Father's Day Archives - American Greetings Blog

Father’s Day: best advice from Dad

Dads come in all shapes and sizes, and that superhero cape fits them all. One of their superpowers has always been to give good advice, even if we didn’t realize in the moment just how dang good the advice was. But boy…do we now. (Thanks, Dad!)

What advice from your dad do you remember most?

If you plan to give your dad or father-in-law a card this Father’s Day, whether it’s to say thanks or just to let them know that you think they’re pretty great, we can hook you up with some ideas for what to write that will make their day.

And if it’s a gift you’re searching for, like a series of surprises to open at a later date or finding ways to spend quality time together, let this gift guide be your compass.

Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide

June 2 By American Greetings

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and now is the time that you’re probably starting to think about what to get your dad or husband for the holiday. If you don’t want to dip into the same bag of tricks – ties, gift cards, or a round of golf – check out our latest gift guides.

This new series of gift guides focus on specific relationships – Father/Daughter, Father/Son, and Husband/Wife. The relationship you have can determine the type of gift you want to give, and in some cases, it’s not just a gift, but an experience.

Instead of getting Dad a gift card to his favorite restaurant, take him to a cooking class so you can spend some quality time together. Rather than taking your dad out for a beer, help him make his own with a beer making kit. If your husband wishes he had more time to relax, gift him a hammock and a good book, and set some time aside for a lazy Sunday afternoon together.

It’s about more than the gifts, it’s about the experiences and memories that come with the gifts. Use the time together to reminisce, or make plans for the future. Capture your Father’s Day activities and make a digital scrap book or photo album for your dad. If you don’t live near your dad, is it possible to show up at his door on Father’s Day, or maybe buy him a ticket to come visit you and your family? One of the best gifts we can ever give is the gift of time.

We hope our gift ideas spark a little inspiration this Father’s Day, and remember, Dads are pretty great and deserve to be celebrated!

Here are our official 2016 Father’s Day Gift Guides:

From Wife / From Daughter / From Son

Do you have a Father’s Day gift idea? We’d love to hear it in the comments or tweet us @amgreetings!

Father’s Day Gifts from Wife

June 2 By American Greetings

1. Bring out his inner comic: Sick in the Head, by Judd ApatowThis is a great choice if your husband hasn’t had a chance to dig into a good book recently. Full of interviews from Mel Brooks and Steve Martin, to Sarah Silverman and Amy Schumer, the book gives a glimpse inside the world of this self-proclaimed comedy nerd.

2. Never lose the keys again: Tile
Nothing is off limits to lose in a busy household. Between getting kids out the door to the million places they need to go, business trips, or just trips to the grocery store, there are a lot of things that can go missing. Tile is a tiny Bluetooth tracker and easy-to-use app that finds everyday items in seconds—like your phone, keys, and wallet.

3. For the dad who values time: Timex Watch
Even though we rely on our smart phones for everything today, there’s still something classic about a good ‘ol fashion wrist watch. This Timex model is casual, and allows his personality to shine through with a plethora of strap choices – from rugged leather, to bright nylon patterns.

4. For the binge-watching Dad: Harmony Universal Remote
We have more options than ever when it comes to television – Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, etc; and they all come with their own remote. Sifting through the pile of remotes to find the right one can be pretty annoying when you’re just trying to relax after a long day. That’s why the Harmony universal remote is great gift idea; it allows you to bring all options together in one, easy-to-use device.

5. Moscow Mule Mugs: Things Remembered
Moscow Mules are making a comeback as one of the most popular drink choices. Jump on the band wagon by gifting him 100% copper mugs – the historically accurate way to enjoy this delicious drink. Make the mugs truly his own by personalizing them, and complete the gift with the ingredients needed to make a couple rounds.

6. Keeping him well groomed: Dollar Shave Club
If your husband is always adding razors to the shopping list, this is a great choice. Select a type of blade, ranging from $1-$9, and have a supply sent to your door every month. Each one comes with a free compatible handle, and it’s simple to upgrade or downgrade blade types. He’ll never have an excuse not to have a smooth face again.

Do you have a Father’s Day gift idea? We’d love to hear it in the comments or tweet us @amgreetings!

Father’s Day Gifts from Daughter

June 2 By American Greetings

There’s something about the bond between a father and a daughter that is truly special. This Father’s Day, treat Dad to something he’ll love, but go the extra step of planning the day around the gift. If you get him tickets to a baseball game, go with him and spend the day together at the ballpark. If neither of you are big chefs, step outside both your comfort zones and take a cooking class. All of these ideas are not only things that he’ll love, but they’re memories in the making!

1. Movie Buff Dad– Roku Streaming Stick
One of the best features about the Roku Streaming Stick is that it’s portable. Dad can watch all his favorite TV shows and movies on any HDTV in the house, he can also take it to a friend’s house to show it off, or take it on vacation to get the most of his R&R time. There’s also an easy to use app that allows for private listening when headphones are plugged in. This is a great gift for any movie buff dad!

2. Sentimental Dad– Personalized gift
Dad’s do a lot for their children and don’t always get the recognition they deserve. A great way to show dad you care this Father’s Day is by creating a personalized gift that says how much you appreciate all he’s done for you.

3. Caffeinated Dad– Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew 10-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker If dad loves coffee, or maybe just can’t seem to finish a pot before it gets cold, the Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew 10-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker is truly a dream come true. The Just-Brewed Thermal Carafe will hold temperature and fresh flavor for hours and dad can even take the pot with him to his office or while he’s working outside for the day. No more burnt or cold coffee makes for one happy dad!

4. Paparazzi Dad– Polaroid Zip Printer If your dad is constantly capturing life with photos, the Polaroid Zip Printer is a great gift for Father’s Day. This compact printer can print pictures directly from your phone or tablet in a lightning fast 60 seconds – perfect for any busy dad. And he’ll love the throwback, old-school Polaroid camera vibe of instant pictures.

5. Foodie Dad– Cooking class at Sur la Table Everyone is looking for the “perfect gift” for dad, but sometimes perfect doesn’t necessary mean it needs to be wrapped with a big bow. Sometimes the perfect gift can just be spending time with him. So if your dad enjoys cooking – or just eating in general – why not take a cooking class together? You won’t only be creating great food from scratch; you’ll also be making perfect memories.

6. Sports Dad– Go to a baseball game
It’s summer! Enjoy the weather and time with dad by treating him to a baseball game. Many parks have fireworks or other promotional giveaways around Father’s Day to add to the fun. And nothing says, “Thanks for everything, dad.”, like a hot dog and beer. Win or lose, this is a great gift for dad.

Do you have a Father’s Day gift idea? We’d love to hear it in the comments or tweet us @amgreetings!

Father’s Day Gifts from Son

June 2 By American Greetings

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Father’s Day is right around the corner, and instead of the ordinary go-to’s like ties and gift cards, go the extra mile this year, and get something Dad will truly enjoy. We have some great ideas that are a bit outside of the box, and also allow you to get involved so you can spend some quality time together.

1. For the Dad in need of relaxation: Do Good Hammock

04_Hammock

Dads work hard and need some rest and relaxation. This hammock is made to fit one or two people to soak up some sunshine. Equipped with a nylon carrying case, this hammock is also easy to take on the go. (let me know if you think I should add the aspect of the fair trade)

2. For the dad who has everything: Subscription Box
Struggling to find your Dad the right gift this year? The Bespoke Post subscription box is a great option for the Dads who have it all. This box can be given one time or as a subscription, you also have the option of picking out the boxes for Dad or allowing him to pick his own. All subscription and gift boxes are limited editions and revolved around a central theme. Boxes from Bespoke Post include ties, whiskey, grilling sets, shaving kits and more. Even if your Dad has everything, you’ll be able to find a unique and thoughtful gift.

3. For the Grill Master: Gourmet Condiments Sauces
Barbeque season is here; make sure Dad is ready to fire up the grill. The condiment sauces from Mouth.Com include gourmet spreads like garlic hot sauce, Jojo’s sriracha, gourmet mustards and salsas. Dads will be so excited to receive these gifts; they may end up grilling out for a Father’s Day barbeque!

4. For the Beer-loving Dad: Beer-Making Kit
Mr. Beer - Beer making kit with barrel, bottles and ingredients. This is perfect gift for the Dad who enjoys a cold beverage. The beer-making kit is ideal for beginners and comes with all the necessities to brew your own beer at home. The kit is also reusable and may become a new hobby for Dad.

Do you have a Father’s Day gift idea? We’d love to hear it in the comments or tweet us @amgreetings!

What to Write in a Father’s Day Card

June 1 By American Greetings

My dad used to send me into a panic whenever given the ceremonial after-dinner card on birthdays or Father’s Day. What was I worried about?

He actually read the card aloud to the family.

“Holy cow — what does it say?” I’d be thinking through my sweat. For, being a young man of my time, I’d never read the message through, just a few words on the front and skimmed to the ending. Happily, though, because American Greetings cards are carefully crafted to say just the right thing, I needn’t have worried. Now I’m editing those card lines and, as a father myself, I take great pride in selecting just the right messages for our products.

My dad was probably a lot different from yours: like many of his generation, he wasn’t overly expressive of his softer side, preferring to let his actions speak for him. Younger dads are a lot closer to their kids and more open with their feelings, though not all are as comfortable that way as others. So if you want to know what to say in a Father’s Day card it’s gotta start with what kind of guy he is.

Is he the classic strong, silent type? If so, he’s going to know all about saying the most with the least amount of words and reading between the lines for the deeper message. If you’re going for the plain and direct sentiment, it might read something like:

Straight up and right to the point…
You’re a great dad, and you’re loved very much.

Or, if you’re more likely to share your message in a kidding way, it can be fun affectionately turning his words back on him:

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
Okay! Good talk.

What if he’s an old softie? These guys can handle a little sentimentality. You might want to turn up the Love, Pride or Gratitude, just for him:

I’ll never be too old to need you, Dad.
Hope you know how much I’ll always love, care for, and appreciate you.

Maybe he’s not your biological father but he’s had a real influence on your life and deserves to know how you feel about him.

fa – ther (n.) Someone who cares and helps and guides you. (Shared DNA not required.)
Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life.

Are there any special interests he’s known for? Sometimes it’s nice just knowing you “get” him:

Take it easy, sit and chill,
Get a game in, fire the grill,
Surf the channels, lift a brew,
And celebrate a great dad — you!

No matter what type of man he is, if there’s one thing all dads everywhere want to be recognized for, it’s the hard work they put into being a good father. You really can’t go wrong with a simple “I notice”:

For the wonderful things you do that I might not always notice, and the words of wisdom that might sometimes get ignored, thank you. Not a day goes by when I don’t feel very, very lucky to have a dad like you!

Whether you come up with something sweet, witty or wise, only you know what makes the dad in your life so special to you—and that’s what he really wants to hear. Be sure to check out our website for everything Father’s Day, including Father’s Day eCards, Print at Home cards, and more.

Steve Johnson

Did this article help inspire you with what to write in a Father’s Day card? Feel free to comment with your ideas or tweet us @amgreetings!