation with your presence and heartfelt words and you’ve got a gift he’ll remember for years to come.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there! We appreciate all you do!
