Happy early Father’s Day to all the dads out there! And to all those who are celebrating a father, or father figure, and still need to buy them a gift, this is for you. Get out today or tomorrow and find them a thoughtful gift.
As I was thinking about what to buy my dad for Father’s Day, the stereotypical “dad” things were running through my head… a new power tool, some new gardening tools, a few yards of mulch (lol)—but I wanted to get a little more creative than that. Not that there is anything wrong with any of those ideas, I just don’t want to buy my dad something that is going to create MORE work for himself. I want to give him something that he can enjoy, so I decided to help add to his bird sanctuary.
He doesn’t really know that he has a bird sanctuary, but after this Father’s Day, he will. He has a big backyard with a lot of trees. He loves birdwatching, but he only has one birdhouse. So, I’m bought him another bird house, a bird feeder, a bird bath, and a few plants that will also feed the birds: an American Beauty Berry and a few different types of holly shrubs. And I’m going to plant them shrubs for him.
If caring or feeding for the birds isn’t your dad’s thing, maybe he likes foraging? You could buy him a new citrus tree, and plant it for him. Then for years to come when he harvests the limes from his tree, for his cocktail of course, he’ll think of you! Or if he doesn’t have space for a tree, but is a grill master, pot up some herbs that can live on his patio, that he can use on the grill: rosemary, thyme, and sage… all pair very well with steak. Buy him some steaks to go with the herbs.
If you’re not sure which project he needs help with, gift him some of your time. Say, “Hey, Dad, I wasn’t sure what to get you, but I want to do a special project in the yard for you one weekend. What do you need help with?” And if you want something to go with that offer, get him a gift card to the garden center. Be warned, he might say, “Mulching!” and then you’ve just booked yourself for a strenuous 8-hour workout one weekend.
These are just a few ideas, all of which originate from the garden center. If you’re still not sure what to buy, start with a trip to the garden center, and after perusing for a few minutes, you’re sure to think of, and find something, that is just right for your dad. Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I hope you feel special this weekend.
Written by John MacMillan
