Let me start this blog post by saying…

I LOVE HOLIDAYS!

I love celebrating anything and everything with my husband and kids. I’m gonna be really honest with you though, this year Father’s Day kinda snuck up on me. Easter 2020 was weird, Mother’s Day was weird, and I’m a little nervous to try to celebrate my incredible husband and the amazing father he is to our two kids. I don’t want to have another weird holiday. My solution to the anxiety of celebrating anything right now is this: keep it simple. I know usually K.I.S.S. stands for Keep It Simple, Stupid. I want to change that around for you today. Try this instead….Keep It Stupid Simple! Here are 17 simple ways to celebrate Father’s Day this year.

Dad Coupons

Remember how fun it was to make coupons for your parents when you were a kid? Shopping for gifts is much harder during this season of social distancing, so bring back the old school gift of “Dad Coupons”. If you don’t want to make your own, order some from a shop on Etsy.

Mancrate

Mancrate is a really fun company that creates unique gifts for men. My favorite part of Mancrate gifts is that most of them come in a crate that the “man” has to open himself with a tool. Even their gift cards come inside a brick that has to be broken open to redeem. It’s VERY entertaining to watch! There are also men’s versions of crafting sets and gifts that come in ammo cans and toolboxes. Browse their website here and get some fun gifts for the dads in your life!

Homemade Gifts

Homemade gifts are a great personalized way to celebrate Father’s Day. Browse Pinterest for some DIY Father’s Day gifts that work with your crafting skill and enjoyment levels. Don’t make yourself do something you don’t enjoy and remember to keep it simple!

Photography

Some men hate having their photos taken, but some dads really appreciate a photography session with their kids. It’s special to have professional photos taken highlighting dads and their kids. Do some research for local photographers in your area who enjoy or specialize in family photoshoots.

Ask Him

Stay with me here, I know it’s not that simple. When I ask my husband what he wants to do for Father’s Day, he always replies “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” And we go around like that a few times until we realize we sound like our toddlers. A much more productive thing to do is to ask him specific questions about his preferences for Father’s Day. What would he like to eat that day? What would he like to do between meals? Who does he want to spend time with on Father’s Day? Try to guide the conversation with specific questions for your man.

Camp or Fish

If the father in your household enjoys fishing or camping, make an effort to plan a family fishing or camping trip. If the fishing and camping areas around you are still closed for social distancing, or if you aren’t quite comfortable traveling yet, set up a campsite in your yard or even inside the house in the living room for an “at home” camping trip. 

Birchbox Grooming Box

Did you know Birchbox has a Grooming Box subscription for men? I love getting my lady’s Birchbox each month, and they have created a men’s version called the Grooming Box. The boxes contain sample sizes of men’s grooming products, personalized to fit your man’s individual needs. Check out their website here for more information!

Family Game Night

If your family enjoys playing board games or video games together, plan a Father’s Day Family Game Night to celebrate the dad in your house. Pull out a few of your favorite board games or make a list of your favorite video games to play as a family. Make fun family food to eat together and then play games together all night. 

Movie Themed Food

Growing up I remember a few years of celebrating Father’s Day with a movie-themed food night together as a family. Usually, my dad picked Godfather and spaghetti for dinner… but you can base your dinner menu on your man’s favorite movie. Ask the dad in your house what his favorite movie is. Create a menu that goes with the movie or use Pinterest or Google for some help with ideas. Watch the movie all together as a family if it’s appropriate for your kids, or watch it after the kids go to bed if it’s not something your kids would/should enjoy.

Cook His Faves

Ask your dude about food! Ask him what some of his favorite meals are and celebrate Father’s Day with his choice of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mom tip: encourage him to pick at least one take out/carry out that you don’t have to cook. 

Let Him Cook/Grill

If the dad of the house in your house likes to cook or grill, ask him if he would enjoy cooking or grilling a meal on Father’s Day! My husband enjoys grilling or smoking pork steaks for us now that we live close to St. Louis, and he feels proud and accomplished providing dinner for all of us. Father’s Day is a great day to do the things dads truly enjoy.

T-Shirts

If you have something like a Cricut and enjoy making t-shirts, make a personalized t-shirt for the dad in your household! Pick a phrase or image that represents him. Browse the internet for inspiration. If you don’t want to make your own t-shirt, look online at shops like Etsy or Amazon for a t-shirt he would really like. Most dads enjoy t-shirts as gifts and it’s always nice to start the summer with new fresh hot weather clothes.

Family Drive

Going on a family drive is a great way to celebrate Father’s Day together, and it’s a safe idea during social distancing. Pack drinks and snacks and load the family into the car. Then, simply drive. Drive together and talk about what you see out the windows. Talk about memories of dads in your family. Talk about life together and be a family together in the car.

Family Walk/Hike

Family walks are a very important thing in our family. We love spending time walking and talking and getting fresh air and exercise. If your family enjoys walking outside, plan a family walk or hike on Father’s Day. You can drive to the closest National park or walk around your neighborhood block, just walk together!

Family Sports

If your family is passionate about playing sports, plan a day of playing sports together on Father’s Day. Ask the dad in your house what his favorite sports to play with the family are, and have everything you need ready the day of your celebration. Make sure to have plenty of drinks and snacks ready for fuel and hydration!

Family Movie Night

Watching a movie together as a family is a great way to celebrate Father’s Day. Let dad choose what movie to watch together and make popcorn. Check your grocery store (or Target) for movie sized candy boxes and individual popcorn bowls. Make sure everyone is wearing comfy clothes, sit back, relax, and celebrate Father’s Day with a family movie night.

Team Party

With sports being on hold for the moment, some men are really missing their favorite sports team and all the fun that comes with being a fan. Pick one of your man’s favorite sports teams and plan a party based on that theme. Invite people your man likes being around (my husband would choose inviting no one) and make “game” food like hot dogs, nachos, or simple appetizers. If you have the time, order party tableware and decorations with your sport or team of choice. We almost always have Minnesota Vikings and Anaheim Angels cups and plates stored in the house somewhere. Make Father’s Day extra special with a team party!

No matter how you celebrate Father’s Day this year, remember that you are doing a great job. Keeping the celebration simple does not mean you care less. Having realistic expectations for your family is a healthy way to keep your family members on the same page and team. Do what works for you and your tribe, and enjoy yourself, momma!