Father’s Day is right around the corner. If you need a last-minute gift for Dad, just read on for a few creative, easy ideas.

I’m giving away ten free copies of my ebook, Present Perfect: 127 creative, one-of-a-kind, no-to-low cost, wow-em gifts they'll never forget. Just send me an email telling me one thing you love about your Dad, your children’s father, or someone who has been a father-figure in your life. I’ll send the ebook to the first five blog readers I hear from.

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I’ve got three gift ideas for you that you can easily pull together in a short time. Any of the three can be done without spending a dime. And the best part? He’s gonna love ‘em! (And you!)

 

1. Make him a Love List.

One of my all-time favorite gifts for someone who has everything is simply a list of reasons why you love him. Set aside a half hour or an hour in a quiet place and think back on all the years you’ve had with Dad. Think about qualities that are unique to him, things he does for you, special times you’ve shared together. Your Love List can include big things and small things, funny things, and sweet things.

Tell him you love that he always answers the phone with a hearty “Hey there!” That he taught you how to ride a bicycle when you were little. That he used to bring you home the doggie bag when he ate at fancy restaurants. Tell him you love his eyes, his intelligence, his love of puns. Tell him you love how well he treats Champie, the family’s four-legged, furry gal.

Your list can have twenty things or two-hundred things. It can be written in pen on a plain white piece of paper. Or you can do a fancy design on the computer and print it out. You can add a photo or two. You can draw a picture on it. You can frame it. Use your imagination.

If you want some ideas on how to present your love list once you have it written, check out this free video. There’s also a free downloadof a ready-made Love List template — all you have to do is fill it in!

Alternatively, you could make a list of things you’ve learned from Dad. Same process as above. It could also be three top ten lists: what I love best about you, my favorite memories of times we’ve shared, and things I’ve learned.

These lists are treasures for someone to hear. I swear to you, they are the best gift someone can receive. It is amazing to receive a gift that mirrors who you are. It is a gift to be seen. And unfortunately, people often don’t get to hear these kinds of things in their lifetime. For some reason in our culture, folks wait until funerals to express their love. Love Lists are a way to express your love and appreciation NOW!

2.Go for experiential, rather than material.

One of the other things I always suggest for those folks who have everything is a gift that can be experienced together. Can you give Dad a handmade certificate good for a free jazz concert in the park, an upcoming outdoor summer festival, or a ride on the lake in your canoe?  Does he have a favorite hobby that you can join in somehow? Could you plan an afternoon bike ride and the two of you bring your cameras to feed his love of photography? How about morning bird watching followed by a cup of tea at a local cafe?

What people of any age, but especially adults, really want is quality time with people they love. Give Dad the gift of your time and attention.

3. Lend a Hand.

Another great gift for someone is something that helps him out. Again, think about a gift of time and effort. You could set up a new program on his computer or cook a gourmet dinner at his house. If you have handyman skills and you notice he needs something replaced, you could buy all the parts and do the work. You could make him a gift certificate good for “Three hours of at-your-service help around the house.” Think about your Dad and what kind of help or needs or what kind of help would make his life more fun.

Need a few more ideas? There are three more great ideas for you on the sample pages from the ebook, Present Perfect: 127 creative, one-of-a-kind, no-to-low cost, wow-em gifts they'll never forget