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I know right now you are seeing all the cute little Father’s Day gift ideas going around on Pinterest and other places, but none of that is what the fathers in my life want this year. My dad never got into the tie gift. He doesn’t play golf or have an obsessive interest in sports. So, there goes all your cute Father’s Day ideas. He is just interested in practical gift, although he would always tell us just being his daughter was gift enough. Sweet, huh? But, that doesn’t help me when I’m trying to buy a gift.
So, if my dad isn’t hard enough to buy for, what did I do? Marry a man with the exact same view. So, now I have two of them, and can’t come up with a gift idea for the life of me. A practical, non traditional Father’s Day Gift…
As I thought over this I decided what Fathers really need is a few more “thank you’s” throughout the year, not just one day a year, but maybe once a day for the year. I’m very blessed with a wonderful Dad, and an amazing husband who is that to our son, and I don’t show my appreciation for them nearly enough. I came up with this little project as a way to make it easy to say thank you even in January.
I just found an old frame we weren’t using anymore, a sheet of scrapbook paper and an dry erase marker. I typed up what I wanted it to say, and printed it out on the scrapbook paper. Cut the paper so it will fit in the spot being sure to center the words as best as possible, and placed it where you would normally put a picture.
I wrote a little thank you message from both Eli and me. Of course, you can always write, “thanks for being the greatest dad ever,” and I’m sure I will do that some times. But, this time I picked something that had happened recently to let him know we appreciated it. I wrote, “thanks for going to the store for me” (it was after work and he was very worn out) and Eli thanked him for fixing his imaginary flat tire (he had like 15 that night.)
There are plenty of ways to use this throughout the year. The little things we do for each other matter just as much, and those are the things we forget the most. So, yes I can always write, “thanks for working hard so I can stay home,” or “for fixing the 20th thing that broke around here.” But, with a year of opportunities I will also get a chance to make sure I thank him for making breakfast this morning, and even the late night run to Walmart. A very small gesture I know, but practical and special none the less.
So, there you have it, what dad really needs for Father’s Day… A Thank You. OK, OK, don’t be a total cheapo and throw in some cash too, just hold off on the tie card.
Brenda
It is lovely. I honestly believe something personal and handmade is much more valuable and desired than a mass produced collectable. Way to go Brenna. You are teaching your son the truth behind holidays.
brenna
Thank you so much, Brenda. Your sweet words mean the world.
Rachel @ I Love My Disorganized Life
Such a great idea, Brenna. We do often forget to thank one another year round. It’s certainly a great reminder to do that!
brenna
Thanks, Rachel. I am definitely guilty of doing that, so hopefully this will help.
Sarah @ 2paws Designs
What a sweet & thoughtful gift! I’m sure he will appreciate that and enjoy seeing the new notes throughout the year.
brenna
Thank you, Sarah. I hope so. I just need to make sure I stick with it.
Paula
So thoughtful, love it. Pinned
Mariely
aw, this is so sweet 🙂 I’m sure he loved it!