No matter what…BE YOU! Speak your TRUTH. Believe you have something BEAUTIFUL to offer the world. SHINE. FLY.
Author: goforthegood1
Happy SOUL Day!
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart
You are the only you in this world. This quote speaks volumes to my heart because there is something only YOU can do, so when you find that ‘something that lights you up’—follow it, begin to know every detail of why it breathes energy into your existence, see what it is that makes you come alive. Once you find something like that…you can never let go or fear your own personal betrayal to yourself and the world.
“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.” -Howard Thurman
I heard a beautiful metaphor yesterday about taking ideas and philosophy from all areas of life, the variety of people and religions we encounter, the beauty we see, the emotions we feel and metaphorically stringing them all together into a string of beads that symbolize the meaning of your life. So, as I read the above quote I instantly saw a visual of putting beads on a string, so I envisioned the end of this quote as allowing other people to string the beads of your life. Although, after reading it again, I understood it as being a puppet on a string. I am going to envision it like this…I will be stringing the lessons and beauty within my own life to my soul chain, instead of allowing others to pepper my life chain with what they think I need.
IMAGINE…taking a little bit of wisdom from EVERYWHERE, EVERYTHING…the wisdom of the Tao, embracing a story from Buddhism, understanding some of the beliefs of Desmond Tutu, feeling your heart sing to the teachings of Marianne Williamson, enjoying a Soul Pancake, loving the Inspiration of Dr. Wayne Dyer, adding Louise Hays movie to your collection, learning a new prayer every day, seeking guidance in the lessons nature has to offer, raising your children in a variety of beliefs, getting grateful with Sarah Ban Breathnach, and looking for the good in all things each day.
String all those beautiful things as beads on your own soul chain & imagine the beauty your soul will seek throughout your life. See, explore, be open to so many beautiful things.
A Inspired idea for the HAPPY SOUL: Find something that you can literally add beads to: key chain, piece of leather, chain, necklace, bracelet, phone charm, something to hang from your car mirror, etc. Go to a craft store and find some beads that may symbolize something for your life (charms, beads that have a particular color, pattern, texture, etc). Decide what you would like to focus on at this point in your life. Do you want to find someone to love–maybe find a red bead that can symbolize the love you desire to have. Maybe you want to find more spirit within your life—maybe you are drawn to a bird charm, a white pearl bead, a peace sign, etc. Maybe you want to focus on your kids more each day—find something playful that symbolizes your family. Begin to string these beads to create a symbolic soul chain for your life, your daily reminder of what you would like to focus your attention on. Put it somewhere to look at each day & look at each one with a prayer in your heart to put more attention on the specific areas.
-Happy Soul Day!
Understanding the Love Language for YOUR Child
I was talking to my sister the other day about one of her five little children (5 under the age of 8) she was talking about her middle child, Jami, who is four-years-old. She was expressing frustration about how strong-willed and independent he is & how hard it is to handle him. She was at her wits end trying to figure out how to keep him from just leaving the house and going to the neighbors to play, not listening & just doing whatever he wants. We began talking through ideas and solutions that will help guide his independent, little personality.
Our conclusion—each child is different, you can’t teach them the exact same way, you can’t reward or give the same incentives, you can’t compare children, each child has their own unique strengths and challenges, so as a parent, you have to figure out what is the best fit for each individual child.
So what are some tips to help lead and guide you through parenthood…
TRUST YOU GUT: You have personal guiding values that help guide and direct you as a parent. You have good and bad feelings about certain friends your child spends time with, the television shows they like to watch, the clothes they wear, the games they play, their attitude, their influences, etc. …
Let me share a story with you that illustrates following the motherly instinct—even if your child is a teenager & doesn’t think they need your guiding protection. When I was sixteen or seventeen I was working as a demo girl at a local store. I had a man approach me & suggest that I would be a great fit for a shoe model because my feet were so small. He explained the position further, gave me his card & invited me to call him to set up an interview. I was young, flattered & thought the money would be great. That same week I called, set-up an interview & was scheduled to meet at a local parking lot (closer to my home) & then I was to follow him to the interview spot. My mom had some strong feelings & was not about to let her teenage daughter go alone. I was the typical teen, didn’t need my “mommy” to go with me, I could drive myself…My mom was not about to let me go alone. I fought her the whole way, but she did not feel good about it, so she drove me to the parking lot. It was early in the morning & the stores were not even open. No one was around. I got out of our family van & began to walk around the parking lot, looking for the man I was suppose to meet. A plain van with no windows began to slowly leave the back of the lot & was coming toward me. My mom saw the van nearing & stepped out of our family van. THe van saw her & accelerated and left the parking lot. I don’t know what could have happened, but I do know I did not have a good feeling about it & was glad my mom had the feelings she did. Trust your gut!! Moms are given guidance and gifts to help protect their children in everything they do. As a mother, have faith in knowing you are here to teach, guide, love and protect your child.
DONT LISTEN TO THE CRITIC INSIDE: Sometimes as Moms it is easy to begin to question or have self-doubts on the type of mothers we are. There may be Miss Molly next door who can do 27 types of girls hairdo’s, is president of the PTA, sings, plays the harp, is able to do a yoga handstand in her sleep & her children all look perfect every sunday in church. BUT, that is not who YOUR child needs. Your child needs the gifts and guidance that YOU can give them. Remember: You & your child will both learn from one another–you are gifts to one anothers life. Try to focus on that, see what you can learn, stretch yourself as a parent to seek the deeper needs of your children.
My daughter reminds me of different things all the time. I truly enjoy watching her say hello and hold doors open to everyone she encounters. She shines brightly & it is a constant reminder to do the same. I am sure over the years she watched me say hello to strangers & now I just let her say hello, but it does remind me that I too need to continue to smile, say hello & strive for connection with everyone I come in contact. Thanks KAte!
DO YOUR BEST: When all else fails just remember…You are trying to do your best! Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual. Each child is different. The challenges will change, so just continue on moment by moment & remember, you are trying to do the best you can.
BE IN THE MOMENT: Slow down, snuggle, hug, talk, look into your child’s eyes and share highlights from the day, things you need to teach and talk about, lessons learned, needs that need to be met….anything. Connecting with your child in the moment is a great start. The other day I asked my daughter Kate how she thought I showed her my love…we began a small list back and forth…hugs, drawing infiniti signs in the air, blowing special kisses, handshakes, special nighttime back scratches, nick names, snuggling & watching favorite shows…can you guess what Kate’s love language is?? smile. smile.
LOVE LANGUAGES: Every child is different & they come with special LOVE LANGUAGES that help parents know what each individual child needs. Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell created some great tools to help parents discover their child’s love language, so here are some great links to help you a little more in guiding and directing your children.
Here is a great link to the Love Languages for Children: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/the-five-love-languages-of-children/
Link to the children’s Love Language Mystery test: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/children/
Well, that is all for now. I hope you have an amazing day!! Lots of LOVE to you and your children!! -Heather
Just be YOU & SHINE!
I thought this would be truly appropriate today to share this thought with you. My little girl is doing her first musical theater production of some of the songs from “Matilda” the musical & I wanted to dedicate this post to her. Shine my little darling. Don’t be afraid. Sing & enjoy every moment. Cherish these memories, for they are the star lights that stay with you forever! xoxo
To all of you who need to SHINE today!! JUST BE YOU!
Have a little FAITH in Me.
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy amidst the simple beauty of nature…I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” -Anne Frank
It always amazes me when you sit outside and notice the tiny details all around.
A couple days ago I noticed in my Maple tree hundreds of lady bug casings. At first my heart sank as I thought these little bugs had gotten stuck in the sap and perished. Then I looked closer, on other leaves there were little black and red, fuzzy-like caterpillars. I had my husband come to see if he could understand what was happening—was it a tree of transformation?? We googled the lifecycle of a ladybug and sure enough…We have a ladybug tree!! Thousands of eggs gently laid on the large Maple tree leaves. You can see the life stages throughout the tree. Miraculous!!
Just like transformation–Life changes can be hard. My husband is still going through the process of job jumping and it is not getting any easier. It is hard to see him frustrated by how long things take, how many interviews need to be done, the assessments, the call backs…
But then I see these details in nature and I am quickly reminded—everything has a perfect timing, everything grows and changes, the flow of all that is—is perfect. Nothing is left undone or forgotten. There is patience in growth. There is wisdom in waiting. There is challenge and struggle in all things. There is hope held within a new day.
If we can continue to remember this— everything happens with PURPOSE. everything moves in perfect TIMING. everything is given with GROWTH in mind. everything grows in OPPORTUNITY. everything is clear and clarity is given within the PRESENT of this moment. SEEK. LISTEN. FIND the ANSWERS within. We will begin to understand ALL is as it should be right NOW.
God just wants us to stop and seek Him. He wants us to move from doing to be open to seeking His guidance. He knows what is best for our life. He is just waiting for us to trust in Him and His guidance.
Everything around us is being done, the sun rises, the flowers bloom, the streams flow, the wind blows, the moon appears. When we are willing to stop trying to do everything on our own and have the faith that He is listening and waiting patiently to help us do anything and everything.
We must try to have a little FAITH in that!!
This reminds me of a beautiful song “Have a little faith in me.” I am going to put a couple links to a couple video clips of people singing this song. These two versions were my favorites. Just close your eyes and listen to the words. It correlates to having faith in someone else–whether it is someone you love or I also like to think that it is having faith in God & knowing he is there through the good, the bad, the dark…etc.
This is a great version by Charly Luske
Here is another version + video of Mandy Moore singing the same song
Well, that is my thought for today. I hope it helps you in anything and everything you do. Best wishes for a beautiful day. -Heather
SUMMER kits for YOUR KIDS
Summer is a time of PLAY, NURTURING, LEARNING, being in NATURE, CREATING, and LOVING every MOMENT!!
Here are a few packets of fun activities, coloring pages, summer inspiration!! Have fun.
GET OUTSIDE–SUMMER + NATURE= the GOOD LIFE
I have a passion for getting kids outdoors because of the immense good things that come from it, so I created a packet designed to teach you as a parent the importance of getting your kids outdoors. I then created & gathered activities around things that will teach kids about nature and get them outdoors. Have fun with this!! PLEASE take the time to understand how vital it is to get our kids outdoors.
The following are two summer fun packets that I made for my little nieces and nephews for some summer fun. It is a compilation of coloring pages, summer bucket list ideas, activities, just some plain, old summer fun!
SummerFunPacket (for younger girls)
BoysSummerFunPacket (for younger boys)
HAPPY SUMMER!! Hope these bring lots of JOY!
LOVE Padlocks
Last night I went to see the wild ride of the movie “Now You See Me”–to me it was a great visual of entertainment, always wondering what was going to happen next, enjoying the magical illusions, never being able to guess the next move, wondering how each character fit. I truly enjoyed it. At the end of the movie there is a scene on a bridge & the bridge was covered in padlocks. To me it was a visual wonder & i wanted to know more, so I googled and found “Love padlocks”–people place padlocks in certain places to symbolize their love they want to hold onto–called Love padlocks.
All over the world there are specific locations, some the beginning of the padlocks is a mystery, other stories are of lovers lost, hope of lovers returning, wishes of romance, etc. It is a beautiful symbol of a cherished, heartfelt gesture.
Love is funny like that. So much of our life is seeking and finding someone to share your life with, the days, the moments, the laughter, the hurt, the pain…if you were able to meet someone & literally padlock their love, would it truly be a good idea? Would you miss the challenges that turn into making up? Would you miss the moments where you grow together? Would you begin to take your love for granted? Would you try as hard to hold on to the special feelings you have for one another? Would the affection be as passionate if you knew it could not be taken away? Would you miss the moments of insecurity that bring you back to finding a place of gratitude in your heart for one another? Would you cherish your time together?
The padlocks did remind me of a time where my husband and I were going through a hard spot emotionally and I was feeling very vulnerable to situations that could possibly ruin our relationship. I remember giving him a set of three keys and explaining they were a visual of the keys he holds to the heart of our family. One key was to symbolize each one of us in our little family & every time he looked at the keys he was to realize the importance of what he held within—our hearts.
Relationships are like that, you are given opportunities to learn from another, to invest in their life story, to see glimpses of who they really are, to be trusted with emotional keys, so remember in any relationship you are in, hold a knowing that you are unlocking a piece of someone’s padlocked heart where they hold hurts, sensitivity, hopes, dreams, and they are inviting you in to experience a part of it. Be gentle, be wise, be loving, be kind.
“Let me find the key to your heart so I can unlock your secret chambers of love; when I do find that key, I will lock myself in your heart forever.” -unknown
Now, I love the symbolic idea of these beautiful padlock places, so here are some ideas to
SPREAD THE LOVE: I think the idea of LOVE PADLOCKS is a heartfelt, loving gesture. I LOVE it!! I think it is another fun way to spread some love. So, here are a few ideas…there are world locations, so I am going to leave you with this link of some of the prime Love Lock locations http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_locations_with_love_padlocks
Find a location, list those you love & make a loving wish that they will fill your life with continued LOVE.
You could also do a fun family lock where everyone lists their names & makes a wish. You could hang it somewhere special in your home, yard, car mirror or find a special location that is special to your family.
-best wishes Heather
FAMILY should be a safety net—how is yours holding up?
“When you are young, your whole life is about fun. Then, you grow up and learn to be cautious. You could break a bone or a heart. You look before you leap, and sometimes you don’t leap at all because there’s not always someone to catch you. And in life, there is no safety net.” -unknown
I was in a department store the other day walking the video isle when I heard a young couple planning a game night on the isle next to me and discussing who should be invited. It sounded like a family game night, so it was funny to hear the husband chime in honestly “I am not sure I want to invite (so and so) she is such a killjoy.” The honest, real conversation hit me & I continued to listen..this is real life, I thought. The couple continued to debate if they should invite a specific family member & then relented knowing they ‘should.’ They called her right then and there & it was funny to hear the husband invite, then add in some possible reasons why they may not be able to come, like we won’t have anything for the kids to do or if you don’t want to, we understand. It was so interesting to hear every side of the situation from one isle over. I thought, I knew it, this does really happen!! It was just strange to actually hear it happening.
Family dynamics are an interesting thing—we all have them, some good relationships, some interesting characters, some people we don’t get along with, moments of love and hate, sarcasm or wit, lots of history together, heartbreak or heart song.
So, let me ask you this…Where do you fit in your family dynamic?? Are you a builder, a prankster, a lover, a listener, the funny one, the sarcastic one, the introvert, the extrovert, the socialite, the one who sits in the corner, the peacemaker…every one is different. Each person has their strengths, their insecurities, the way they fit, the moments they don’t.
Here are some tips, tricks and things to think about to help your family dynamic:
How well do you REALLY know your family?? have you spent enough time with them to begin to understand their likes, dislikes, their favorite hobbies, the way they joke, things that light them up, things they struggle with, the way they communicate, etc. If you don’t feel you know them as well as you should, begin to plan get togethers, have fun question and answer moments, pull out cards and have a game, while you talk about different topics.
Face time: When was the last time you had a one on one conversation with your siblings? Do you talk to them each week, monthly, daily, once a year, etc. Specific face time gives you an opportunity to get to know them, listen to their needs, begin to understand them in a personal place. Sometimes family dynamics brings about groups clicking, huddling up with specific people, jokes about one or another family member, etc, so be aware and take that personal time to have them on a one-on-one level.
Remember the golden rule: as a child we all remember our parents saying…”treat others as you would like to be treated.” Are you treating your family the way you would want to be treated? Are you loving and kind? Are you always teasing or jabbing in fun? Do you find yourself not wanting to invite one or the other family member to a game night or event? Begin to put yourself in others shoes & try to understand how they are feeling—not invited, not involved with everyone, etc. Think of the golden rule—how would you like to be treated?
Avoid Sarcasm: In our family we grew up with the motto…”Don’t be sarcastic–its the lowest from of humor” or “Scar-casm”—even though this was our family motto my siblings are very sarcastic, sometimes very funny, other times, not so much—usually at the cost of others feelings. Indeed, it’s not surprising that the origin of the word sarcasm derives from the Greek word “sarkazein” which literally means “to tear or strip the flesh off.” Hence, it’s no wonder that sarcasm is often preceded by the word “cutting” and that it hurts. Here is a great article on sarcasm—title: Think Sarcasm is Funny? Think again. by Psychology today http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/think-well/201206/think-sarcasm-is-funny-think-again
Avoid labeling: Sure there have been times when you may have been difficult in certain situations, maybe you were the ‘black sheep’, the trouble maker, the goody goody…People may have a tendency to hold you hostage to your past behaviors, the way you use to do things, the reputation you use to have, but hold on…people do and can change, so try to avoid labeling anyone…especially your family. Give them the benefit of the doubt, learn about them at every stage within their life and love them through.
Keep your word: When you say something–mean it. Trust happens between friends, lovers and family. Do you leave your kids with someone to babysit them and then not show up on time (because they are family)? Do you arrive when a family event is planned or are you always late? Showing up on time shows you care. If you have a child, you know how important your word is—they will hold you to it. It is something sacred, it builds on the relationship between child and parent, it is your word that binds you & if it gets broken, so do feelings. So, why would adult relationships be any different?? Avoid mis-trust and frustration—keep your word. I think sometimes it is easier to abuse family in different situations, but keep this in mind…you are your word.
Have boundaries: we often are used, abused, mis-treated, mis-understood by those closest to us, so sometimes we need to have personal boundaries from those we love. You may need to have perimeters around how many days you take care of other people’s kids. Maybe you can only be around your mother-in-law once a month, not every Sunday. Maybe you need to speak your truth about a hurtful situation someone created. Maybe you just need to say No. It is okay to have boundaries. You will be better for it, which then allows you to be better for those situations. It is a win-win for everyone. **Side note: a great song about Speaking your truth is by Sara Bareilles “Brave”
Be Kinder: I just went through a tough family situation where I needed to speak some truths, get out some negative feelings & learned a lot through it all—about myself, my feelings, but mostly realizing…I just wanted people to be kinder.
Family should be a place of safety, security, building, love and kindness. When those qualities get stripped away, we need to begin to try and find things that will help re-build the safety net that should be family. Family consists of those people who should be lifting you, building you to your best, allowing you to be who you are, freely sharing feelings, loving unconditionally. These are the people you have grown up with, they sometimes know you better than anyone else, they are the people who have been placed in your life to hopefully make it better, happier, worthwhile.
There is learning in all things—what are you learning from your family??
Something to think about.
Slow down…it’s SUMMER!
Driving down the street the other day my husband and I came bumper to bumper with a “slow poke” driver. There are slow drivers, but then there was this old, beater truck with a baby tree in the back. I smiled, “they are probably going slow so their new tree doesn’t fall over.” We then got to a point where we could pass her & it was a big reminder to SLOW DOWN…life is short & summer is even shorter. I still wish I would have been able to capture the image on my camera. It was a women, wearing a woven cowgirl type style hat, eating a popsicle, just enjoying the ride. It was a darling moment—her casually enjoying her childhood ice pop, tenderly driving her baby tree home to its new destination. A priceless lesson of how summer should be, so I thought today I would put together some additional ideas on how to slow down this summer and enjoy the ride!!
Make your own home mades: Whether your family loves freshly squeezed lemonade, fruit punch ice pops, hot chocolate chip cookies, home made buttermilk pancakes, or fresh wheat break for their pb&j’s, take a moment, slow down and make something home made for your family.
Sit under a tree: Trees have this amazing energy & will freely give…Trees are among the world’s greatest givers. Their slow and gentle life cycles provide the world with clean air, their roots fi lter water, and their majestically spreading branches provide shade. Full of vibrant, natural energy, trees can also give us the gifts of peace and nurturance. Hug- ging or sitting with your spine against the trunk of any tree can ground your body and inspire a profound closeness with nature, as the energy of the tree connects to you. Making physi- cal contact with a tree can help you relax, alleviate stress, sleep more deeply, and hold on to more positive energy. Trees can absorb great amounts of energy and have the ability to soak up harmful energy from deep within you. If you are feeling anxious, sad, drained, or tense, then try hugging a tree. Go to the woods, a garden, or a park, and fi nd a tree that you would like to hug. Stand next to the tree and close your eyes. Relax your senses while breathing in the scent of leaves and bark. Listen to the creaking of the branches…If you would feel more comfortable, you can sit with your back pressed to the tree for the same effect…Remember to thank the tree because, by hugging your tree, you are drinking from the well of natural copious energy cultivated by the tree’s many years on this earth. –dailyom.com
“To swing or not to swing.SWING!”
Swing high: As a kid swinging had this magical sense of flying, feeling as if you could touch the clouds, having now worries and then jumping as far and high as possible. I think a good swing can take you back to the feelings of possibility and take worries away, so slow down and have a good swing!
“Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity.” -John Ruskin
Plant a flower and watch it grow: There is wonder and ah in watching a seedling grow, seeing the sprouts, watching it reach toward the light and changing each day. Watering its little pot and observing how the water seeps into the rich soil to drain in small puddles. There is a natural flow, a magic that can be pushed, forced or changed. Nature holds so many lessons and watching a flower grow in love, nurturing its small, delicate petals, talking gently to it…everything about it slows the world around you. It makes you stop and take notice of the little details, the progress it has made, the timing of everything.
“If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.” -Nadine Stair
Walk barefoot: There was a wise man who one said if you always walk the earth in leather shoes—it will feel like the earth is hard leather.
“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.” -Frank Kafka
Have some quiet time: Whether you create a specific time to take a nap, gather your children around for quiet reading time or just do nothing…quiet is good. We often have too many stimuli around us all the time (the television noise, gaming, the inbox, the phone, loud music, neighbor drama, cars whizzing down the street…) slow down and let your mind rest.
Disconnect: Have a No electronics day or each day limit it to one hour & that is it. Try leaving your phone home when you go on a walk. Limit checking your emails to 2x a day. If your constantly carrying your phone, you will have interruptions, so be mindful. Have limited television watching, by having the kids earn one television show or movie for a special occasion.
“We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.” -Anon
Play a simple game: Slow down with a fun card game or pull out a set of jacks, maybe a fun outdoor game of croquet. Simple games allow the mind to wander while also engaging in something that avoids boredom and can spur on a little fun. Simple is better.
“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, was really going in.” -John Muir
Do something outside that is relaxing: like bubble blowing, cloud watching, star gazing, go on a nature walk, chalk drawing, have a picnic, lay in the long grass, listen to the wind, watch the trees sway. Nature has a connecting quality that seems to heal our soul. Over and over I read about nature, the lessons we can learn, the natural cures she holds, the health benefits, the peace. Nature has a magical charm that we often overlook to help us slow down, to change our perspective, to see our own personal needs. We just need to see it.
“Water, air and cleanness are the chief articles in my pharmacy.” -Napoleon Bonaparte
Fresh air: Open your windows as much as possible. We use to not have as much asthma or breathing problems in our children. We use to leave our windows open to blow in fresh air and send the stagnate, dead air away. We don’t usually do that any more. We turn on our a/c and let everything circle and circle. Open your windows, dry your clothes outside for a change, let the wind take away any worries, to clear out your lungs, to send in the natural fragrance of a lilac bush.
Try slowing down the things that are routine: Can you consciously begin to eat slower during meals? What about driving, can you slow down or not get frustrated at other drivers?
Stop multi-tasking for one day: Begin one day at a time. Can you take one day and focus on one thing at a time? Can you be present in each moment & not thinking of the next and the next list of things that need to be done. Try it and see how you feel. Then try it another day and another, soon you will be slowing down your mind and enjoying the summer and not list tasking through it. ENJOY IT!
Just Breathe.
Well, those are some ideas to get you started on slowing down & taking the time to enjoy your SUMMER. Have a Happy day!! -Heather
Fabulous Father’s Day Gift Ideas
“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” -unknown
“A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” -unknown
Gift ideas that I thought were unique, creative, fun, personal… Father’s day is a day to celebrate Dad because of all he does for his family. I have compiled a list of fun gift ideas that should get your creative juices flowing to figure out the right way to tell him you love and appreciate all he does for you. Best wishes for a thoughtful, loving Father’s Day.
FUN for the whole FAMILY:
Fun Family Board Game: Check out Road trip or Camp for something a little different. Crepe maker to have a sweet & savory crepe night . Fondue pot with personalized sticks with each family member’s name on each. If you have a boat buy a family water toy. A good classic book the family can read together each night. Maybe give Dad a big bucket of balls & a gift card to take the whole family to the driving range or miniature golfing. Buy him a new bike bag and inside put a card that invites him for a family bike ride at a specific date and time. Put some of his favorite granola bars and a new water bottle inside.
For a good, fair Father’s Day FUN FIGHT!! Have a fun, family pillow fight or You can buy a pair of oversized boxing gloves or something like Sockem Boppers—big, boxing type gloves to get a good, fun punch in with your Pops!! http://www.amazon.com/Big-Time-Toys-Socker-Boppers/dp/B00004YUYS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_t_5
Father’s Day Breakfast: Make it fun with a personalized pancake plate – you have all the kids help decorate at a local pottery shop or create your own with sharpies or stencils…
Father’s Day Photo book: This is always a fun gift to share a fun year of family fun, a favorite fly fishing trip your husband enjoyed, memories from your marriage, or even make a cookbook with favorite recipes filled with pictures of family dinners…the ideas are limitless. I usually just make one through Walmart because they are inexpensive and the books turn out nice.
Some other creative gift ideas:
For the music lover: there are all kinds of neat guitar picks–glass, metal, rainbow, all kinds of colors and materials–some are even made out of coins. Very cool! Write a love note on vintage music sheets or empty music writing sheets. If he sings, make him a personal water glass with his initials or a nice water bottle filled with suckers to keep the voice moist.
For the guy into Sports: For the biker–There are all types of frames, bowls, decorative accessories made out of bike chain. For the golfer–what about golf ball cuff links, ball stamp or a office putting green. For the team sports fan–make a pillow out of their favorite jersey, team or player number or make them a fun bucket of their favorite snacks for game time. For a father who coaches–personalized whistle. What about giving him a new gym/sports bag and inside put love notes from the kids, a new water bottle, towel, socks, shampoo, etc.
For the guy who loves the outdoors: Outdoor survival kit. Go pro video cam. Waterproof iPod. Stove in a can. Waterproof gear bag. New pack filled with his favorites. Pop up tent. Cooler filled with his favorite drinks and snacks. Utility knife. Favorite outdoor/sports magazine. A fun outdoor gadget like a headlamp, radios or waterproof camera.
For the business man: Personalized jump drive. Matchbook sticky notes. Wood iPhone case. Cool pen like the fisher space pen (can write upside down and below -30 degrees, created to write in space). Cool desk accessories like a laptop stand, vintage leather case for iPad. Personalized note pad.
Some ORIGINAL gift ideas: You can even personalize an order of jerky at http://www.slantshackjerky.com What about wood sunglasses. Upcycled tent drop kit. A creative card deck like ‘The gentleman’s deck.’ Heads cratcher/massager. Cool vintage t-shirt. What about a belt made out of bike tread. Questions for couples card deck. Cool compass to stay the course. Make a fun car wash kit with all his favorite car care accessories and then have the family clean the car together.
Well, that is all I have for today!! I hope these ideas help you make a FABULOUS FATHER’s DAY possible!! Happy day.
-Heather
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