Kat’s Money Corner: This year, buy dad some memories

Kat Hnatyshyn

Ties. Golf balls. Socks. Why give your dad an expected present for Father’s Day when you can give him something he’ll remember forever?

Instead of gadgets and clothes as gift ideas, this year’s buzz is all about “experiential” presents, like a flying lesson in a vintage plane or going tandem skydiving. While these ideas sound great, you may be reeling from sticker shock when you actually price out that hot air balloon ride for the whole family.

No worries. There are plenty of dad-friendly experiences for every budget. Just pay attention to those fun things he’s wistful about never getting to do and make one happen.

Is he a cook? Set aside a weekend and help him make an elaborate recipe that’s a labor of love, like Italian “Sunday gravy” with homemade meatballs, or a whole pig roasted in a fire pit.

Does he fish? If there’s a dusty tackle box and rods in the garage, clean them up, buy some bait and surprise him with a day on the lake. If you don’t fish, let him teach you. You could also get him a fly-fishing lesson.

Does he golf? Humor him for once, rent some clubs and accompany him for the whole 18 holes. You’ll probably have your best talk in years and come home with a funny story or two.

Does he have baseball fever? Surprise him with Royals or T-Bones tickets and a tailgate barbecue. Make him a star for the day and deliver the cotton candy to his seat.

Is he a beer fan? Take him on a tour of Boulevard Brewing Co., or help him craft a custom ale of his own. Other local distilleries and vineyards offer affordable outings, too.

Is he an adventurer? Take him zip lining in Swope Park. He’ll never forget the adrenaline-filled day you arranged.

Does he play cards? Contact his friends and host a surprise poker tournament for him. All you need is snacks, a few folding tables and some poker chips. No, you don’t have to let him win.

Is he artistic? Purchase a couple of canvases and sketchpads, and head out to a beautiful spot with the family. Then, buy some simple frames to preserve your memories of the day.

Whatever the dad in your life likes, make sure your experiential gift includes lots of face time with his favorite people – his kids. After all, a day full of laughter will never end up at the bottom of a laundry hamper.

Kat's Money Corner is posted on Dollars & Sense every Tuesday. Kat Hnatyshyn, when not blogging or caring for her little ones, is a manager with CommunityAmerica Credit Union. For more financial chatter, click http://twitter.com/savinmavens or visit http://communityamerica.com.

This story was originally published June 14, 2016 at 10:51 AM with the headline "Kat’s Money Corner: This year, buy dad some memories."