What Men Really Want for Father’s Day

Okay everyone…so I’m letting my husband take over today because the other day I was asking him what he wanted for Father’s Day.  I then thought it might be a great idea for him to share with all of us what men really want for Father’s Day!  I was excited to see what he would come up with too!  So I’ll hand the baton over to him…

Hi everyone,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paul, and I am also in the housing/home improvement industry….sort of….but rather than redoing or revamping things or parts of a home, I work to create them altogether. I work for Lennar Homes (a home builder) here in the Twin Cities.

When my wonderful wife asked me what I really wanted for Father’s Day, I had all kinds of ideas, but since it’s only a day, and I can’t afford a private jet, I am kind of limited with time and money….hehe. Here are my top 3 suggestions and some ideas on the topic:

1. Don’t make it just one day – perhaps make it a weekend.

My fellow dad friends and myself generally like to do stuff that takes longer than half a day or a day like fishing, camping, cycling, hiking, guys weekends, etc. As much as we love our families, it keeps us sane to be able to meet up with the dudes, drink some beers, maybe howl at the moon for a night, and get back to our dude roots. We’re wired differently, ladies. Sorry bout that. I don’t make the rules.

DISCLAIMER: This does not mean that we don’t want to spend any time with our wives and children. However, it might be cool to let Dad get up one day with his buddies to go do something on Saturday, then be at home with the family on Sunday. Or maybe leave for a quick guys trip or night out on Friday night, and come back on Sunday in time for a nice afternoon/dinner with the family. OR – have a nice brunch with the family on Saturday, then go do something Saturday afternoon/evening with friends. Just examples here, folks. For instance, my wife, daughter and I are going to spend next weekend with her parents at Lake Okoboji. I am planning on getting in a fishing trip on Saturday, then hanging with the family for dinner on Saturday night and brunch on Sunday.

2. Make him feel special.

You know how women like to be doted on? Spa days, nail appointments, etc? Guys like that stuff too – just differently. Make him his favorite meal – or a couple favorite meals or dishes. Or go out to his favorite place or places. I love my wife’s banana bread. It’s one of my faves. She also makes awesome chocolate chip cookies. Massages are great, especially if they are in conjunction with a night alone for you two…wink wink. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Every guy has his vices and things he enjoys. Electronics. Cars. Steak. Scotch or whiskey. Beer or wine. Cigars. Tools. Gardening. Outdoors. The list goes on. Chances are there are little things you know about him and his hobbies that maybe have not been done in a while…..or maybe they were done recently but now it’s his weekend, so do them again or think of something else. Catch my drift?

3. Let him do what he wants.

Within reason, of course…..I am not condoning any behavior that could be detrimental to a marriage or relationship. He can revert a little back to his teens or 20s, but not to the detriment of family and kids. If he wants to go out, go out with him. If he wants to catch a ballgame, let him do that – even if you hate baseball….chances are there is something at the stadium that you can enjoy (maybe it’s how the players are all in their 20s and in amazing muscular shape). If he wants to sit on the couch and not worry about anything and watch The Godfather, cool. Guys – make sure that if you do what you want for a while, that you are prepared to come back to reality when that time is over. Don’t come back from a weekend of partying on Sunday afternoon and be a dud if the agreement was to come back and hang out for a family bbq. Ya gotta rally!

GIFTS

When it comes to gifts, like I said, it does not have to be expensive. When my wife asked me what I wanted for Father’s day, my initial response was, “Nothing.” This is because I feel like I have pretty much everything I need, and I would rather go do something I enjoy with friends or family and gear that I already have. If you are stumped, maybe look at something moderately priced based on his hobbies. A new tool attachment. New piece of outdoor gear. Car accessory. Boxed Blu-Ray set of his favorite movie series (The Godfather). Or a new season of his favorite TV show. Lots can be said for gift cards too to his favorite places – whether its Buffalo Wild Wings or Rockauto.com or Mills Fleet Farm. Mills is great too cause you can pickup some live bait, a garden rake, a pair of jeans, some beef jerky, or a pack of gum, all under one roof! The possibilities are endless!!!

Lucy 4 Months Old
Photo Courtesy of Quattlebaum Photography

In all seriousness though, Ruthie and I wish you all a great Father’s Day [weekend] and whatever you like to do, get out there and do it. Get dirty. Get wet. Get sweaty. Fix computers. Play video games. Read comic books. Weave baskets. Enjoy yourself. Just make sure you spend some time with the wife and children. They want to see their father on Father’s day, too.