First Father's Day and I'm desperate

[paintedfire]

I'm having a great deal of trouble figuring out something to do for DF on Father's Day. We are kind of competitive (not really the right word, but let's go with it) with each other (long story) when it comes to holidays, presents, etc.. I don't mean that something has to be more expensive to be better - or that it even has to be better. We just like surprising each other with the unexpected, because neither of us likes surprises. Like I said, it's a long story. Suffice it to say, we're fans of grand - sometimes crazy - gestures.

DF can't take any time off (I already asked his boss behind his back - don't worry his office is like family), but we live in Brooklyn so there's no shortage of places surrounding us and we're pretty well off, financially speaking, so money isn't a concern either.

So, any ideas? This is his first Father's Day as an expectant father and his last without any kiddos running around, so I want to make it special.

Thanks in advance, mamas!


(cross-posted in Dads)

[lilmiss'mama]

Is there something that you both really love to do that will be hard to do once you have a babe? Like a last hurrah! or something? Go somewhere he loves for the day or weekend (if you have Saturday too) where kids aren't allowed?

[paintedfire]

Originally Posted by lilmiss'mama

Is there something that you both really love to do that will be hard to do once you have a babe? Like a last hurrah! or something? Go somewhere he loves for the day or weekend (if you have Saturday too) where kids aren't allowed?

I tried to think of something along those lines, but couldn't. He's a sports nut (it's what he does), but we're looking forward to bringing the kid to the games (we go with groups of friends a lot and any that have kids bring them along) so that's not something that'll "be over," once the baby arrives.

He likes boats, but there's not much I can do with that in two days.

[expat_canuck]

I don't know if this will work for you, but it's what I decided to do on my much, much more limited budget -- my partner LOVES movies. He is really excited to share his favorite movies (age-appropriately, of course) with our child.

Anyways, his favorite childhood movie was recently re-released in a re-mastered 'deluxe' edition, so I got him that, as a gift that he can share with our kiddo when he or she is old enough to enjoy.

Maybe there is something else you can do like that? I don't know get him a child sized glove or basketball hoop or whatever his most fave sport is? Something that he loves passionately and that will help him share his passion with your child?? It's the thought that counts, so maybe there is something along those lines that would be a thoughtful gift for him?? Maybe baby or child-sized jerseys of his most favorite teams for his kid to wear while they go to games together??

If he likes boats, maybe you can get toy boat for him and the kid to play with together? Or does your DF have a fave childhood memory that you can re-create or arrange to recreate with the babe?

[paintedfire]

Originally Posted by expat_canuck

I don't know if this will work for you, but it's what I decided to do on my much, much more limited budget -- my partner LOVES movies. He is really excited to share his favorite movies (age-appropriately, of course) with our child.

Anyways, his favorite childhood movie was recently re-released in a re-mastered 'deluxe' edition, so I got him that, as a gift that he can share with our kiddo when he or she is old enough to enjoy.

Maybe there is something else you can do like that? I don't know get him a child sized glove or basketball hoop or whatever his most fave sport is? Something that he loves passionately and that will help him share his passion with your child?? It's the thought that counts, so maybe there is something along those lines that would be a thoughtful gift for him?? Maybe baby or child-sized jerseys of his most favorite teams for his kid to wear while they go to games together??

If he likes boats, maybe you can get toy boat for him and the kid to play with together? Or does your DF have a fave childhood memory that you can re-create or arrange to recreate with the babe?

Okay . . . this got the creative juices flowing.

I'm going to need a bunch of picnic blankets, the biggest white sheet known to man, and a trip to an electronics store - stat.

[HeatherB]

Ooh, do tell what your plan is! It sounds very interesting.

[paintedfire]

Originally Posted by HeatherB

Ooh, do tell what your plan is! It sounds very interesting.

I'm out on the town right now hunting down the things I'll need. I'll get back to you if I'm able to find them all.

If not, then I'll be back anyway to beg for another idea.

[paintedfire]

All right. I've got wool Pendleton blankets, two white king-sized flat bed sheets, a very fancy projector, and several boxes of white Christmas lights.

Tomorrow, I shall hang said bed sheets in our garden against the house, string the Christmas lights up, set up the projector and viola! Instant backyard movie theater, featuring Roy Orbison live in black-and-white, the Red Soxs finally kicking the Yankees butts, and the infamous Ali-Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle."

There will also be food galore.

What do you think?

[somegirl99]

Sounds impressive!

[paintedfire]

Originally Posted by somegirl99

Sounds impressive!

Thank you.

[Surfacing]

Let us know how he likes it.

And ummm, btw... (OT) ...you have a PANTHER as a pet?

[paintedfire]

Originally Posted by Surfacing

Let us know how he likes it.

I will.

Originally Posted by Surfacing

And ummm, btw... (OT) ...you have a PANTHER as a pet?

No. He's actually half bob cat, but I only just found that out a few years ago. He's just an over-grown, over-indulged house cat. The panther thing is a long-time family joke. I just thought he needed an occupation along with DF and I and I can't put what he really does with risking a UV.