June 17: Daddy's Day Off

June 17 is Father's day. Though it's not a real holiday and dads wouldn't really admit that they care, believe me, they do. For Dads with young kids, basically it would also be the wife's duty as well; so double the effort on your part as you'll have 2 dads on this day.

So, to make this day special for him, 1st suggestion is to make sure that everyone is present on this date.  Coordinate with your moms and siblings on the plans so no effort will be duplicated.  For the gifts, you all can chip in for a one time big time thing so it will have a big impact; don't forget your mom's contribution as well :)  Here are some suggestions to bring out the smile on your daddy's face:
1) If your dad/husband loves watching movies or tv series, a Mede8er movie player will be perfect! www.mede8er.com It costs around 5-9K plus the cost of the hard drive that stores the HD movies. 2TB would cost around 5K more. Fill it up with movies and series that you know he'll love and he'll definitely enjoy your gift. Ehome in Annapolis Greenhills sells this... Just tell them to pre-load it and it will be ready in a week.  There's also a special Mede8er that turns your TV into a SMART/Internet TV, the MED500X2, your dad will surely love this as he can stream the latest shows as well.

2) Surprise Out of Town Trip with all the things prepared already!  Remember, anticipate all that he'll worry about and fix it prior to the trip, he'll definitely feel that this day is his. Dads love beaches but the rains may start to pour in June so be mindful of this.  The local airlines have special fares starting June so solicit everyone's thought and start booking. Don't forget the hotel!

3) Organize a party with all your dad's "daddy" friends.  For this one, you may want the help of your moms.  Menu: lots of grilled food, beer, whiskey and music. Throw in some poker chips while you're at it. Location: preferably not your dad's house.

4) Have his car 'Detailed'. Look for a place where they can finish it in 12 hours so your dad won't worry about his car (internal and external detailing without removing the carpet as this takes another 12 hours).

5) A lazy boy just for him. A bit pricey but Blims sell these at 12-months, zero percent interest. Don't get the expensive massage chairs, they'll use it for a time but would want to discard it after a while.

6) A Watch.  A Casio Gshock; it's not pricey yet men still wear them.  Get the model that will suit your dad. Nobody's stopping you to buy that Panerai or AP but if you're on a budget, get a Gshock or at least a watch from a company that creates watches (not those that designs shirts that decided to have watches on their lines as well aka designer watches).

7) Men in general, don't buy wallets. They will use them even if they are old and deformed. Get them a classic style with a place for a family picture and one that can hold lots of cards. Get a wide one that will fit all the stuff (money, receipts, calling cards, discount cards etc) he loves to shove in there but not the ones with hard edges that can put holes in their back pockets.

8) A Lacoste Shirt, you'll never go wrong with this one. Go with the maroon, dark green, blue or black classic solid color two button slim fit. Ralph Lauren Polo shirts can be an alternative as well.

9)  Golf Dad: am not sure if they have this locally, but your dad and his golf buddies will love it! Golf Club Drink Dispenser - fill it up with his favorite drink: a whole bottle of Jack!  :)

10) Ampao, 'nuff said.












Things to avoid: necktie, ballpen even the expensive ones, a half baked thing like a plane ticket without hotel, lessons like golf, gym, tennis or those that require lots of effort, concert tickets unless it's U2, Gift Certificates, picture frames, shoes, jeans and long sleeve shirts unless you really know what he likes, his style and size, jewelry and books.


I remember a scene from Moneyball where the daughter sang a song for his Dad and he was so moved.  So if you or your siblings or your daughters have this talent, make them sing during dinner or make a home recording of the song and believe me, he'll appreciate it more than the ones listed above added together :)