Here are some last minute ideas for divorced dads for a birthday, Father's Day, or any holiday. Desperate procrastinators should check out these inexpensive gifts and cheap things to do with dad when there’s no time and little money.
Last Minute Ideas – Movie Matinees and Miniature Golf
Take dad to a movie matinee. Earlier shows, usually before 5:00 pm, can be as much as half off. The biggest present of all is when kids don’t fight and they are on their best behavior, making dad's day into a non-stressful event. Eat junk food before the show to keep costs down.
Miniature golf is always good for a laugh. Dads who are real golfers will get to show off their skills. Non-golfers will have fun, if the kids have fun, so children should do their best to fake it, if mini golf is not their thing. Kids can be silly, but should try not to be too embarrassing around up-tight dads. Garden City Kansas and Salt Lake City can be cheap, but bigger cities might be pricey.
Inexpensive Gift – Wash Dad’s Car
Make dad a birthday card and insert a homemade coupon for a car wash. This can be a blast with younger kids who will undertake the car-washing endeavor with much seriousness. (Dad will have to help little guys.) Older kids can make a coupon book, by stapling ten tickets together, so their father can, also, redeem free car washes later in the year. Children might want to bring some supplies (or they could go with dad to a self-serve car wash to help him scrub and spray). If dad doesn't have his own supplies, bring:
- Large bucket
- Large sponge or terry cloth rag
- Car wash soap, like 3M Car Wash Shampoo
- Chamois cloth or extra towel for drying
Little Money? Make Dinner for Dad
Find out how to make easy homemade pizza on the Pillsbury website (click on Featured Videos). Gather up supplies, like a baking sheet or pizza pan, from mom’s or grandma’s house. (Dad can help younger kids put the pizza together.) Older children should be like little slaves:
- Make a handmade birthday card
- Write something like, "You can relax and watch golf. I will do everything for you on your birthday."
- Bring dad the remote control.
- Ask dad if he needs anything like a Coke or a glass of water.
- Prop up dad's feet on a pillow.
- Pay attention to dad, but don't bug him too much if he wants to hear the TV.
Dessert for Dad:
Type “cookie dough” into the search box on the Pillsbury site to find easy recipes for fancy desserts or use the dough, as is, to give dad warm cookies and milk. A dessert alternative is: Strawberries, whipped cream, and angel food cake.
Divorced Father – Dad’s Own Blog
Tech savvy kids can set up a blog for dad and show him how to use it. Try blogger.com for an easy set up. This is also a good present for a computer literate dad who lives in a different city. A child can make this present, put his or her picture online, and send the link (and the password) to dad in an email. Moms or older people may need to help. Children and their dads can upload news for each other if everyone knows the password.
Alternately, fathers of younger children could put the blog together on their own. Then a small child can upload his or her drawings or photos with mom's help. The blog idea only works if the children’s mother is on speaking terms with her ex.
Extremely Last Minute Gift for Dad
Rent a movie that dad likes, consider:
- Star Wars
- Mr. Mom
- Three Men and a Baby
- The Pursuit of Happyness
- Mrs. Doubtfire
- Field of Dreams
Also bring microwave popcorn and a bowl of dad’s favorite candies.
Cheap Thing to Do – Take Dad on a Hike
Make trail mix by mixing these ingredients in a plastic baggie:
- Peanuts
- M&Ms
- Raisins
Bring the trail mix and several sport drinks to dad’s house. Look up some good places to hike or take dad to the park to explore the area. Print out a map to make it more official. Kids should smile a lot and act like they are having a good time even if they have to pretend. If dad is too tired to hike, or if it rains, bring a movie like:
- Indiana Jones
- Ernest Goes to Camp
Eat the trail mix in front of the tube.
It’s nice to have time and money, but not everyone is able to plan ahead. Doing something with dad like playing mini golf, seeing a movie, making dinner for dad, or taking a hike are great last minute ideas. Almost every divorced dad is happy to do anything on his birthday. Two inexpensive gifts are: making him a blog or washing his car. There are lots of cheap things to do with dad, even when kids have no time and little money. Children should just let dad know they care.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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