Since 1972, the third Sunday in June been set aside as the day to celebrate dads. Dads can be difficult to shop for: the tie and cuff link route has been well worn. But we've come up with eight original ideas that will help guide you through this year's holiday—whether the father you're buying for is a master griller, a do-it-yourselfer or the man who really does have everything.
1. Barbecue boot camp
We know teaching an old dog new tricks can be dif ficult, especially if that dog has been grillin’ and smokin’ since he was a pup. Barbecue boot camps can take even the saltiest grill general’s game to the next level. The Culinary Institute of America offers grilling and barbecue boot camps as well as a wide variety of mini-courses in culinary training at three locations across the country.
2. Father's Day 5K
Got a runner in the family? Then 5K runs are a great way to stay in shape, and there are plenty to choose from this time of year. Buy dad a new pair of kicks, and sign him up for a run near you—and sign yourself up, too! There’s nothing wrong with a little competition between family members, right?
3. Head to the speedway
The NASCAR Racing Experience offers dads the chance to get behind the wheel and race to the checkered flag. Gift packages include driving real NASCAR race cars, meeting crew chiefs and making your experience last forever with an in-car video.
4. The great outdoors
Summer brings good weather, long days and…camping! Spend the weekend together Swiss Family Robinson-style. Kids even camp free on Father’s Day weekend at all participating KOA campgrounds across the country.
5. For the dad who says he doesn't want anything
If your dad is the type who doesn’t want all that fuss and would rather you save your money, then here are a few creative and economical gift ideas that still let him know you care.
• Write him a letter explaining how much he means to you.
• Teach the old man how to Skype and keep up those long-distance lines of communication.
• Let him take a mid-afternoon nap.
• Listen to his stories.
• Bake him his favorite cookies.
• Wash his car.
• Register dad for a do-it-yourself class at a home-improvement store.
6. For the socially conscious dad
You'll find no shortage of worthy causes to which you can donate money in dad's name. Oxfam America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding solutions to end poverty, hunger and injustice in the world. A small gift can help feed a village, spare disease and give children a chance to read.
7. Something to help all dads
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer is the most common form of non-skin cancer. More than 2 million American men currently live with the disease and 28,000 will die from it annually. Help dads everywhere by making a donation in your dad’s name or in the memory of someone else and encourage him to get checked regularly.
8. Uncommonly beneficial
UncommonGoods.com is an online retailer that sells unique and creative gifts, from books to gardening accessories. For every purchase made, they give $1 to a charity of your choice. Since they began the policy 12 years ago, they have donated more than $700,000 to various nonprofits.
