WHY is it that when we celebrate Mother’s Day, the suggested gifts are usually kitchen wares or the latest cleaning gadgets? It’s different when we’re celebrating Father’s Day. Suggested gifts and activities are usually leisure and luxury in nature like car accessories, watches, tickets to a live basketball game, and so on. But honestly, I feel like it’s another product of innate stereotyping in society because really, not all dads drive nor do they all enjoy basketball or sports for that matter.
So I listed here activities that you can do with your fathers, who enjoy different things than society expects them to enjoy.
1. Baking and cooking
I was reading Doreen Fernandez’ book "Tikim" when I came across this section where she talked about men in the kitchen. Her theory why there are many male chefs in the Philippines is that men, in general, are not expected to know how to cook. Unlike women who, in a way, are forced to be knowledgeable in the kitchen. Men have the luxury to explore cooking and baking as a hobby, not as a requirement by society. In turn, they excel in it because they do it for fun.
There are so many fathers out there who enjoy baking and cooking. This could be a great bonding moment with your dad if you know he enjoys this type of activity. You surprise him with the ingredients and you can do the baking together or gift him the latest baking equipment that he has his eyes on for months now.
2. Gardening
The word "plantito" wasn’t made just because. It was coined because there were actual men who are gentle and meticulous enough to take care of a plant. This is not rare and there are many green-thumbed fathers out there. It’s just that mothers or women are the most expected to take care of the garden at home.
If your father is a plantito, you can give them a rare plant that’s not yet in his collection but you would know he would love to have. Even if you do not have a green thumb yourself, it goes a long way to research and know which plant would best make your father happy.
3. Fruit basket
Is your father a health buff and you’re thinking of giving him workout items or outfits for home? That’s very predictable. We suggest you think outside the box and find the most decent basket you can find. Stuff it beautifully with his favorite fruits and healthy snacks, and you’re good.
Why is this better? Because aside from the fact that you put effort and much thought into the gift, this is something that is unexpected but your father will surely love.
You can include fruits that you don’t usually have at home but are known for their high-nutrient content.
It’s a given that most fathers are not as vocal about their love for us as mothers are but they do deserve love and show of appreciation especially this Father’s Day.
Happy Father’s Day! Make it special. Make it count.