Father’s Day 2023: Five Gift Ideas From the Heart

The month of June brings pockets of joy, from farmer’s market treasures to fresh-cut peonies, time in the sun with the family, preparing for summer travels or checking into a nearby Airbnb on the lake for the weekend. June also means honoring the father and father figures in your life. Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 18 this year, which means we have a little more time to pull together the perfect something special for him.

What may be right for Dad depends on his season of fatherhood, his personality, likes and loves, and the relationship you share. Below you’ll find a handful of ideas that come to life with your personalization. What means the most is Dad knowing you thought of him and wanted to express your gratitude.

Father’s Day 2023: Five Gift Ideas From the Heart

1. A Book of Memories

This is a favorite Father’s Day gift idea that will truly be a treasure for Dad coming from his adult children. There are so many simple ways to print old photos now, from a personal Polaroid printer that works with an app to using a favorite photo site or nearby drugstore photo lab. You may also have a box of old photos that are ready for a home—the idea is to create a photo book of sorts, adding notes for Dad with an ultrathin sharpie or favorite pen. You’ll enjoy the walk down memory lane just as much as he will, and he’ll have the opportunity to revisit those memories each time he opens the pages.

2. Time on the Water (or in the Mountains)

For the hardworking Dad of little ones, often what he misses are quiet moments of peace and reflection. For a beach-loving papa, a day of deep-sea fishing may be his own paradise. If the mountains are his centering place, a weekend away at a cozy cabin with nearby trails may be more his speed. You know him well enough to take care of a few extras as well, such as dinner out or his favorite coffee.

3. Good Eats

A friend of mine hired a personal chef to make a special meal for Dad. He was the primary cook in the household, and she didn’t want him to worry about dinner on Father’s Day weekend. Whether you go this route or spend the afternoon making his favorite meal, the idea is to serve up his favorite things. Dessert could be homemade cupcakes that the kids help to decorate and Blue Bell ice cream.

4. Take Something Off His Plate

For the Dad that is always busy, brainstorm a few ways you can lighten his load. Treat him to a freshly manicured yard, something he would never splurge on but would appreciate. If the children are old enough, they can get involved, too. Upgrade his drill or tool bag if a replacement is overdue, or organize his garage if he’s been feeling overwhelmed with the space.

5. Monthly Surprises

Who doesn’t love happy mail? Consider a monthly delivery for Dad—one of the neatest ideas we’ve come across in a while is a “history by mail” subscription, complete with “detailed replicas of historical documents” and the cultural significance. There’s likely a subscription box for whatever Dad loves, from craft beer to bow ties.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Dad, remember a handwritten card. It’s likely the part he cherishes the most.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

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