Aug 25, 2014 | Family
It sure would be nice if there was a university parents-to-be could attend that offered courses with parenting tips in children’s nutrition and behavior. Yet, even after 4 years of vigorous studying on the matter, parents would almost certainly still be hit with a few surprises along the way!
That said, there are some tried-and-true tips that every parent should know. These 10 healthy parenting tips will make grocery shopping a breeze and ensure your children get all the nutrients they need to grow.
Parenting Tips for Healthy Grocery Shopping:
1. Pick items with as few ingredients as possible.
- If you notice only one or two ingredients on the list, chances are you know it’s natural.
- Seeing a half-dozen, unrecognizable ingredients increases the chance that it includes preservatives that cause allergies or health problems.
- Try to find unsweetened, unsalted foods with no additives in them.
2. Learn the alternative names for sugar.
- This sweetener comes in a variety of forms and derives from a vast number of foods. For instance: fructose comes from corn as well as fruits. Avoid “high fructose corn syrup” that manufacturers transform it into during processing.
- Other forms of sugar include glucose, sucrose and dextrose. Although not harmful in small amounts, watch out for them.
3. Look for certified “organic” labels.
- Foods that are officially organic will have been produced using USDA standards for growing natural foods.
- For meat, look for options that are “grass-fed” and produced “without the use of hormones.”
4. Do not be fooled by “all-natural.”
- This can mean many things and is often just a sneaky way to market a product. The best way to know what a food has in it is to check out the ingredients. Educate yourself and investigate on your own.
- Read the nutritional label to find out what vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber the item offers.
- Always look for “organic” or pesticide/insecticide free items.
5. Use foods in their rawest forms when possible.
- You can use blueberries, strawberries, spinach, carrots, lemons, almonds, flax seeds, wheat and oats in their purest form.
- In some cases, you might have to do some grinding or pureeing to gain the full benefits.
6. Be careful where you get seafood.
- Make sure to choose “Wild Caught” when looking for Alaskan Salmon.
- Stores like Whole Foods, Walmart, or Target should have fresh supplies of fish that are not harvested from contaminated waters.
Health- Conscious Parenting Tips for Eating at Home
7. Keep your recipes simple.
- Finding an assortment of simple, easy healthy recipes you love will make you more likely to stay on task.
- Quick meals include: baking chicken breasts, preparing fish, or putting a roast with some vegetables in a slow cooker. A fresh salad on the side is always fast, healthy, and delicious.
8. Bake instead of fry
- You can of course enjoy the occasional crispy potato, breaded fish or chicken wing. More regularly, it’s a wise choice to lightly bread and dust them with oil.
- Place the items in the oven instead of dousing them in partially hydrogenated oil to crisp them.
9. Make wise choices when preparing snacks
- Try varying your snack time routine by offering dark chocolate covered pomegranate seeds or Calbee snapea crisps.
- Drugstore online has a large selection of unique snacks that are healthier than the standard potato chips or chocolate chip cookies.
10. Create balance in your child’s meals
- Make sure you introduce your child to a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins.
- People develop their lifelong eating habits from a young age, so implementing a balanced diet now will also serve your child in the future.
Use these parenting tips to ensure your child’s meals are nourishing and chemical-free!
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to take on (just about) anything parenting throws at you. Well, at the very least the grocery shopping and meals are under control!
Aug 15, 2014 | Family
Children today interact with so many electronics, they’re more likely to stay glued to a TV or iPhone than blissfully run around outdoors; don’t worry – these endlessly entertaining, healthy family games will have them racing to the yard.
We know how it is: children these days have been raised in a technological age. They’re capabilities with laptops, tablets, and smartphones very likely already exceeds our own. Yet, what other time than childhood do we have the precious freedom, wild imaginations, and limitless energy to spend full days playing outside?
Exercise, fresh air, and active play are all crucial for children’s growing minds and bodies. These 6 healthy family activities are sure to please your kids and be far more entertaining and laughter-inducing than any iPhone game.
For the Active Healthy Family
1. US Games Fun-Air Scoop Ball
With this scoop ball kit from Amazon, you and your family will no doubt enjoy hours of playful fun in the backyard or on the beach!
This game is perfect for young children (and the not so coordinated), as the scoops are large enough for easy catching and the whiffle ball moves slowly.
Fun fact: the game helps children develop hand-eye coordination!
2. Propel Trampoline with Enclosure
There’s nothing like a trampoline for endless entertainment. Kids, and even adults, flock to these for hours of laughter and exercise.
This large trampoline from Sears includes an enclosure for extra protection. The excitement of such boundless bouncing can quickly lead to launching clear off the trampoline, so you’ll be grateful for this safety precaution.
For the Healthy Family with a Competitive Edge
3. Competition Badminton Standard
This badminton kit from Walmart can be set up quickly and easily in your own backyard. This friendly competition is sure to get everyone in the household fired up and involved! Play teams of kids against parents for a silly challenge.
The full-size collegiate style net means the game is very simple to learn, but real skill takes determination! Kids and adults alike will bond over the thrill of victory when playing this ultimate outdoor game.
4. 44 inch Portable Basketball System
Inspire in your children a love for sports with this professional-quality basketball hoop from Toys “R” Us. The rim is adjustable from 7.5′ to 10′, so it can grow along with your children! The rust-resistant pole and weighted stand help keep it upright and intact for years.
Best of all, there’s no concrete construction required–just fill the stand with water or sand, and you’re ready to go!
For the Crafty Healthy Family
5. Alpine Custom Wooden Play Set Kit
Treat your kids to their own treehouse, swing set and climbing rope with this Alpine Custom Wooden Play Set Kit from Target. Made for children ages 3 and up, this play equipment includes 10 activities and is all-weather proof, so it will stand up to even the harshest environments.
The quick installation system will help you build it in no time, so your kids can begin the daily adventure of having a swing set and wooden fort!
6. Intex 32 ft. x 16 ft. x 52 in. Rectangular Ultra Frame Pool Package
This massive pool from Kmart is so large, the entire family can splash around at once (and even swim laps!). With a length of 32′ and a width of 16′, this pool is equivalent to having a full-sized swimming pool in your backyard without the added cost that comes with digging up your lawn!
Teach your children to swim or just cool off on hot days. Construction and cleaning are a breeze, and the pool is ready to be filled with water in just 60 minutes.
No need to spend any more money on taking your kids to crowded public pools. Your very own personal pool awaits.
Get going!
Well, don’t just sit there! Gather up the kiddos and get on your way. Endless adventures and memories now exist in your yard. Forget trying to convince the kids to play outside; now you’ll hardly be able to keep them in!
Dinner time? We hope you like backyard picnics, because your healthy family will be too busy exploring their fort and competing in a badminton match to sit still in your dining room.
Jul 14, 2014 | Family
Deeeeeep breaths – family trips to the beach will never again leave you tangled in towels and draped in heavy diaper bags; we’re bringing you the ultimate beach packing list.
With this meticulously organized checklist, you will finally spend more time splashing in the waves and reveling in the sunshine than arguing over who forgot to pack Jimmy’s swim goggles.
Deciding what to pack for the beach when you have boisterous young kids to keep tabs on can be, at the very least, incredibly overwhelming. That’s why we want to cut out the whole frantic process entirely and make your packing system efficient and swift.
We’re breaking down this beach packing list checklist into bite-size pieces, so you can easily individualize your own version. Our categories: clothing, safety, toys, must-haves, skin care, lounging, food + drinks, and misc. accessories. While we go into intricate detail regarding absolutely anything and everything you may need, feel free to narrow it down and apply it to your children’s age ranges.
Your Go-To Beach Packing List:
Clothing:
1. Swimsuit Cover-Up
- Avoid the hassle of changing clothes in a public restroom by dressing your kids (and yourself!) in swimsuit cover-ups.
2. Sandals
3. Sun hats
- Children have especially delicate skin. Hats will shade their faces.
4. Sunglasses
- A full day squinting in the bright sun can really strain you and your little one’s eyes. Look for pairs with UVA and UVB protection.
5. Swim Goggles
- Children often like to open their eyes in the water. Prevent the sting of salt water and resulting red eyes with swim googles.
6. Jackets
- If you plan to extend your beach day into the early evening, be prepared for temperature drops and chilly winds.
- Pack a jacket for yourself and each child to stay cozy while you enjoy that beach bonfire!
7. Swim Diapers
- If you have a baby or toddler still in diapers, you’ll want to dress them in swim diapers at the beach. Your little swimmer will stay comfortable and clean. Brand we like: Little Swimmers at Huggies.com.
TIP: Find swimsuit cover ups at Nordstrom, The Children’s Place, and JCPenney.
Safety
Be ready-for-anything by adding these safety items to your beach packing list:
8. First Aid Kit
- Whether it’s a burn, a cut from a shell, or a jellyfish sting … beach adventures sometimes require a little first aid care!
- Pack bandages, aloe vera, calamine lotion (for sunburns or itchy insect bites), and Neosporin.
9. Life Jackets or Arm Floaties
- Life jackets are a great choice for young kids who are still working on their swimming skills!
- Arm floaties can be a good swimming safety solution, as well, but first check the beach’s regulations to make sure they are allowed.
10. Backup Caretaker
- If you have several young kids (or your kids are bringing their friends!), consider either taking another adult with you or hiring a babysitter as a helper.
- As you know, kids love to run off on their own! To make sure each child is accounted for, you’ll want another pair of eyes and hands.
Beach Toys & Games!
While splashing in the water and covering themselves with sand may just be enough to keep your children entertained all day, consider adding in a few of these favorite beach toys and activities!
11. Sand Toys
- Popular items include: shovels, buckets, and sand castle molds.
12. Boogie Boards
13. Kite
14. Frisbee
15. Boomerang
Shopping Tip: Toys “R” Us has an enormous selection of sand toys! Other places to look: Target, Walmart, and Kmart.
Beach Packing List Must-Haves
16. Beach Bag
- Make sure the bag is durable and provides enough space to hold all of your beach essentials.
- Best fabrics: mesh bags, canvas bags, and straw bags.
- Find beach bags of all shapes, sizes, fabrics, and colors at Target.
17. Portable Baby Changing Pad
- As a parent of a little baby, you are well aware of diaper changing emergencies! The same goes for the beach.
- Just in case there are no nearby bathrooms (or they don’t have changing tables in them), bring a portable changing pad.
- We like these ones from Amazon.
18. Diaper Trash Bags
- Keep your beach lounging spot tidy and clean by disposing diapers in a trash bag.
19. Front or Back Child Carrying Pack or Sling Style
- If you have an infant and one of more older children to chase after, you’ll find a baby carrying backpack or sling to be incredibly convenient!
- Find popular brands at Amazon, Target, Babies “R” Us, and Walmart.
20. Small Plastic Bags for Valuables
- No one wants a sandy cell phone and wallet! Even worse, we’ve all experienced those sunblock explosions.
- To protect these valuables, put them in ziploc baggies.
21. Cash
- Many beaches have food stands with yummy treats the kids may enjoy (think ice cream sandwiches!). Often these only take cash.
- On that note, consider bringing quarters for parking meters.
Skin Care
22. Insect Repellent
- Unfortunately, many beaches attract pesky insects.
- In addition to insect repellent, consider bringing anti-itch creams and allergy medicine.
23. Sunscreen
- Sunscreen is a very important item on our beach packing list, but many brands have toxic ingredients.
- Be sure to look for natural brands to protect your skin from the sun and harmful chemicals.
- Our favorite safe, natural brand for children (and adults!) is Badger Sunscreen. You can find it at Whole Foods and Walgreens. Check out Vitacost.com for more natural sunscreens.
24. Cleansing Wipes
- All this fun in the sun can rapidly turn into a mess!
- Bring cleansing wipes for a speedy way to clean up your kids before snack time.
- We like: Earth’s Best Toddler Wipes from Diapers.com, Seventh Generation Baby Wipes from Staples.com, Pampers Natural Clean Wipes from Walmart, and Burt’s Bee’s Baby Bee Chlorine – Free Wipes from Drugstore.com.
25. Hand sanitizer
- Gathering up all the kids for a journey to the beach bathroom can be tricky to pull off. Skip the hassle with hand sanitizer.
26. Lip Balm
- Long days enjoying the sun’s rays and the salty breeze can lead to seriously chapped lips.
- Choose a soothing lip balm with SPF to keep the children (and yourself) comfortable and protected.
27. Soothing Body Lotion
- Sunburn or not, your child’s skin will be dry and possibly irritated by day’s end.
- Choose a calming post-sun lotion with coconut oil and/or shea butter.
Lounging
28. Beach Blankets
- While towels are a must, you might enjoy spreading out even more with a comfortable beach blanket.
- This is especially helpful when you’ve planned a picnic lunch!
29. Beach Chairs
- While kids most likely can go without these, why not treat yourself to a folding chair for extra comfort?
- Tip: Folding chairs make for easier eating if you are bringing food!
30. Beach Umbrella
- If you and/or your children burn or overheat easily, a beach umbrella is an excellent way to stay cool in the shade.
31. Towels
- If you can fit them, try bringing 1 or 2 extra backup towels.
- You’ll be glad to have a clean, dry spare when you see how covered in sand, water, and potato chips your little one’s towel is!
Food & Drinks
32. Cooler + Ice
- Keep your snacks, meals, and drinks cold and fresh with a cooler.
- Tip: a cooler with wheels makes for easy handling.
33. Water
- Water bottles – every person should have his or her own water bottle. Busy beach days mean fast dehydration!
- Tip: Plastic water bottles leach harmful chemicals into your water. For a safe, clean option, choose reusable water bottles made of glass, like the Lifefactory Glass Bottle available at Amazon.
34. Beach Snacks
- Popular snacks include: grapes, apple slices, trail mix, watermelon, string cheese (keep in the cooler!), chocolate covered raisins, and carrot sticks.
35. Tupperware or Lunch Bags
36. Paper Towels and/or Napkins
37. Plastic Cups
- Only needed if you plan to bring extra drinks in addition to your water.
38. Plastic Utensils
- Most likely unnecessary for snacks, but a must for meals.
Beach Packing List Misc. Accessories
On the chance you’re not overwhelmed quite yet, these extra accessories can be nice to have!
39. Soap/ Shampoo
- Heading somewhere straight from the beach? Clean everyone up at the beach shower.
40. Disposable Camera
- Yes, your cell phone is an option … but use it at your own risk! It’s all too easy to get grains of sand stuck inside.
- For a worry-free experience, choose a disposable camera. That way, you won’t stress if it’s damaged.
Discounts & Savings for Beach Packing List Shopping
Now that you have a thorough beach packing list with absolutely everything you will ever need for those blissful beach days, we’d like to help you save on your shopping. We gave you quite a long list here, so the least we can do is lighten your load with these top-notch discounts for the best stores to stock up on supplies!
Click on these links to find coupons for each of these stores: Nordstrom, The Children’s Place, Amazon, Vitacost, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Drugstore.com, Toys “R” Us, Staples, and Kmart.
See you at the beach!
Jun 10, 2014 | Family
There’s a fine line between loving parent and helicopter parent. Find out if you’re hovering too much (and what to do about it).
It seems like a notorious buzz word among families these days is “helicopter parent.” Still, parenting is no easy feat. We think it’s pretty safe to say, it is one of the absolute hardest, most deeply rewarding adventures. Starting from their very first breaths of life, children look to their parents to show them everything there is to know about the world.
Every skinned knee, sweet discovery (“Look, Mom, I can stand on my head!), grocery store meltdown, and cozy bedtime story is a responsibility parents take on from the start.
While one would hope it became easier as time went on, the thing with children is they grow up. Each stage of their lives offers new challenges and triumphs. There’s no map telling parents which way to steer on this bumpy road.
It’s no wonder some moms and dads start to show symptoms of “helicopter parent syndrome.” Just so we’re all on the same page here, this is a solid helicopter parent definition: a parent who is overly involved and/or overprotective in the life of his or her child.
Its roots come from a good place – a place of wanting the very best for your children. However, two of the most critical skills kids need to learn are independence and self-confidence.
8 Signs You’re Slipping into Helicopter Parent Territory
In a nutshell, there are 3 types of helicopter parents, each correlating with different stages in the child’s development: early childhood, pre-teens/teens, and college age.
Early Stages of Helicopter Parent Syndrome: Young Children
1. Making Decisions Solely on One’s Own Without Consulting the Child (100% of the time)
Yes, a parent’s wisdom and sound judgement are very valuable. That said, a child needs to develop his or her own critical thinking skills. If parents calls 100% of the shots on what to eat, wear, sports to play, etc., children may feel their opinions are not important.
How to Fix It: Let’s say your son or daughter develops a passion for acting and loses interest in those soccer lessons. Even if your visions of a future soccer star dissolve, you’ll be encouraging your child’s self-discovery. The same can be said for self-expression with clothing. Sure, you know your son is not quite pulling off those neon shorts, but he sure feels proud to be wearing them!
2. Regularly Contacting (via Email, Phone, and Drop-ins) Every Teacher for Inside Details
If your son’s teacher starts screening your calls, you may need to ease up on the check-ins! Being involved in the child’s academic progress is wonderful, but overdoing it can be intrusive.
How to Fix It: Consider (discreetly) observing your child’s study habits. By simply taking note of cues (how often she sits at her desk, is she aloof and careless, or stressed and distraught?) go a long way in helping you understand your child’s progress. Rather than checking in with the teacher, trying checking in with your child.
Tip: aim to create a comforting, open environment to show your child you genuinely want to help.
3. Spraying on Hand Sanitizer at the Touch of Every Door Knob, Counter, or Toy
It’s true, children seem to bring home the colds and flus of their entire preschool class. While not so fun for the family, it is important that children build up strong immunities. Being exposed to different germs is part of a healthy development. When we shield children from every intruder, they begin relying on sanitizer (instead of their own bodies) for protection.
How to Fix It: Choose wisely when using hand sanitizers and disinfectants. If the threat is a bad one, then please do protect your child. The key is differentiating between what is very harmful from what is mild enough to let go. Simply implementing rules to wash your hands after the bathroom and before meals goes a long way.
The Overly Involved Helicopter Parent: Pre-Teens and Teens
4. Inspecting Every Homework Assignment, Editing, and Even Redoing Sections
How to Fix It: If your pre-teen or teen comes to you for advice, then it is a nice gesture to offer guidance. However, young adults need to develop their own voices. Learning also requires stumbling through their own mistakes. The effort is more important than the grade.
5. Selecting a List of Colleges as Early as 8th Grade (or Sooner)
How to Fix It: Planning for college is both exciting and exhausting. The application process is complicated, to say the least, so there’s no harm in offering your young adult structure and guidance. Still, to avoid helicopter parent status, just make sure you wait until he or she is ready to talk openly about it and be involved in the process.
While prepping ahead of time can help you get organized, your young adult may change dramatically over the course of his or her high school years. Try staying tuned to their changing interests, skills, hobbies, and talents. Each of these will ultimately affect the decision.
The Can’t- Let- Go Helicopter Parent: The College Years
6. Requiring Daily Calls on Academic Progress and Extracurriculars
How to Fix It: Saying goodbye when your son or daughter leaves for college can be very emotional and often quite scary. Unfortunately, we have to trust our children to make good choices. Even if they don’t, they are adult enough to learn that actions have consequences.
Tip: When you do chat on the phone to catch up, enjoy simply listening (instead of prying).
7. Texting the College-aged Adult to Wake Up for Class, Eat Healthily, and Shower Daily
How to Fix It: Allow your child the freedom to make independent choices. If they miss their classes from oversleeping, that is on them! College is their chance to learn self-discipline and control.
8. If the Student Lives Nearby, the Parent Cleans the Dorm Room and Does the Laundry
How to Fix It: Unless you want to be doing these chores for your children the rest of your life, it’s time to let go and teach them to take care of themselves!
Helicopter Parent or Not: All You Need Is Love
In the end, the #1 gift your children need is your unconditional love and support. Even if you are erring on the side of helicopter parent, it is because you care deeply (the secret is trusting your child to take the wisdom you’ve shared and carry it along the journey).
Jun 6, 2014 | Family
Let Dad know he’s one-of-a-kind with these 10 homemade Father’s Day gift ideas!
It is time to show Dad just how deeply you love him, and we have the perfect homemade Father’s Day gifts to help you do it.
Father’s Day always resurfaces those lovely memories of the magical moments when our dads stole our hearts. Maybe it was the time your dad was so overflowing with pride at your soccer goal that he literally fell down from all the jumping. Or, maybe it was the time he was equally proud when you sat on the sidelines the entire game, lifting you up in his arms and saying you’re still his little soccer star.
When we think of what dads mean to us, this wise proverb rings true:
“Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad.”
These 10 homemade Father’s Day gifts are both authentic and genuine. Each of them will show your dad just why he is a very special person.
Homemade Father’s Day Gift vs Buying One
Choosing do-it-yourself gifts is both very eco-friendly plus frugal.
Here are three reasons they making a homemade gift is a good idea:
- By making gifts at home, you can significantly cut down on waste.
- You can even make us of recycled or reused materials.
- Such thoughtful gifts are much more likely to be saved for years, rather than quickly become waste.
Timeless, Sentimental Gifts
1. Create a Q&A Sheet About Dad for Kids to Fill In
This adorable gift is the perfect choice for children. Each question allows kids to reflect on why their dad is the very best! The resulting answers are sure to be too cute and cherished for years to come!
Steps:
- Simply type up a sheet of paper with 10 or so questions about Dad. Leave blanks for kids to fill in their answers.
- Once the page is printed and filled in, you can paste a picture at the bottom.
- Optional: frame the paper.
Some of our favorite questions:
- “My favorite memory with Dad is _______.”
- “My dad makes me laugh when _______.”
- “My favorite thing to do with him is _________.”
- “He is really good at __________.”
- “My dad taught me how to _________.”
- “He always knows how to cheer me up by ________.”
- “My dad always says _________.”
2. Memory Jar
Who says celebrating memories with Dad is only a once-a-year event?
This unique and sweet DIY gift, made with a mason jar and index cards, is a clever way to appreciate your dad all year round.
Steps:
- All you will need is an empty mason jar and a stack of index cards.
- Whenever you have a heartwarming moment or share a hilarious story with your dad, jot it down on one of the index cards and throw it in the jar.
- Keep the tradition going from this Father’s Day to the next.
- Only open the jar to read the notes after a year has passed.
- Reading them together, you will bring every memory back to life again and truly see what a wonderful influence your dad is in your life.
3. Write a Very Short Story
This detailed, authentic gift is ideal for a woman giving to her husband or her own father.
If you want to describe to your husband precisely why you think he is such an outstanding father to your children, there is no better way than through a story.
Similarly, if you wish to remind your own father of a memory of deep significance you shared in your childhood, writing it down is a beautiful gesture.
Steps:
- This story can be as short as 1 page.
- If you’re really on a roll, by all means keep going!
Topics to spark your creativity:
- A wife to her husband: “ The Moment I Knew You Were an Amazing Dad”
- Woman to her own father: “The Moment I Realized How Very Deeply You Loved Me”
Creative & Crafty Gifts
If you have caught DIY craft fever, then we have exciting news!
Putting together these unique homemade Father’s Day gifts is a blast and their value is sure to last.
4. Coasters Made of Scrabble Letters
Is your dad a dedicated writer, avid reader, or simply a master of the Scrabble board game? If any or all of these apply, these DIY scrabble letter coasters will bring countless smiles to his face.
Steps:
- Choose a series of words either four or five letters in length. Suggestions: love, hugs, papa, golf, play, hero, boat, daddy, adore, laugh, best. You can have the words stand alone or create a sentence.
- Assemble all letters into words and create a square.
- Use Super Glue to glue each letter to the next. Do this letter by letter, applying a thin layer of the glue to the right side of one square and attaching it to another.
- Cut a square piece of a cork board to match the size of your scrabble letter square.
- Use a glue gun to paste the scrabble letters onto the cork board.
- Let coasters dry for about a day (consider placing under a heavy object, like a book, for extra pressure).
5. Child’s Painted Footprints or Handprints on Wood + Father Quote
Dads will love displaying these precious pieces in their offices or bedrooms. Their little children’s hand and footprints will lock this lovely, fleeting phase of fatherhood in time forever. A touching quote on being a dad adds even more sweetness.
Steps:
- Take a plank of wood and paint it your desired color.
- Once the paint is dry, have your kids paint their hands or feet, then place either on the wood to make an imprint.
- Sign each child’s name and age at the bottom.
- Print out a fatherhood quote and attach via glue gun or nail to the side of the wood.
Our favorite picks for quotes about Dads:
- “Some Heroes Don’t Have Capes. They’re Called Dads”
- “Dad, You’re Someone to Look Up to No Matter How Tall We Grow”
- “Dad: A Son’s First Hero, A Daughter’s First Love”
6. Scrapbook in a Journal
Scrapbooks are always an excellent way to show your love. Sometimes, pictures themselves don’t tell the whole story. Make a scrapbook even more personal by writing in a few lines next to every picture saying what you remember most on the day it was taken.
Steps:
- Buy a lined journal.
- Paste pictures directly into each page and use the lines to write several sentence next to each picture.
- Even better, let your dad write in his own sentences, too!
Practical & Useful Homemade Father’s Day Gifts
7. BBQ Apron
Is your dad or husband a BBQ fanatic? You and/or your kids will have a great time creating this useful gift! Make Dad’s life easier by giving him an apron with easy access to every BBQ tool (and maybe a cold beer for extra credit!).
Steps:
- Sew on leather tool holders to the pocket of an apron.
- These can hold spatulas, hot sauce, beer, and tongs.
- Place accessories in the apron pocket or attached tool holders.
8. Homemade Coconut & Essential Oil Lotion
Despite their rugged scruffiness, men deserve to be pampered! Dads will love this luxurious, natural, homemade lotion.
Steps:
- Put all ingredients in a glass jar.
- Stir ingredients together until they melt into one smooth lotion.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon cocoa butter
- 2 Essential Oils of your choice (men often like: sandalwood, ginger, sage, and pepper black). Experiment with different blends first to get your desired scent.
Activity-based homemade Father’s Day gifts
Are you not so crafty?
Don’t worry these ideas are perfect when looming for a gift that can be free to do plus means you spend quality time with the special man in your life.
9. Pack a Picnic for the Park or Beach
Dads always enjoy a tasty meal and day outdoors! Pack a picnic basket with his favorite foods. Head to the park or beach and play games like frisbee!
10. Plan an Adventure Day
For the very outdoorsy dad, you can plan a day full of exciting adventures! It is the perfect way to create priceless memories and show how well you know him!
- Present your dad with an agenda of the day or keep each plan a surprise!
- Daytime Ideas: start the day off with a bike ride to a local breakfast spot. As a midday activity, consider hiking, fishing, sailing, or visiting a museum.
- Nighttime Ideas: go see a movie together or have a bonfire dinner at the beach.
Happy Father’s Day!
Recommended Online Stores Discount Codes
Here is a list of stores who can help with the supplies needed to create the present from the gift ideas above. Use one of the coupon or promo codes we supply to get a saving.
Need even more ideas?
Check out Father’s Day Homemade Gifts Pinterest. With any of these easy homemade Father’s Day gifts, you are guaranteed to make your dad feel incredibly loved and appreciated on his special day!
