Kelly’s Korner is continuing her “Show Us Your Life” series on Fridays, and I’m joining in again today for “Show Us Your Life–Father’s Day and Mother’s Day Ideas.”
Over the years, I’ve given David a few gifts that were a blast to shop for, hunt for, prepare for, and bless him with!
Let me preface by saying that I have not always been a creative gift-giver to my hubby, but something sparked in me many years ago, and I set out to give purposefully and intentionally to him from then on. I’m really glad I did. It has most likely been more fun for me, the giver! Now, the personal challenge is on to keep it up! I’m fresh out of ideas for this year, so I’m looking forward to browsing Kelly’s links for inspiration!
Here are a few favorites…
A compass. I searched high and low for this one, and ultimately found this beautiful antique compass on Ebay. I chose a compass to represent following God on the voyage of life. A compass provides sailors with a tool to reach their intended destination. In real life, if one is just a few degrees off course, over time, he will end up at a destination that is far off from what was intended.
A Scottish Claymore sword. Definitely a unique surprise! Years ago, David and I both read John Eldredge’s book, Wild at Heart, (which I highly recommend!), so I went on a search for a gift to represent the strength of manhood that is needed to be an honorable husband and father in today’s culture, fight battles that are necessary, and resist passivity. Eldredge clearly uses the imagery of the sword to represent these quests.
Although it was purchased a very long time ago from an individual, I discovered that Ransomed Heart is actually selling them HERE!
A tribute journal. Love, love, love this one.
This particular journal was compiled in a season of pain, making it all the more meaningful and poignant when received. David was laid off in June of 2009, and turned 40 about two months later. He agrees that this tribute journal could not have been “written” at a more significant time.
After a long search for the *perfect* journal, I chose an artist’s sketchbook from Hobby Lobby. The “torn” pages give it a well-worn, masculine feel. I purchased a box of plain stationery with matching envelopes. Addressed and stamped these to be returned to the mailbox of a friend. Then, I secretly sent them all over the country to David’s family and friends with a note explaining what I needed from them…a letter, or tribute, to David.
To say the letters that poured in were a blessing would be a great understatement. The positive, lasting impact of intentional relationship over the course of a lifetime was evident in the moving letters received from family and friends, some of whom David has known since elementary school. Just today as I photographed the book and stopped to read a few of the letters, tears immediately rushed to the surface as I remembered how God was so gracious to encourage David through the words of people we love. Forever this book will be a treasure!
I tucked in a few photos that came in as well. The photos added a sweet touch to the book.
Trust me, this gift will bless the men in your life!
Trust me, this gift will bless the men in your life!
A grill platter. This gift was great fun for the kids, as they were the main contributors! We chose a cool square platter, used each child’s handprint/name and decorated the platter with hotdogs, hamburgers, and a grill. Easy and fun. Created at a local paint-your-own-pottery store.
There are endless projects to create using your kids’ handprints, footprints, or thumbprints for daddy! Coffee mugs, plates, tray for keys and change, and many others! Visit your local paint-your-own-pottery store for ideas.
Enlarged, framed photographs of a place special to him.
Another favorite! Pine Cove Family Camp is one of our family’s favorite places on earth. A few summers ago, I captured a few shots of different spots around Pine Cove and had them enlarged to 11×16 prints, framed them in simple black frames, and arranged a simple collage in David’s office. The possibilities are endless for this gift!
Other ideas for photos are the place where you met, pictures from cities you’ve lived in, a favorite vacation spot, his childhood hometown, etc.
So begin to “think outside the box” for this Father’s Day, and bless the daddy in your life with an unforgettable gift!
I’d love to hear your creative ideas!
Linking to:
Other ideas for photos are the place where you met, pictures from cities you’ve lived in, a favorite vacation spot, his childhood hometown, etc.
So begin to “think outside the box” for this Father’s Day, and bless the daddy in your life with an unforgettable gift!
I’d love to hear your creative ideas!
Linking to:
This American Wife says
These are wonderful ideas! I especially love the Tribute Book you did for your husband!
Kristin says
I love the tribute journal idea. One of the funniest things we’ve gotten from our kids was when they were in preschool and the teacher’s have them fill in the blanks, like what is your age, weight, etc. So funny what kids come up with for those things!!!
BOWquet says
Those are so fun!!! I always struggle with shopping for my hubby…
Beth says
I love your ideas, Amanda! You really got me thinking outside the box! 🙂
Marci @ All Things Wonderful says
Hi! I just stopped by from Kelly’s Korner. Love the compass idea, and the meaning behind it. Thank you for sharing. I hopped over to your recipe blog. Enjoying it!
Meri says
that grill platter is very cute!! what a great idea!
found your blog via Serenity Now 🙂
~meri
AmberFaith says
Hello! Newest follower from the Boost My Blog Friday hop! Would love for you to stop by and follow back, whenever you get a chance. Have a great week! (:
Amber
http://beautifullybellafaith.blogspot.com
Lindy says
What a wonderful ideas. I love the photographs and the journal. Very thoughtful and meaningful gifts!
Corbin says
So you aren’t the crafty kind? I beg to differ. I love the ideas and now you have a new follower 🙂
Lindsay says
Thanks for the great ideas!
Audra Laney says
You’ve given me several fabulous ideas! I love the tribute book, framed pictures of his childhood city (he actually grew up in the country and misses it terribly) and the grill plate. Perfect! Thanks!
Cheryl says
Hi Amanda,
I love the painted platter idea and wanted to really try it at home. Unfortunately you can not find paint that is food safe in any stores or online for that matter. Not sure what they use at the pottery places, but its not available for purchase. Any ideas?
Amanda Brown says
Cheryl, I am so sorry I’m just now replying. A month after Father’s Day:(. I do not know what kind of paint they use. I would call and ask if you know of a place. They fire it in an extremely hot oven after glazing, so technically, I guess it’s the glaze that touches the food? Sorry I’m of no help. Did you find anything about it, though? Amanda