Alternative Gifting Ideas for Kids with Single Dads or Any Other Dad for that Matter

Editor's Note: Sorry Dad's--Better Late than Never

Ok, kids, let’s look at the whole gift-giving thing for dad on Father’s Day in a completely different light.  Face it, your dad has all the ties he needs, it’s summertime and therefore, too hot for slippers or a robe, and he prefers to pick out his own socks and underwear.  So, what would be some practical gifts for the man who is not only taking care of himself now, but also taking care of you, the other kid in the household? 

Let’s start with nourishment.  It gets pretty tiresome having cereal for breakfast, Spaghettio’s for lunch, and burned hamburgers on the grill for dinner, doesn’t it?  Do yourself a favor, buy dad a cookbook.  Not just any ordinary Betty Crocker cookbook.  He’ll never figure it out.  Get him his own cookbook, “See Dad Cook: The Only Book a Guy Needs to Feed Family and Friends (and Himself).”  Think about it, not only will you be getting a better shot at nourishment; you’ll be saving him from himself and his awful cooking.  What better way to say I love you?

Of course, if you’re one of the fortunate children who has a father who can do more than boil water, you may want to skip the cookbook and go for something that will get him off the couch and outdoors with you.  Yep, I’m talking model airplane!  Think of all the hours of fun you and he will have building and flying your very own model airplane.  Even though some may think of this as a selfish gift, don’t give it another thought.  This isn’t just a toy for you, it’s an adventure the two of you will be taking together.  What father doesn’t want to see his son happy?  Of course, if you are a daughter and not exactly the tomboy type, don’t worry.  Dad won’t tell you this, but he really, really does like to dress up and play tea party on the front lawn.

Ok, so you figured out on your very own that it really was just a way to get a free toy out of dad and you’re not feeling it so much.  No problem, there are other things you can get dad that will tell him loud and clear just how much he means to you.  Get him some gift certificates to McDonald’s.  You will be giving him the gift of convenience.  What parent couldn’t use some extra time with the kids in a fun and safe environment?  Make sure he takes you to the newest one with the big enclosed play area, so he can have the time of his life watching you have the time of your life.  I know, you’re surprised you didn’t think of this one all on your own.  You’re welcome.

Bet you’d love to go to a ball game wouldn't you?  So would dad!  Offer to tag along with him to the game on Father’s Day, and don’t forget to show your appreciation for the peanuts, popcorn, cracker jacks and soda you’ll be helping him eat.  How, you ask, could getting your dad to buy tickets to a ball game, along with buying a house payment’s worth of goodies for you, be a gift to dad? Simple, you’re letting him know in your own special way that it’s ok if he loves sports more than he loves you.  Love is a two-way street.

So, kids, those are some alternative gift-giving ideas for you to consider this Father’s Day.  Your father will be so surprised at your ability to think outside the box.  And remember, these gifts aren’t just appropriate for giving on Father’s Day, there’s Christmas, and Valentine’s Day, oh and there’s his birthday….