A First Father’s Day Gift

This Father’s Day is a very special one in my household.  It’s my husband’s first father’s day as a dad!

I wanted to get him something that would remind him of our little guy, no matter where he was.  It took me a while to figure out the perfect gift, but eventually I decided to get him a pocket watch.

My First Etsy Purchase

First, I ventured into the world of Etsy for the first time.  I was looking for a pocket watch and found a few on Etsy.  I emailed each of the sellers and asked them about their watches and they all provided great information.  In the end, I bought a black pocket watch from Kristin at My Personal Memories .

The watch arrived a few days ago in a wooden box and perfectly intact.

Personalizing the Gift

I did two things to personalize this for my husband.  First, I had the front of the watch engraved with my son’s initials and birthday.  Kristin did that before sending me the watch in the mail.

Second, I affixed a lock of hair from my son’s first hair cut on the inside of cover of the pocket watch.  My hubby always makes sure that my son’s hair is styled nicely as well as trimmed properly, so I thought this would be meaningful for him.

The Finished Product

Now, my husband has a little reminder of our son that he can have with him at all times, no matter where he is.

Five Ideas to Treat Your Dad on Father’s Day

We’re a few days away from Father’s Day.  Do you know how you’re going to honor your father, or father-in-law, or both this weekend?  If you’re like me and still debating how best to mark the day, here are a few ideas to stimulate your imagination:

1.  Spend Time Together

I don’t know about you, but between work and my own family, it can get tough to make time to spend with my dad.  Father’s Day is a perfect excuse to schedule some time to hang out with your dad over coffee or lunch.

2.  Take your dad to the movies!

When was the last time you went out with your dad to see a movie or a show?  A few years ago, I bought tickets for me and my dad to see David Copperfield.  I grew up watching him on TV and it was such a treat to see him in person, for both of us!

3.  How about a game of golf?

Schedule a game of golf (or tennis, or squash, or whatever game that your dad likes and that you can play).  This is a great way to spend time with your dad.

4.  Buy him that gadget he’s been eyeing in the store

Is there something in the store that your dad is dying to buy, but hasn’t yet?  It could be a gadget or some clothes.  If you’re sure that he’d like it, go for it!

5.  Ask him what HE wants to do!

After all, it is HIS day.  If you’re stuck for ideas, ask you dad how he would like to spend the day.

In my own humble opinion, the best way to mark any family occasion is to spend time together.  There are few gifts that can top high quality family time.

Whatever you do, have fun making this Father’s Day a special one!

Father’s Day is just around the corner!

Can you believe that Father’s Day is already just around the corner?  Yes, that’s right…it’ll be the big day for all the daddies out there in just under two weeks.

How did Father’s Day start?

In the U.S., Father’s Day was first recognized shortly after Mother’s Day was officially recognized.  It served as an important complement to the Mother’s Day celebration.

It was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, a mother from Spokane, who wanted to honor her father.  He had been a single parent to her and her five siblings.  The idea was accepted and the celebration was set for the third Sunday in June.  Father’s Day is celebrated around the world and in some countries, on different days.

As with Mother’s Day, this was not initially a very commercial event.  It was only over time that it has become commercialized.  Today, it is hard to avoid being bombarded with gift ideas meant to help you honor your father.

What ideas do you have to honor your father?

I’ve been thinking about what I’d like to do for my dad and my father-in-law.  As usual, these can turn into last minute decisions, so I’m still mulling this one over.

What ideas do you have in mind?