IT’S Fathers Day tomorrow and if you are among the many who have forgotten – we’ve got your back.
There is no need to scramble for ideas or resort to spending a great sum of money on items.
Here are two sets of affordable and practical gifts, including some DIY, for all types of dads. They are compiled by two Gen Z interns who racked their brains so you don’t have to.
1 Coupon booklets
DIY Fathers Day coupons. — Freepik
This can either be for mums to help younger kids personalise a gift for dad, or creative teens and young adults with limited budgets. Pull up a few sheets of paper (or cardboard if you’re feeling fancy) and decorate it just like an everyday coupon. It could be several vouchers of you allocating quality time together or if your father is a cinephile, stack up some of his favourites for a movie marathon for the two of you. And if you’re feeling mischievous, add in an expiration date to add value to what’s being offered. If pen and paper are too ancient for you, switch to digital coupons that you can create on sites such as Canva.
2 Art pieces
Painted handprints that you can do as a family. — Freepik
This is for all the mothers out there with toddlers who want to celebrate their husband’s first few years of becoming a father. There is nothing more heartwarming than returning home to find your toddler running into your arms waving about a drawing or painting they made for you. An evergreen drawing is a picture of a nuclear family holding hands against a house backdrop; but if that’s too dated for you, try dipping your hands and feet into paint for a refreshing outlook of your family on paper.
3 Write a poem
You’re an older child looking for something different? Try your hand at writing! A good letter never disappoints and if you want a challenge, go for a poem! From ballads to odes, there are a plethora of poems to write. If you’re looking for something short and fun, try a haiku – a type of Japanese poem. Not the type to follow a rhyme scheme? Go free verse!
4 Create a playlist
With applications such as Spotify and YouTube, making a playlist is just a tap away. Either find out your father’s favourite tracks and compile them or you can compile a list of songs that sums up your love and gratitude for him.
5 Helper for a day
Your child can help you out with household chores this Fathers Day.
Fathers Day happens only once a year. I think we can all agree that it’s fair we trade in 364 days for one day for us to be the parent. “Need the car washed? You got it, Dad.” “Pick up the siblings from school? Already on my way.” “Breakfast, lunch, dinner? I got it covered.” “Need me to pick up that dead cockroach? You’re still the guy, Dad. I’m sorry – here, I’ll give you the gloves.”
6 How-to-do list
With the rapid ever-changing culture of today’s generation, there may be some features that the older generation may be unfamiliar with. This Fathers Day is the perfect opportunity to write up a list to guide him on. You can touch on navigating the Internet or dealing with digital banking or mobile phone apps.
A humorous egg caricature of a father.— Pixabay
7 Dad Jokes
When does a joke turn into a dad joke? When it becomes apparent. Shower your father with dad jokes every hour of the day. He’ll definitely remember that he’s a parent, though he’ll question why.
8 Dad Rocks
Get some permanent markers, washi tape and a rock which you think best represents your father. Start drawing hairlines, moustaches and even add in some features you think would look good on him. These work on eggs too! He can use these as paperweights as well (probably not the eggs, though).
9 Jar of Memories
Jars waiting to be filled with slivers of memories. — Pixabay
If you’re planning on stirring emotions tomorrow, a jar of memories is sure to elicit some bashful tears. Grab a mason jar, paper and pen. Write down your best or favourite memories of him. You could include your favourite moments the two of you created together.
10 Snack Stash
What better way to tell your father to sit back and relax other than gifting him a DIY snack tin filled with all his favourite foodstuff. Get either a bowl or an empty tin and stuff in his pick of chocolate, candy, cookies or other junk food. You can replenish it once in a while for him to enjoy on other days too.
