Why We Love Dads + Father's Day Gift Ideas for Any Dad

Father’s Day is literally right around the corner.

The tradition in our family is that for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the honored person (ahem, mom or dad) gets to do whatever they want that day. They can choose to spend the day with the family or have a day off; they can choose what to eat for meals and what activities to do.

Even though I have a hard time being the center of attention and getting to pick all the things I want, that’s a fun tradition!

My mom had this quote in our house when I was growing up, and it has always stuck with me:

As I have thought about this quote over the years, I realize that it’s so true. Being a dad is so much more than being a father. It’s listening to problems, fears, and triumphs. Being a dad is about guiding little people toward being compassionate and responsible adults.

It’s a job with huge responsibility and a few perks (my dad used to wrestle with us and play jokes on us; my husband and my boys like to try to scare each other).

Being a dad is so much bigger than physically contributing toward the existence of another human. It’s about loving, listening, sacrificing, guiding, encouraging, and commitment. And all of that work and effort is thankless so much of the time. It’s a labor of love and hope for the outcome.

My dad has been a very supportive figure in my life. He has strong morals, which he helped instill in me, and he has been one of the biggest cheerleaders in my life. He taught me to be compassionate for people and to put forth my best effort in everything I do. It is fair to say that I would not be the person I am without his influence in my life.

My husband is a very devoted dad, and he actively works to be better at it every day. He teaches our little men how to believe in themselves, how to take responsibility when they do something wrong, and how to do their best and try new things. He tells them he loves them and is proud of them. Loving them deeply while being a guide in their lives is his priority. I’m so grateful for him!

These two examples are just a small sampling of all that dads do.

So to all the dads out there – Happy Father’s Day! For all of you out there with dads, don’t forget to take a moment and let them know what they mean to you. And for anyone missing their dads, we are sending love your way.

Gift Ideas

Now, if you are needing a few ideas for Father’s Day gifts, we have you covered! From the tech to the sports and anywhere in between, and from the inexpensive to the bigger budget ideas, check out this list:

Amazon Echo dot

For those tech-lovin’ dads out there, “Alexa” is here to help! Hands-free and voice-controlled, “Alexa” can do amazing things from playing music to making calls, to sending messages and setting alarms, to controlling smart home devices and more. At $50 with Prime shipping available, the Echo dot is a sure-win for any techie dad.

Fun, funky socks!

With so many options to choose from, how can you pick just one? If you have young kids, get the kids involved by helping them pick out the socks!

SKLZ Gold Flex Strength

For that dad that loves to golf, the SKLZ Gold Flex Strength and Tempo Trainer can’t be beat.

MalloMe Camping Hammock

This is the “steal” of the list! Normally priced at $90, it is currently on sale for $27!! This XL parachute material hammock is super strong, super light and portable and super comfy!

This hammock is perfect for taking hiking, backpacking, to the beach or even using in the backyard. What is a better way to spend a summer afternoon (or evening) than by laying in a hammock looking up at the sky?

If you don’t need the hammock before Father’s Day, we are giving one away for free! Contest ends June 19th at 11:59 pm. You can enter here.

Leatherman Skeletool

Perfect for any outdoorsman. Featuring 7 tools, a locking blade and a 25 year guarantee, this tool will be a great addition when camping or doing outdoorsy activities.

Homemade card

What is more cute or sentimental than a homemade card from the kids? Especially if it contains something like a handprint or a footprint that allows it to serve as a tool of preservation for that moment in life. You can find a great collection of ideas for cute cards here.

Toilet Light

A fun, funky idea! Complete with motion and light detection sensor and a lifetime warranty, you can find it here!

Grilling toolkit

For that grill master in your life, this best-selling, stainless steel set won’t ever rust and has everything needed to make those amazing, grilled-to-perfection dishes!

Gift card to favorite store or restaurant

Or give Dad a night off from cooking or grilling to enjoy a meal made by someone else at his favorite restaurant! Or instead of a restaurant gift card, give him a gift certificate to his favorite hobby store or even to a massage.

Sand Art

This gift idea is one of my personal favorites! Help Dad relax and unwind with this soothing and ever-changing Sand Art! This piece looks amazing in any home.

Let the kids paint rocks

Simple, cheap, and amazing! All of our kids made this gift this year, and I can’t wait for the dads to receive them! Use the painted rocks as decorations in the home, office or yard.

No matter what you are doing to celebrate (or relax), a very Happy Father’s Day to you!

Let us know in the comments: what are father’s day traditions that you do each year?