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Published 06.03.2008 | Permanent Link | Comments (2)
Last year I threw out a bunch of Father's Day gift ideas at the last minute because that's how I like to do everything. At the last minute. This year however, I'm a little ahead of the curve. Father's Day is June 15, and I'm giving you some new ideas on June 3rd. Maybe I'm turning over a new leaf! For this year's collection of gifts I tried to give some suggestions most kids could do and others that will have Mom finessing the process.

This year my husband got a new grill for Father's Day. Yes, I realize it hasn't been Father's Day yet but we have a lot of meat and other things (have you ever had grilled pineapple?) that need grilling and a short season where it's enjoyable to cook outside so we gave him his present early. Because of this he'll be getting a nice card from the kids and I. I love this stitched card from Make and Takes. Most kids can handle this project once you make the holes for them to follow, think 'Lacing Puzzle'.

This super simple, very usable idea will be easy for small hands to create. Take a simple square notepad, have your child color it and write a message to their dad on it with broad point markers. Thank you Martha, for not making me feel like a crafting failure all the time.

This gift idea is one of those 'Needs Mom Help' I mentioned. Photo JoJo shows you how to manipulate your photos and use them to create a stamp-like image on almost anything with ink jet transfer paper. You could use this technique to make a personalized card or a unique picture of your kids to frame. My husband goes through dozens of notebooks each year so I may use the technique to decorate a moleskine for him. (For his birthday, see above with the grill. No more gifts.)

This miniature smores grill at OhDeeDoh was originally meant as a fun thing for kids, but I think it would also make a fun little gift for Dad. Who doesn't love smores anyway? Check out the simple supply list, a cedar plank, 4 bolts - 1/4 inch and 2 and 1/2 inches tall, 4 nuts - 1/4 inch, 4 optional washers for the bolts, 1 2.5 oz stainless steel condiment cup, and 1 box of toothpicks. Pair this with all the fixings and you have a fun after dinner treat for the family.

When I first saw this Car Wash Bucket at Martha's site, I thought to myself, "Wow, that's a stretch. Cleaning supplies as a gift?" But the more I thought about it the more fathers I know who have an undying passion for their cars and keeping those cars clean is a hobby. This gift is less a craft and more a DIY gift basket but still very thoughtful and useful if your Dad enjoys seeing his own reflection in his clearcoat.
Good luck coming up with the perfect thing to give the Dad in your life this season. I highly recommend the grill as gift purchase. It's the gift that keeps on giving each night at the dinner table.
More Great Father's Day Gift Ideas:- A sweet father & son book: Every Friday
SubscribeMelissa Summers was one of five Melissa's throughout her schooling, in her everyday life she is the only Melissa who folds laundry. The name Melissa is derived from the Greek word for Honeybee. The Buzz Off is published weekly on Tuesdays. She writes almost nearly everyday at Suburban Bliss.
Melissa's Buzz Off is a collection of pretty much anything Melissa wants to buzz about. Sometimes what she wants to buzz about is also what you'd like to buzz about. The Buzz Off is a collaboration so you can tell her anything at You can email me at melissabuzzoff@gmail.com
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Comments (2):
fathers gifts said:
These are looking fabulous .I will definitely gift these for my dad.
Posted on June 4, 2008 08:27
Darby said:
I like to give my Dad gifts that will tap into his emotions (even if he doesn't want me to see them). I gave my Dad a Cake and a Prayer for his birthday and his eyes welled up with tears. The cool thing about the gift was that the website had pre-written gift messages. I was surprised at the quality of the gift and the price. It included the gift card, cake (which was so good we all wanted more) and a framed scripture I selected for my Dad. It had his name on it and was signed from me. After a gift like that, I wondered what I would give him for Father's Day, but I just found out, I can order the cake only with another gift card. Check it out at www.cakeandaprayer.com. I think there's a discount code floating around the internet for a discount on Father's Day gifts.
Posted on June 4, 2008 13:43