Life’s annual celebrations look a little different this year. But if you give it even a moment’s thought, the reasons to be grateful sure do mount up. And during stressful times, it’s more important than ever—and more beneficial to your health—to focus on them. Are you grateful to have a fab dad in your life? Then celebrate your love for him with a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that’s just right for the moment.
The Gift of Connection
Social distancing has lots of us looking for new and more engaging ways to stay in touch. Many of us have turned to social media, but by their very nature, they’re public places where you may not want to share your most personal thoughts and images. However, a Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame makes having a direct connection to Dad easy. It’s Wifi-enabled and compatible with your smartphone, so you can share images and videos in real-time. Dad can watch his granddaughter take her first steps or blow out her birthday candles along with you.
The Gift of Comfort
When you give a present to someone, do you ever wonder whether the recipient will really use it? Well, there’s one thing all of us do every day and that’s sleep. Upgrade your dad’s mattress and you can be sure your gift will be appreciated on a nightly basis. The best mattresses will give your dad a decade or more of comfort and support—not to mention the rest he deserves after raising you!
Gifts from the Garden
The world has gone greener since the global pandemic hit. More people are turning to home vegetable gardening as a soothing hobby. Gardening is a great, gentle exercise for people of all ages, and it puts food on the table at a time when fears about food shortages are top of mind. The more fresh veggies your dad puts on his plate, the better he’ll look and feel. From seeds and other supplies to trowels and trimmers, there are dozens of affordable gifts you can give to encourage Dad’s green thumb.
The Gift of Companionship
Maybe you can’t be with your dad as often as you’d like, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep him company. One feel-good story that’s come out of the global pandemic is that pet shelters around the globe have seen a delightful dip in occupancy. A lovable mutt can brighten anybody’s day, after all! You can also adopt family-friendly dogs like golden retrievers (or less active breeds like bulldogs and Bichon Frises) from dedicated rescue organizations around the country.
Studies have found that pet owners enjoy better health and, statistically, they even live longer. And you want your dad to be around a long time, don’t you? Think of all the Father’s Day gifts you can buy—and how much fun he can have as he uses his Nixplay Frame to share photos and videos of his pup’s antics to you and the rest of the family!
The Gift of Good Health
New stay-at-home guidelines have us all doing more cooking. Nutritionists recommend grilling as one of the healthiest cooking techniques. Whether your dad’s grill skills are legendary or apprentice-level, a new gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a smoker could really up his game. And it can help him ease into socially-distanced outdoor entertaining.
Is he already armed for battle with grilling gear? You could try sending a box of perfectly-aged, organic steaks, or a subscription to a wine club (red wines have heart-healthy benefits!). If he’s missing his pub fries or Friday fish and chips, an air fryer delivered to his doorstep will give him the fried crispness he craves minus the calories and excess cholesterol.
The Gift of Accomplishment
In homes across America, dads are checking stuff off of their to-do lists at speeds that were previously unheard of. That’s because, strangely, the coronavirus itself has given us one very special gift: the gift of time. And lots of dads are using it to be very productive around the home.
You’ve probably noticed the uptick of home improvement projects on your Instagram or Facebook feeds. Photos of newly painted decks, immaculately organized garages, and shiny refinished floors are popping up everywhere. Mechanical and power tools are a great way to support your DIY dad’s skills and help him tackle the projects he’s been wanting to complete around the house.
The Gift of Getting Away
Summer vacation season has taken a hit, with airline travel restrictions, beach closures, and other health regulations in place. But when you’ve been tethered to home for months, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re getting a break from your routine. Why not plan a boredom-busting weekend for your dad at a nearby bed-and-breakfast? If your dad loves fishing, find one near a lake. If he’s golfer, find one located near the best course he can get to in a day-trip.
Susan Doktor is a journalist and business strategist who hails from New York City. She writes, guest- and ghost-blogs on a wide range of topics including health and fitness, parenting, finance, and technology. Follow her on Twitter @branddoktor.