Peace Daddy

Dads are notoriously tough to buy for.

Retailers will tell you Dads want a tie, cufflinks, personalized golf balls, a martini shaker, or the latest electronic car starter/leaf blower/TV remote control thingamajig.

But we looked into it a bit and learned that Dad’s aren’t that different from us. What they want the most? A little bit of peace.

To achieve this, we recommend giving him some time to himself, followed by a little quality time with his family (read: no fighting and/or whining allowed).

So forget the dash to the mall. Here is some inspiration for planning your beloved’s big day:

Home and Away Sports Day
Call up a few of the guys and book up a golf foursome, an afternoon out to the baseball game or any other sporting event of his choice. After he sleeps in and enjoys a hearty breakfast, send him off. When the king of the castle gets home, present him with a family dinner of his fave meal (that the kids helped with) and a fun dessert to celebrate. The children will be briefed (of course) on how important it is for them to be peaceful (cake is an acceptable bribe in this situation). Then get the kids to bed early and enjoy an after-dinner glass of wine/cup of tea and remember that ‘his’ day only lasts a few more hours while you are cleaning up the dinner dishes.

The Hunt for Fun
Help the kids come up with a plan for a Dad’s Scavenger Hunt to all the places he loves. Think breakfast at his favourite greasy spoon, a stop at the baseball diamond or driving range, a trip to Canadian Tire, a nap on the couch and dinner out (you might have to agree to chicken wings). The whole family can draw up a ‘treasure map’ or create a set of clues for him to find the next stop on the itinerary.

Quiet Time
Get Dad a copy of his favourite magazine (not the swimsuit edition…) along with some coupons for uninterrupted couch time (try the ‘Dad Gets His Way Non-Ignorable Tickets’ from Hallmark which are guaranteed to bring a smile to his face) and then bribe (yes, if you’re ever going to bribe, today’s the day) the kids outside with a popsicle.

If you take the DIY route and aim to please, you will still want to produce a card to open with the breakfast in bed. We recommend the newest creation’s from Speckles and Weeds Father’s Day line, celebrating the highs and lows of fatherhood. Mom entrepreneur Jane Desilets’ cards always manage to get right to the point of life’s special moments. We’re still trying to decide between the man fishing with “Remember when you had nothing better to do after work?” or the dad with his babe in arms and all the other plastic paraphernalia that goes with it passing by the patio full of guys drinking beer and eating nachos that says “Why is it, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence?”. Available nationally.

After all, we know it’s the thought that counts, So put a little thought into planning this Father’s Day and you’ll have one delighted dad (and possibly a smaller Visa bill as well).

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