10 things to do for dad on Father’s Day

If you are, like me – at a loss when it comes to buying gifts for fathers or men in general – then the following ideas might help you with what to get dad for June 15. Rappler asked a few fathers as to what will make them happy on Father’s Day, be it in the form of a physical gift or a way of celebrating with the family. When my own father was alive, I used to give him boxers or undershirts year after year after year. He seemed perfectly okay with them, so I kept giving it to him.

Read on and see if you can pick up an idea or two, or probably get inspired to think of the perfect gift (or celebration) for the father, or fathers, in your life.

1. Hug your dad. That’s it. 

Some guys just don’t care much about material gifts. To them, it’s more important to feel the love. If the father in your life is like this, he would surely appreciate a verbal or physical gesture of affection—greet him and say you love him. 

(“Hug lang, okay na ako.” –Jonathan Cena, tattoo artist and musician)

2. Bring your dad to a talk or lecture he might like. Try Bahay Nakpil on June 15 to attend a lecture on Marcelo H. del Pilar.

The intellectual fathers would appreciate a book perhaps, or a trip to a museum or gallery. You can also sponsor his attendance to a workshop or training. You know what his interests are—you can start from there.

(“According to a new group of historians, he is the real ‘Ama ng Katipunan (Father of the Katipunan).’ I hope to bring my family along and then we’ll have dinner after.” –Resti Santiago, astrologer) 

3. Bring your dad to mass then take him to Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms in Silang, Cavite.

There are plenty of options for nature loving fathers. Aside from going to a farm, you can organize a family picnic at the local park, go on a hike with him, or host a sporting event or competition among family members and friends. 

(“It is our favorite farm where we buy honey, bee pollen and other natural bee products like handmade soap and shampoo.” –Cris Garcimo, founder of Gentle Universe, a nature and children-inspired ambient music and sound performance group)

4. Engage in a playful conversation with your dad. Make the effort even when there’s a lull.

If your father loves good conversation, treat him to coffee or a nice dinner and dessert afterwards. Take the opportunity to ask him about things that you have always wanted to know, but were just afraid (or too forgetful) to ask. 

(“When we have these conversations, I can see that they are happy and I get to read their “hidden” emotions—we seldom have these talks anymore since everybody’s busy with different things nowadays.” –Rom Factolerin, filmmaker and visual artist)

5. Schedule a pampering session for dad, then treat him to dinner and a rollicking action movie.

The key is to make your gift as distinct and personalized as possible. Find out what specific things he loves and get it for him. And remember this: a good massage will always be appreciated. Does he like action movies? Art films? Check out the movies playing in the week or other things to do. 

(“It HAS to be Baker’s Fair!” –Ramil Gulle, poet) 

6. Sing or play—if you know how to play a musical instrument—for your dad. Preferably his own musical compositions.

If you’re embarrassed to be performing in front of him live, then do a recording and give him a CD or upload the video on YouTube. You can even drag your siblings and perform as a band!

(“Acoustic set will do, nothing fancy. Just want to hear my own words and music coming from the mouth of my babes.” –Peter Mariano, filmmaker and musician. 

7. Give him a card, or something you’ve made yourself.

If not a card, then a sketch, a painting, or even a shirt that you hand-painted yourself. If you are artistic and if your dad appreciates art as well, then you can explore and create things with your hands: clay sculpture, handmade toys, crafts, bracelets—the possibilities are endless.

 (“As long as we are complete, that’s okay. A greeting card will make me happy.” –Charlie Morales, sound engineer) 

8. Just be present and spend time together.

In reality, there are fathers who would rather spend the day in silence and would prefer that no fuss is made about it. For these dads, togetherness and love are most important. Spend the day with him doing the ordinary, share a meal, have coffee, and be thankful he is in your life. 

(“Remembrance is only for those who have forgotten… but we are together—the mother of my children, my grandchildren and their parents.” –Abet Umil, poet and vocalist for progressive band Bersus) 

9. Take him to the doctor

Or your can bring him to the dentist and sponsor his dental cleaning. You can also take care of his health by bringing him to a spa for some professional massage, or go to a healing center for the more traditional acupuncture, ventosa (cupping), Filipino hilot, and other similar therapies. Then, go do something fun together afterwards.

(“There are hospitals offering free physical check-ups for dads on June 14—Google it!” –Mark Juan, entrepreneur) 

10. Add to his collection of what-nots. 

Fountain pens, motorcycles, artworks or vintage cars might be too expensive for the regular person. So focus on the affordable collectibles and get ready to comb through the antique stores, flea markets and even ukay stores for the perfect find.

(“Some dads are into flashlights, knives, lighters, paintings, guns—kidding!” –Brando, martial artist 

What are you getting your dad for Father’s Day? Let us know in the comments below. – Rappler.com

Ime Morales is a professional writer of advertising copy, feature articles and poetry (including verses for children). Her topics of interest are: spirituality, wellness, parenting, and culture. Her personal blog desperately needs an update  

Photo of father and daughter via Shutterstock