Father’s Day is almost here, and many folks are consumed with finding that outside-the-box novelty that Dad will never forget. Are you bored with baseball tickets and drill sets? Can’t stomach another cheesy shirt and tie cake or singing gift card? Well, take a look at these suggestions.  You might just come up with that extra-special idea.

Children’s Crafts

Children can make a whole lot of fun from simple craft items you probably already have around the house, or can find inexpensively.  Here are some ideas:

Pretty Puppy Pencil Holder

• 4 clothespins
• Brown magic marker
• Brown felt
• Decorations; colored felt, colored balls, craft eyes, etc.
• Glue
• Pencil

Use the marker to color random spots on the clothespins.

Hold one pin lengthwise in front of you and perpendicular to the table.

The second pin clips to one of the handles of it, with the clip side down, forming the rear legs.

The third pin is clipped by the first pin, clip side up, forming the front legs.

The fourth pin is perpendicular to the first pin and becomes the head.  Clip it at the spring so the clip side forms the mouth, and the handles form the ears.  When you grasp the handles to open the pin, the mouth will open to hold the pencil.

Glue the pins in place so the puppy doesn’t fall apart.

Cut long, floppy ears from the brown felt.  Lay over the handles of your ‘mouth’ pin and glue in place.

Add eyes, a nose, and a felt tail to finish the pencil holder.

Rolodex Photos

If Dad is a desk jockey, try livening up his Rolodex.  Choose photographs and trim so they are the size of business cards.  Insert into empty slots in the Rolodex by name; if Mom’s first name is Mary, her photo will be filed under ‘M’.  Suzie’s photo will go under ‘S’.  Whenever Dad is looking for a name, he will find little reminders of home nearby. 

Dinner For A Hero

Dad certainly deserves a great dinner, doesn’t he?  Have each member of the family come up with a favorite memory. Write them down and fold each one into a napkin.  Place the napkins at Dad’s place at the table, and have him read them one by one.  

For instance, your son might choose something like, “I remember when we went fishing last summer.  We didn’t catch anything, but the burgers were terrific!” At this point the son can bring in the plate of burgers.  Maybe your daughter’s is “Dad bought more girl scout cookies than anyone, just so I could sell enough to get my merit badge.” And she brings in a huge chocolate cookie for dessert.  With a little imagination dinner can be hilarious, endearing, and just plain fun.

The Best Laid Plans

Want to use a tired idea and make it unique? Lots of Dads love to grill and would enjoy a new one.  The uniqueness of the gift is all in the presentation.

Buy the grill of Dad’s choice. Send him on a mission to get him out of the house. Now install it on the patio. The kids can get in on the act by wrapping cooking implements; utensils, water bottles, oven mitts, or a six pack of his favorite beer or soda.

Have the food he would most like to grill marinated and ready when he gets home. Hand him the food and ask him to take it to the patio.  He will find his brand new grill waiting for his culinary talents.  The kids can present their gifts as well, and everyone will get their dinner with humor and gratitude.

This idea can work with a new bowling ball presented at the lanes, a day trip with the car packed and a marked map on the seat – even a new skill saw and a honey-do list!  The possibilities are endless.

Father’s Day is all about celebrating family.  Make it fun, involve family and friends, and use your creativity to make it a day worth treasuring.