Whether you’re at home together or celebrating ‘virtually’, don’t let lockdown stop you from spoiling dad this Father’s Day!

Friday 3rd September, 2021

Dads have done it tough this year. We all have, but dads in particular tend to take on extra respon-sibilities during trying times in order to be a ‘rock’ for their families.

With all the uncertainty and upheaval in the world, it can be tough to put on a brave face day after day. But that’s what dads do.

Whether the ‘dad’ in your life is your own or your children’s father, a step-dad, grandfather or uncle, let this Father’s Day be an opportunity to show that you notice and appreciate all that he does.

Sure, it might be tricky to come together and celebrate in the conventional way this year due to COVID-19 related restrictions, but don’t let that stop you from spoiling dad and making him feel special.

CELEBRATE AT HOME

If you live in the same household as your dad or your children’s father, then you’ve got plenty of options for a unique and memorable Father’s Day celebration.

Make sure dad takes the morning off (the whole day in fact!) and can kick up his heels and relax while enjoying a tasty home-cooked breakfast.

Father’s Day classics include bacon and eggs, crepes or soft, fluffy pancakes. Serve pancakes with maple syrup or get creative and try sliced banana with chocolate chips, fresh blueberries with a dusting of icing sugar or butter with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.

Easy to prepare croissants and waffles warmed up in the oven are a great option for younger kids looking to prepare a special meal at home.

If you’ve got papayas, mangos or other fruit growing in the garden, add some fresh slices to break-fast for a healthy, homegrown touch.

Depending on the regulations where you live, help celebrate dad with a family picnic. If you’re al-lowed to travel close to home, visit a favorite spot at the beach or a local park.

Pack lunch, snacks, tea or coffee and enjoy a meal together in the sunshine. Remember to stay aware of current regulations and to avoid crowded locations where social distancing could be difficult. 

If the regulations are tight in your area, why not celebrate with a backyard picnic? Lay out a rug or some outdoor chairs and enjoy lunch and some family time.

Get the kids involved to help create a gift that dad will treasure. Making a card is a perfect way for younger children to showcase budding artistic talent while creating a thoughtful memento that dad will be proud to stick on the fridge or put aside for years to come.

Better yet, visit a local printing outlet or search online for a location offering printing services in your region. Get the kids to draw a picture of dad and have the artwork printed on a custom coffee mug or t-shirt for a gift that’s truly one of a kind.

Harness technology to create lasting memories. Use your smartphone to create a personalised Fa-ther’s Day video for dad. Apps like Animoto make it simple to create customised, professional look-ing videos with transitions, special effects, music and more. 

Check out this handy how-to guide to create your own custom Father’s Day video at home.

In the age of smartphones and Instagram it’s easy to take our ability to capture digital memories for granted.

There’s something to be said for the pleasure of printing off favourite photos and displaying them at home.

Go through all the photos on your smartphone from the last year and choose a selection of favour-ite family shots. Print them off and frame them individually or as a collage for a special Father’s Day gift.