Father’s Day is not necessarily about going all out with some grand gift; it’s about spending quality time with those who care for and look out for us. It can be quality time with or meaningful gifts for your dad, stepdad, granddad, or whoever the father figure is in your world.
This is your opportunity to show him just how much he means to you, not necessarily with a bought gift, but with a thoughtful handmade item showcasing your very own craftsmanship, or just creating something together and gifting your time to him. This year, forget boring last-minute gift cards or socks. These crafty ideas are hands-on, enjoyable and meaningful, as a surprise gift or as a craft activity with your dad or male loved one on the day, creating cherished memories together.
Construct a backyard birdhouse together
Building a birdhouse is an excellent and fun way of creating some hands-on action in your backyard, both for you and for our feathered friends. Begin with some off-cut timber and nails or screws lying around, or grab a DIY kit at your local hardware store. Construct it beforehand as a surprise, or make it your Father’s Day activity by working on it together. Paint and decorate it, christen it, then install it in a spot where you can sit back and enjoy watching as birds make it their home.
Personalised 'Dad and Me' memory frame
Choose a blank frame at your local $2 shop, op shop or craft store. Decorate it in your dad's favourite colours, or use stickers, pictures, or emoticons of your dad's favourite things or activities, like rugby, fishing, playing guitar or baking. Complete it by inserting a photo of a happy memory of you both together and gift it as a surprise, or make it together and 'serve' the finished gift with shared hot chocolate and treats.
The 'Big Breakfast' challenge
Rather than soggy WeetBix for breakfast, challenge your dad to a morning cook-off. Select a yummy dish each – perhaps pancakes versus eggs on toast – and go head-to-head to create the tastiest Father’s Day feast. Ask your family to vote for the winner, or take the competitiveness out of it by simply enjoying the process and laughter together. Make sure you clean up afterwards – your dad will definitely appreciate a break from doing the dishes (depending on who wears the pants in your parents' relationship!).
Create and construct your own backyard game
Make a yard game using recyclables such as scraps of wood, canned items, a piece of rope for a ring toss, giant dominoes, or a bean bag target board. Decorate it with bright colours with your names or team colours, and when complete, grab your equipment and head outside, challenging dad to some rounds. Ideal for a sunny afternoon and better still, with your whole family.
'10 Things I Love About You' jar
Hand-write 10 of your favourite things you enjoy about your dad, or love him for. Here are some prompts to start you off: He's great at helping with homework, he listens to you really well, or he comes up with the world’s cringiest one-liners or 'dad jokes'. Roll up each comment, store them in a jar or small container, and seal with pictures or a bespoke sticker, such as 'Open when you need a smile'. It is a little gift with massive power that goes a long way, and will be a lasting tribute to how special your dad is to you.
More than just a gift. You really don't have to be out of pocket to make this Father’s Day memorable. If you make time to build, cook, create, or simply relax together, it's the time and thought that truly matter. So, this Father's Day, roll up your sleeves, grab some tools, and craft him something he will cherish; not because it is impeccable or perfect, but because you created it for him, or even better, with him.
As we farewell Ellie before she departs overseas, we welcome her brother, Billy Brown, as our new Channel Mag youth contributor, along with Fantasia Nair, who'll continue to bring a fresh monthly feature to inspire and advise our younger North Shore readers. If there are any topics you'd like to read about, contact Liz at liz@channelmag.co.nz, and our fledgling writers will research and write engaging articles specifically for our younger (at heart) readers.
