2025 Happy Father's Day: Top Tips to Surprise Dad on Father's Day and Tips to Be an Inspiring DadNEW

Top Tips for Father’s Day Gifts

Father’s Day only comes once a year, making it worth a little extra thought. Why? Because you love your dad and want to make him smile. Over the years, he’s been your chauffeur, handyman, and silent supporter-so it’s only fitting to celebrate him for the great father he is.

Finding the right gift can be tricky. Many dads buy what they need throughout the year, making surprises harder. That’s where a little creativity comes in. If you’re unsure what to get, here are five top tips to guide you:

1. Make It Personal
Many Father’s Day gifts say “Dad,” but don’t reflect your dad. Instead, choose something personalized-a pet name, inside joke, or heartfelt message shows you put in thought and effort.

Also, make sure the gift is useful. If he drinks tea all day, a custom mug works. If he forgets dates, a Superdad calendar could help. Most dads prefer practical gifts over decorative ones, so keep that in mind.

2. Don’t Overspend
It’s tempting to buy more to show love, but that can set a pricey precedent-especially with Mother’s Day just a month earlier. Thoughtful gifts don’t need to be expensive, and many parents value birthdays more than Father’s Day anyway.

Overspending can also create awkwardness with siblings. A meaningful, modest gift usually says the most.

3. Plan Ahead
If you’re taking your dad to dinner, book early-restaurants fill up fast. The same goes for specific gifts. Order early so your siblings don’t end up buying the same thing.

Many disappointments happen simply because people didn’t plan. Imagine surprising him with concert tickets-only to find out he’s gone fishing.

4. Make Him Laugh
Gifts don’t have to be serious. Every dad has a unique sense of humor-find what makes him laugh.

If he enjoys a night out, get tickets to a comedy show. If he loves silly gifts, a funny card or gag item could be perfect. The key is to keep it personal and fun.

5. Offer More Than a Gift
You don’t need to spend much to give a lot. A classic breakfast in bed is free. Acts of service-washing his car, mowing the lawn, helping with chores-can mean as much as any store-bought gift.

And think long-term. If you don’t see him often, start a monthly “Dad and Me” tradition-watch a game, grab dinner, or just hang out. Father’s Day is one day, but he’s your dad all year.

10 Ways to Be a Better Dad

1. Respect Your Children’s Mother. One of the best things you can do for your kids is to respect their mother. If you’re married, keep your relationship strong. If not, still treat her with kindness. Kids feel safer when parents treat each other well.

2. Spend Time with Your Children. Your time is the most valuable gift. If you're always busy, your kids may feel neglected no matter what you say. Make time-childhood flies by, and you can’t get missed moments back.

3. Earn the Right to Be Heard. If you only speak when your kids are in trouble, they’ll start tuning you out. Build open communication early so tough conversations are easier later. Listen to their thoughts and feelings.

4. Discipline with Love. Kids need guidance, not punishment. Set clear limits, explain consequences, and praise good behavior. Fair, patient discipline shows love-not anger.

5. Be a Role Model. Your children are always watching. Daughters learn how men should treat them, and sons learn how to act. Lead with honesty, humility, and integrity.

6. Be a Teacher. Teaching doesn’t stop at school. Dads who guide their kids through right and wrong, and encourage effort, help them make better life choices. Use everyday moments as learning opportunities.

7. Eat Together as a Family. Sharing meals-even once a day-builds strong connections. It’s a chance to talk, listen, and bond through simple time together.

8. Read to Your Children. In a world of screens, reading is more important than ever. Start young. As they grow, encourage independent reading. It builds a habit of learning and curiosity.

9. Show Affection. Kids need to feel loved. Hugs, praise, and daily encouragement help them feel secure and valued. Don’t hold back.

10. A Father’s Job Is Never Done. Even as kids grow up, they still need their dad-for advice, support, and guidance. Your role changes, but it never ends.


21 Thoughtful and Creative Ideas (Focus on making the day personal and meaningful)

1. Picnic in the Park: Pack his favorite foods and enjoy a relaxing outdoor lunch together.

2. Make a Handmade Gift: A DIY card, scrapbook, or framed photo can feel more heartfelt than anything store-bought.

3. Write a Personal Message: A handwritten letter about what he means to you may become his favorite gift of all.

4. Bake His Favorite Dessert: Whether it's cookies, pie, or cake, homemade treats add a sweet, personal touch.

5. Cook His Favorite Meal: Surprise him with a special dinner-or breakfast in bed to start the day right.

6. Take a Memory Walk: Visit a place that holds meaning, like where he used to take you as a child.

7. Create a Custom Playlist: Curate songs that he loves or ones that remind you of him.

8. Host a Movie Night at Home: Set up a cozy theater experience with popcorn and his favorite films.

9. Give Him a Chore-Free Day: Take over his usual tasks so he can relax and enjoy the day.

10. Plan a Family Game Night: Play his favorite board games, card games, or video games for some quality laughs.

11. Attend a Sporting Event: If he’s a fan, grab tickets-or host a viewing party at home with snacks and team spirit.

12. Plan a Father-Child Day Out: Go bowling, fishing, hiking-whatever he enjoys doing with you.

13. Make a “Dad Award” Certificate: Give him a fun or meaningful award that celebrates what makes him awesome.

14. Record a Video Message: Gather family and friends to share favorite stories or thank-you messages on video.

15. Take a Scenic Drive: Hit the road, enjoy the view, and stop for coffee or lunch along the way.

16. Help With a Project: Tackle something he’s been putting off-a home fix, garage clean-up, or unfinished hobby.

17. Gift a Book With a Note Inside: Pick a book he’d love and write a personal message on the inside cover.

18. Create a Memory Jar: Fill a jar with short notes about the things you admire, love, or remember about him.

19. Take a Family Photo: Snap a fresh photo and frame it as a keepsake he’ll treasure.

20. Start a New Tradition: Plan something to repeat every year, like a morning walk, special meal, or day trip.

21. Visit a Childhood Place: Take him back to somewhere meaningful-his old house, neighborhood, or the hospital where he was born.

Don’t Have Any Regrets
Never wait or hold back-always tell your dad two things: that you love him, and exactly what he’s done for you or others. Be specific. Every time you see him, share a new reason you’re grateful.

If Dad is No Longer Here
Celebrate him by continuing the habit. Each time you think of him, say two things: remind yourself that you loved him deeply, and recall something specific he did that made a difference.

Our dads-and all our parents-continue to live within us through what we do, what we value, and what we become. A lot of who we are, good and bad, traces back to them. They struggled, they dreamed, and they tried to be great-and it’s now up to us to carry that forward, to honor them by making what they gave us even better.