An Ode To Dad

Who is the best at making sure there are no monsters under the bed, gives the ultimate tickle fights, and has the bumpiest piggyback rides? Who leads by example, teaches us to spread our wings, and has the strongest shoulders to cry on? Dad does! Dad does!

Dad’s find so many ways to fill our days with silliness and laughter while wordlessly teaching us some of life’s greatest lessons. They are the unsung heroes of our homes and hearts.

But, when it comes to Fathers Day, it seems like Dad’s can be easily put on the back burner. Why is it that Dad’s are so hard to buy for? On Mother’s Day it’s easy to come up with ways to pamper Mom, but when Father’s Day rolls around, finding a way to express our love and gratitude can be such a challenge. Is it because Dad’s don’t ask for much? Or because if they want something, they simply buy it themselves? Regardless of the reason, Dad’s deserve a lot of TLC… even though they will never ask for it.

Wooden tray with legs $59.99

I can’t speak for the fathers in your life, but my Dad and Husband would both respond “nothing” when asked what they want as a gift for just about any occasion. So, here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling on some good Fathers Day gifts.

PLANTS
Almost all the men in my life have a profound appreciation for nature. A plant isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when buying for Dad, but I guarantee he would love one! The Raven ZZ plant is nearly indestructible - just like dad! I have one in my basement. It receives minimal light and if I’m being honest, is watered probably once every three weeks. It’s laid-back lifestyle is perfectly suited for Dad!

10" ZZ plant $39.99 | 11" basalt clay pot $29.99 | 11" saucer $24.99

Or a snake plant is another favourite amongst our male shoppers. They grow nice and tall when planted in a large enough vessel, and don’t require a lot of fussing over.

6" Snake plant $19.99 | Matte dark blue pot $39.99

SOME GUILT FREE PEACE & QUIET

This is something I’m sure a dad at any age would enjoy, but is especially suitable for young & busy Dads. For the most part, I find that men are very task oriented. And even if they aren’t, we often give them tasks. I know we have an on-going list of ‘things to be done’ at our house. Why not treat Dad to coffee or breakfast in bed.

Wooden Tray with legs $59.99 | Grind Coffee - Limitless Roast $14.99

Buy a magazine or set out a good book so he can turn his phone off to tune out work or the news and relax and start the day at a nice slow pace.

MAKE HIM DINNER

• 1 egg
• ¼ cup of finely diced sweet onion
• 2 TBSP Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 3 generous dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• A good squirt of ketchup & barbeque sauce
• Sometimes I add in a bit of hoisin sauce
• Salt & pepper
• 1 TSP garlic powder

Mix all ingredients (don’t overmix) and form into desired size of patty. I have a burger form that I use, but if you don’t, the approximate size of a wide mouth mason jar and about an inch thick. And I press my thumb into the middle to make a dimple. This helps to cook the burger evenly.

Freeze. Even if we’re eating them the same day, I put them on a parchment lined tray and freeze them for a couple hours first. I find this helps prevent them from falling apart on the grill.

Clean & oil your grill and preheat to 500 degrees.

Despite popular opinion, frequent flipping is recommended as it helps evenly cook the burger, whatever you do, just don’t squeeze it with the flipper! Depending on your patty size, the burger should require 6-9 minutes of grilling. Cook to an internal temp of 160°

For the last minute of grilling, add on any cheese, and butter and put the buns on indirect heat.

Let rest for a couple minutes and plate with desired toppings!

GIVE HIM SOMETHING SENTIMENTAL

If you have young kids, I’m sure they would love to make something for Dad. If not, a framed picture of him and the kids is always nice! If your man isn’t a family picture kind of guy, there are other forms of art that can be framed. Al is a bit more modern and minimal in his style, so in a past year I had a map from the neighbourhood where we lived when he became a Dad framed. It was a big hit.

A KITCHY GIFT

You can always find a personalized travel mug or beer cozy!

Drink cozy $19.99

At the end of the day, I think all dads just want to feel truly appreciated and loved. Moms get all the glory when it comes to parenting, and its easy, on a daily basis, to overlook all of the important roles and sacrifices dads make too. 

Both my Dad and husband made huge lifestyle changes when becoming a dad. A four hour golf game on a sunny Sunday is now suddenly family time at the park. Weekends with friends are switched to daytime events because the kids now have a sleep schedule to abide by. Dad’s love their new role, but it’s no surprise if sometimes they miss the life they left behind. Let’s try to remember that and give them a little grace and allow them to go out for some guilt free fun! They work so hard to support the family, and rarely ask for anything.

My Dad has shaped my life more than I can put into words. He is someone I aspire to be like. Kind, strong, logical, and somehow, he knows how to do everything! He will give you the shirt off his back but will put you in your place if you cross him. He commands respect without ever having to ask for it. He’s someone who people simply don’t want to let down because he is just that cool.


If you have a dad in your life, don’t pass up the opportunity to spoil him! And if this fathers day is a tough one do to loss, cherish in the memories with your father and soak up all the love that I know your dad is surely sending your way. Because I know, no one has more pride in their children than a dad does.