In my household, my father never received an elaborate Father’s Day celebration. We’d usually hunt for the latest gadget to get him, and we often failed. My brothers and I usually ended up giving my father a stunning new tie, but he didn’t seem to really mind. We focused most of our attention on Mother’s Day – showering my mom with flowers and pitching in with household chores. However, ever since my siblings and I left the nest, our gifts to my father have gotten better over the years—but your family doesn’t have to be as uncreative as mine was! tbjkids has compiled a few activities, gift ideas, and imaginative ways to show dads you really care on Sunday, June 15.
Here are a few great ideas for other clueless kids and mothers– consult this gift guide from parents.com or check out askmen.com for their top ten best Father’s Day gifts.
In the spirit of Father’s Day, a weekend getaway is a great way to explore China and get in some quality family time away from the city. Any excursion will do, such as a trek to the Summer Palace, Beihai, or Ritan Park or your family can check out the Schoolhouse at Mutianyu Great Wall慕田峪长城. They are offering a Father’s Day cookout and trek on June 15—hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and more on The School House terrace. Dads eat free and get a complimentary Schoolhouse Father’s Day T-shirt for the trek. RMB 98 (moms and childless men), RMB 60 (kids from 4-12), free (under 4s). Noon. The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu (6162 6506, info@theschoolhouseatmutianyu.com)
Other dining specials on Father’s Day:
Big Daddy
Delight Dad with free-flow Piper-Heidsieck champagne, and countless cocktails and varieties of beers. Specialties include Peking duck, fresh homemade Italian pasta, caviar chilled in ice pots, inventive sushi and sashimi, fresh seafood, and an outdoor BBQ. RMB 368 (includes alcohol), RMB 298 (no alcohol), RMB 148 (kids under 12). Prices are subject to 15% surcharge. 11.30am-3pm. The Westin, Financial Street (6606 8866)
Father’s Day Celebration at Scene a Cafe
Dads can enjoy a festive brunch buffet of seafood, barbecues, ice cream and succulent imported steak. RMB 368. Prices are subject to 15% surcharge. Scene a Cafe, China World Hotel(6505 2266 ext 35)
As a side, look at what celebrities said about their fathers and what they do best. Also, dads who still enjoy watching kids films can take the whole family to see the Chronicles of Narnia-Prince Caspian or wait one week for the release of Kung fu Panda with Jack Black as the voice of a loveable, lazy panda in this Dreamworks film. Speaking of Jack Black, check out this article on Jack Black being a father.
But enough with the gifts—this site shows some creative ways to spend Father’s Day, free of charge. Some of the best ideas include: 1. Switch roles with kids. Let them be the dad and you, the kid. 2. Make a movie of the day. If you don’t have a movie camera, take a few rolls of regular film, get them developed at a one-hour photo place, and make a scrapbook. 3. Pretend you like the tie they got you and wear it all day.
No matter how you decide to show your appreciation for fathers, June 15 is also a great day to honor grandfathers, sons, brothers, uncles and close friends and male role models who play a positive role in your life!
