ALT-3 Fathers Day Gift Ideas
My dad died a little over three years ago. I still remember the things that he loved for father's day.
He was an avid outdoors man, and anything that reminded him of the outdoors was a great gift for him. As a young kid, one of the most appreciated gifts I ever gave him was just a large maple leaf, pressed and ironed between two sheets of waxed paper. We lived in the high country and broad leafed trees were not found there. He had that pressed leaf for many years, and it was still green when the waxed paper finally fell apart.
Like nearly all men, he also loved tech gifts. When he died, he was almost 90, yet even a new remote control was something he thought was special. Don't ever think that dads don't like tech gifts, even if they tell you that to make you feel good. I had the great opportunity to help a gentleman who was 108 years old, right after Father's day, who'd just received his first computer from his son. He'd always claimed that he didn't want one, but on a hunch the son had bought him the computer. I've never worked with someone so thrilled to have a computer, nor many who were so easy to work with.
I'm a father and grandfather with simple tastes. An enormous gift for me is to have my son and daughter, and their families, with me on father's day. Other gifts aren't necessary. Still, I've had a few in the past that have had an impact, which lasts to this day. Some of these, to some people, might seem really bland or unimportant. They were important to me, though.
One year, my daughter painted several small bottles in a special way. She is an artist even though she chooses not to think she is. Each bottle had an outdoor theme; deer, elk, geese, and the like. All were well done. I collect herbs and keep essential oils, but even if I didn't, she gave of herself to give me the gift and it is treasured more than anything that can be purchased.
Another year, my son knew that I loved to fish but had not tackle, flies, or such. He bought them for me for a Father's day gift. I not only appreciated it, I caught fish with what he bought.
This year promises to be one of the best. My son wants to take me camping. He knows that it has been well over a year since I went camping. He also knows that I love the outdoors like my father before me. It may be the last camping trip I ever take, I don't know.
We will bring our own gear and food, of course. The point is, though, that he is taking us to a place he knows we love. Three days of solitude and wonder and joy. I'll get some fishing in, and a lot of relaxation as well.
What does this have to do with gift ideas? Father's day is a day to honor your dad. That doesn't always mean you need to buy him something. The world is commercialized, but some of the best gifts aren't purchased at all. Giving of yourself has a greater impact.
I have an idea that I'm going to have a wonderful father's day. I hope that all the other fathers out there do as well. For those who truly want to honor Dad, honor him for who he is, not for what you can buy him.
