Ten great ways to say 'Thanks, Dad'

Dads count, too. Really. On Sunday, this is your chance to show him that he does count and that he is simply the coolest guy you know. Really. I’m a dad. I should know. The following are my Top 10 gifts to celebrate Father’s Day.


10 Picture and frame. This is tricky. What is typically a mom’s present can easily be a dad’s present, but you have to choose a frame that fits his style. Don’t be cute. Go for darker colors for the frame (silver is good, too), or maybe keep it athletic in theme. In any case, this gift works well for the home office or the office away from home.

9 Hammock. Not every dad has property to enjoy, but for those who do, this is a perfect gift. A rope hammock makes a nice afternoon a great afternoon. You can order one on the Internet or stop by any home and garden store in the metro area.

8 If dad likes to fish, fishing gear is perfect. Eastern Jackson County has at least one source for that – Bass Pro Shops. A good idea would be to take him to Bass Pro, buy him his gift and take a stroll, maybe treat him to lunch at the restaurant inside.

7 Swiss Army knife. Dads are always poking around the house or apartment, looking for things to fix and improve. A Swiss Army knife is small and practical for any dad. Most knives are equipped with a can opener, tweezers, scissors, screwdriver and wire stripper.

6 Greatest dad T-shirt or jacket. You can buy any old shirt or jacket, or you could make one. Get the appropriate size and paint it with fabric paints (handprints of the kids are popular), or take it to a custom print shop.

5 Athletic tickets. Yes, the Royals are in a slump, but dads are hopeful. While the team is playing away this weekend, next weekend begins a home stay for a while. There are also Kansas City T-Bones games to take him to, located in The Legends in Kansas, near Kansas Speedway.

4 Tech gifts. They can be expensive, but there are devices out there under $50. Consider the digital measuring tape (found at any local hardware store for about $25). For the aspiring comic book writer, buy dad Planetwide Media Comic Book Creator 2, which allows dad to create his own (or you can create it with him). There are other computer programs, too. A spokesperson at Best Buy in Independence said the game “Rome” is popular, which allows players to create the ancient world.

3 Grill tools. Most dad’s don’t need encouragement when it comes to grilling. When shopping for tools, take note of what he has already and either buy something new, or improve on them.

2 A specially made video. If you don’t have a video camera, borrow one. Every dad likes a memory, and what better way than to film them. One suggestion is to start filming a video a year prior to Father’s Day, filming 15 minutes every Sunday once a month. Of course, the content is up to you. Ultimately, it will give dad something to watch and remember. On a last note, make as many copies of the video as possible.

1 Time and attention. This costs nothing. That’s why it’s number one. There is simply nothing on Earth that can replace a day spent devoted to your father. Keep your bad moods, demands and issues at bare minimum, though, or else you’ll spoil it. Fathers can be fragile.