| Our fathers: from the time we were small, it | | | | about what makes him tick can strengthen your |
| seemed like there wasn't anything they didn't | | | | bond. |
| know or couldn't do. Forget Spiderman and | | | | Great giving |
| Superman, you had your own hero sitting right on | | | | A key part of Father's Day is giving Dad a gift |
| the couch. As we mature, go through our | | | | that shows him how important he is to you. |
| awkward and rebellious teen phases and get a | | | | Remember, as with all gift-giving, money doesn't |
| better understanding of how the world works, our | | | | matter. A thoughtful present that cost only a few |
| impressions of our fathers change. Could be we | | | | dollars is better than dropping a few hundred on a |
| think he's even more amazing than we did when | | | | gift that you figured was "good enough". |
| we were kids. Could be we realize that he can't | | | | It can be hard coming up with gift ideas for Dad, |
| actually pull quarters out from behind our ears - | | | | so it's a good idea to start early. The best |
| although we love that he tries. This Father's Day, | | | | strategy for gift giving is to pick up items |
| bring back some of that childhood adulation by | | | | throughout the year when you see something |
| making your dad feel like a real hero. | | | | that would make the perfect present. Stash them |
| Making it all about the man | | | | in a safe place and keep track of what you've |
| Father's Day is about the relationship between a | | | | bought. If it's close to Father's Day and you still |
| father and his children, but it's too easy for this | | | | don't have a gift, this strategy isn't going to be |
| big day to become more about the kids than | | | | much help! |
| about Dad. When you're planning Father's Day | | | | When you're choosing a gift for Father's Day, |
| activities, think first about the things your dad | | | | even if it's last minute, don't go generic. Not every |
| likes to do best, then find ways to make them | | | | dad wants a new barbecue tool set or drill. Think |
| family-friendly. If he likes fishing, buy rods for the | | | | about things you did together when you were a |
| kids and yourself and get him to teach you his | | | | child and look for gifts that can help recreate |
| secrets. If he's into history programs, take a trip | | | | those happy memories. Or plan a gift that you |
| to the museum with a stop or two at the kids' | | | | can enjoy together. Arrange to take cooking |
| section to keep the little ones entertained. | | | | lessons or go sky diving. A peaceful trail ride at a |
| To build a stronger relationship with your dad, | | | | local horse ranch or a friendly round of golf at the |
| make Father's Day a Father's Weekend. The | | | | country club are great ways to reconnect. |
| Saturday before Father's Day, find ways to share | | | | No matter how you choose to spend Father's |
| your own interests with him. While he's never | | | | Day, be sure to take the time to tell your dad |
| going to really get what makes a pair of Steve | | | | how much he means to you. You don't have to |
| Madden's so fabulous, he might be open to | | | | go overboard with the mushiness if it makes you |
| learning about your favorite painters, going for a | | | | uncomfortable, just put a few heartfelt words in |
| walk or jog along your running trail or trying a | | | | a card and give him a hug. Remember, actions |
| new kind of cuisine from your favorite restaurant. | | | | speak louder than words. |
| Sharing your interests with him and learning more | | | | |