Gift Guides – Simple Happy Holidays

Planning a Father’s Day party he’ll actually enjoy? Here’s a theme that’s as classic as he is: Dad Jokes. Dad jokes are legendary—groan-worthy, yes, but also beloved. A Dad Joke–themed Father’s Day party is a fun way to celebrate what makes him uniquely awesome. It’s not about laughing at him—it’s about laughing with him. No two dads are the same, but these creative party ideas will help you throw a celebration that just might earn you favorite-child status. Decorations & Atmosphere My base decor plan for any occasion almost always starts with strings lights and banners. These two things are simple, easy, and instantly make things feel festive. If you'd like to read more about decorating with banners see my post here. How much fun can you have with banners for Father's Day? You could go the straightforward route with a sports related banner. Or buy or DIY some burlap banners with a customized stenciled or painted message. How about: BACK IN MY DAY WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE ASK YOUR MOTHER DON'T MAKE ME STOP THIS CAR “Dad I’m hungry.” “Hi Hungry, I’m Dad.” football bannerburlap bannerstencils fish lightsChile lightsphoto clip lights Dad Joke Decor banner: Print out some dad jokes and clip them to this photo clip light string! Just do an image search for "dad jokes". Here's a Dad Joke desk calendar that would be great for jokes for the banner: DAD JOKES DESK CALENDAR Foods Dads Like If you do a search on foods dads like, you get results that contain a lot of meat. Mainly ribs, but there are plenty of burgers, steak, brisket, BBQ pork, bacon, wings, tacos with hot sauce.... Also chocolate cake. Why? I don't really know! But it's true. When deciding on what to do or cook, always consider what your dad likes. Now is probably not the time to try some exotic new recipe. Remember that the goal is not to compete with someone else's Instagram worthy meal, it is to make your dad or husband feel appreciated and full! So whether it's a meat-centered meal, or his favorite vegetarian dishes, focus on him as you plan your food. Here's a few ideas to get you started: Let's start with ribs: These ribs from www.mommyhatescooking.com are made with a Ninja Foodi, but could be made with a pressure cooker and a few minutes under the broiler. They are delicious, and the best part is they can be done from start to finish in just over an hour. This is how I always used to make ribs before I got a pressure cooker. Slow baked in the oven. See the recipe at www.inspiredtaste.net https://youtu.be/JNUTJezkDoY Crockpot Pulled Pork from The Recipe Rebel: If you are grilling, check out these Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwiches from dudethatcookz.com. For Dads Who Love Chocolate We call these Therapy Brownies at our house because they cure everything :) Award winning recipe from Taste of Home Bonus: The "Secret Recipe" That is My Husband's Very Favorite Meal I've been making this recipe for years. It's quick and easy to make and includes some "semi-homemade" ingredients. My husband says he would want it for his last meal! There may be a similar recipe out there somewhere, but so far I haven't seen one quite like it. THE Chicken Pot Pie I've probably made this 100 times and everyone loves it. There are a couple of surprising ingredients, don't leave them out! food processor For Filling4 cups cooked cubed chicken2 cans cream of mushroom soup10 ounces evaporated milk2 T dried parsley flakes1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper20 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn)For Crust1 1/2 cups instant potato flakes1 1/2 cups flour1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated, like Kraft brand)2/3 cup butter1/2 cup cold water Heat oven to 375°F.In a large bowl, combine soup, evaporated milk, parsley, salt and pepper.Add cooked diced chicken and vegetables. Combine well. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. To make the crust, combine in a food precessor the potato flakes, flour, parmesan cheese and butter. Pulse until butter is incorporated.Add the water and process until the dough forms a ball. Dump the dough out onto a floured surface.Roll the dough out into a rectangle similar to the size of the pan. Cut the dough into large pieces and lay them out over the filling until no filling is showing. It's fine if they overlap a bit. (This is the way to use all the dough with no waste)Bake for 40 minutes and then check. Bake 5-10 more minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Main CourseAmerican Cuisinart Food Processor shop at Amazon Activities and Games While we know dads do appreciate the cute crafty things we do for them, some dads really just want to hit some balls and stuff. Other dad's like other things-- make it about him! Choose a way he can share his hobbies and interests. Here are a couple of ideas for things to do at your dad party: Try hitting golf balls into a target with this handy golf net. Also works for pitching baseballs and kicking soccer balls. Make it a contest with prizes. A dad themed photo booth: Use these or choose your own. The more "Dad Joke" the better! Photo props: fishing hat *** fanny pack *** green leaves backdrop Dad Trivia or “Who Said It: My Dad or the Internet? Here are some classics from the internet, then add in some of the great things your own dad says: “I’m not sleeping, I’m just resting my eyes.” “Can you hand me that thingamajig over there next to the doohickey?” “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.” “Close the door — we’re not heating the whole neighborhood.” “When I was your age, we had real music.” “I don’t need directions, I know where I’m going.” “Don’t tell your mother.” “I’m not lost, I’m exploring.” “Measure twice, cut once.” “A little duct tape’ll fix that.” “Don’t make me turn this car around.” “The lawn isn’t going to mow itself.” “Ask your mother.” 🕹️ How to Play: Read a quote out loud. Guests guess: “My Dad” or “The Internet.” More suggestions: Go four-wheeling on an ATV or UTV Have a picnic Visit the zoo Go fishing Swimming at the pool Go for a hike Play video games together Board Games Pick a local landmark and go exploring. Take snacks! Rent an inflatable waterslide Play volleyball Gift Ideas Dads Actually Want (and Will Use) Let’s be real—dads can be notoriously hard to shop for. But sometimes, we overthink it. That drill or new wallet you dismissed as “too obvious”? He might actually want that. Don’t skip over the practical gifts just because they don’t seem flashy. Here are a few questions to guide you toward a great gift: What are his hobbies? Whether it's grilling, golf, tinkering in the garage, or reading, look for gifts that enhance what he already enjoys. What’s worn out or ready for an upgrade? Is his cooler cracked? Are his socks sad? Does his favorite hoodie look... well-loved? Dads appreciate thoughtful replacements. Does he love a good deal? If you score something on sale, don’t be afraid to brag a little. “I got it 40% off!” might actually be a part of the gift he enjoys. Don’t Forget Experience Gifts Experience gifts are great—if they actually match his interests. By this stage in life, most dads know exactly what they’re into. If he’s outdoorsy, maybe it’s a national park pass or a guided fly-fishing trip. If he’s more low-key, tickets to a ball game or a backyard movie night with his favorite snacks might be just the thing. Bonus Ideas to Consider: Subscription boxes tailored to his taste (think beef jerky, books, tools, or tech gadgets). Custom gifts like engraved tools, monogrammed wallets, or a framed photo of a favorite family memory. “DIY coupon book” with vouchers for things like “uninterrupted nap,” “car gets cleaned out,” or “dad’s choice for movie night.” Gifts that save him time: A robotic lawn mower might just make you the favorite child.