What Dads REALLY want for Father’s Day

Father's Day is around the corner, and each year I try to figure out what the man in my life needs. I say "need" because when I ask him what he wants for Father’s Day he says “I don’t know,” or “I don't want anything,” or my personal favorite “whatever you get me is fine.”

This year, I started listening for items he might need and kept a list on my phone of things he has casually mentioned like new work shoes, car detailing items, a silly coffee mug, sharp lawnmower blades, but honestly, I cringe each time I gaze down at my list. Am I missing clues to things he wants? Would one of these gifts reflect how much appreciation I have for my husband? “Happy Father's Day honey, I love you so much I had the lawnmower blades sharpened!”

The most important man in my daughter's life deserves so much more. I want him to understand how much we appreciate the sacrifices he makes and the hard work he does to keep a roof over our heads. I want to do something that shows him I recognize the pressure put on his shoulders and I am thankful for everything he does for us. Whether it’s the ponytails he wrangles together to get my daughter ready for school in the morning, unloading the dishwasher or buying me a car, it all matters.

As I pondered the challenge, I realized I needed to take another approach. I looked around the office and it hit me, I can ask the dads I work with what they really want! The results I found were pretty surprising and not at all what I was expecting.

The dads here at Costco Travel claimed that the one thing they want this year is to be with their family. Could it really be so easy? Do dads just want to spend time doing something fun? Here are some of the responses I've received:

• Andy said he and his family are having friends over to watch the final round of the U.S. open while having a barbecue.
• Berto said he would love time with his kids; any local getaway would be great for a day trip or quick overnight.
• Grant wants to do the same, a weekend in the local islands with his family was at the top of his list.
• James wanted a carefree day with his wife and baby boy because he doesn't get to spend days off with his family, so that is at the top of his list.
• Joe would love to go on a camping trip with his wife and boys to do some hiking and fishing.
• Josh's daughter just learned how to roller-skate so he would love to take the family to a local park to skate around.
• Of all the responses, I think Matt's comes closest to what I would have pictured. He would like to sleep in, wake up to breakfast, go for a massage, and then relax around the house playing video games. With three kids at home, it makes complete sense to me.

So, skip the neckties and socket wrench sets, and do something together. Plan a weekend getaway to a local hotspot. Go to a sporting event or book a tee time at a local course. Get outside, and enjoy your family time because one day these kids that made us parents are going to grow up, and opportunities to make special memories are going to be harder and harder to achieve.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads in our lives, we hope you enjoy your day with the family!

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