Father’s Day is a great time to appreciate the men in your life who share all of those silly jokes, have crazy dance moves, and own more polo shirts than Ralph Lauren himself. So why not treat those special guys to something special? Here are a few favorite gift options for every type of dad out there!

Razor MD

For the dad who loves his beard, look to Razor MD to provide him with all the things he needs to keep his beard trimmed, silky, and smooth. They have everything from great razors to essential oil based products that help style and condition his beard. Help him take his beard game to the next level with all of the tools and accessories he needs!

Photoshoot

Grab your semi-pro photographer friend, find a fun spot-think large field, wall with cool street art, etc- and get the kids dressed up for a photoshoot! Bonus points if there’s a theme! While it may take an entire day, 12 juice boxes, and 20 bribes to get them all to pose, it’ll definitely be worth an adorable picture of everyone. Plus, you’ll be able to use this as a Father’s Day gift for every dad in your life, and it doubles as a gift for you too! If you want to turn to a professional photographer, look to Groupon to find great deals on pros that’ll help you take beautiful pictures!

Annie B’s Popcorn and Caramels

For the dad who just wants to snack and watch the game, get him something truly delicious to try from Annie B’s Popcorn and Caramels! They offer a wide array of popcorn flavors like Jalapeno, Triple Threat, Original, Sea Salt, and Sharp Cheddar, along with an incredible number of different flavored caramels, such as Coconut and Cappuccino- yum! Pair this with his favorite beer and you just won Father’s Day!

Bespoke post

If you want to get him the gift that just keeps giving, try Bespoke Post. You can get him monthly subscription boxes that include limited edition products he wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else! You can also peruse their online store to find beautiful gifts that he’s sure to love!

Custom Pint Glass

These are the perfect edition to any man cave/ living room after the kids go to bed. The Wild & Free Prints shop on Etsy has a ton of options for customizing the perfect pint glass, wine glass, or even mason jar! The glasses are etched and made to order, so you can truly make it his own.

Turn their artwork into a gift

Take your mini Picasso’s artwork and turn it into something really special that won’t just get put on the fridge! Use a site like Shutterfly.com to help you put their artwork on mugs, pillows, and even on an actual canvas. All you have to do is scan or take a clear, high resolution photo of the artwork, then peruse the website for your favorite way to display it!

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When my son was nine, we were watching a baseball game together on television. As the camera panned over the cheering fans, he asked me why the kids in the stands were so excited. I said that the players are heroes to those kids. I suggested that someday one of those players might be his hero. He paused and said, “They may be my hero someday, but you will always be my first hero.” The message was clear — we are our children’s first heroes, whether we want that responsibility or not.

A hero is seen as a protector, one who safeguards you from danger. Above all, we as fathers have to ensure that we maintain our hero status with our children by ensuring that we have earned their trust, and if it has been hindered or damaged, it is our responsibility to regain it.

1) Celebrate victories. Celebrate achievements and victories by taking your kids for a treat. Before immediately running to the next dilemma, take time to enjoy accomplishments as a family. This will validate your child’s self-esteem and importance to you.

2)  Confer regularly with your Inner Child. When our children struggle, stop and think about what you wanted to hear from your father at that age. Let that compassion shape what you say and how you say it.

3) Be curious. Show interest in your children’s lives by simply asking how they’re doing and what’s new with them.

4) Monitor your Inner Critic. If we grew up with an Inner Critic telling us all the things we’re doing wrong in life, chances are high we will pass this Inner Critic to our children. We need to take responsibility, as I did in my book, The Problem Was Me. We need to silence our own Inner Critic and become mindful of behaviors that could pass this intrusive voice down to our children.

5) Choose your battles. We must relinquish our need to always be right in our conversations with our children and instead choose closeness. Take a step back and identify with your children’s struggles and listening to their feelings.

6) Permit mistakes. Let your kids know that mistakes are part of being human. Affirm that they can fail at times without becoming a failure. If we deny our children compassion when they stumble, we negate their humanness. If they lose compassion for themselves, they will lose compassion for others as well.

7) Provide a safe environment. Be the person they can come to with anything. Allow them vent, cry on your shoulder, or confide in you their mistakes.

No one is perfect, but we can do our best to try to be the hero that our children see or hope for.

*Parenting and relationship expert Thomas Gagliano is the author of The Problem Was Me and his newest title, Don’t Put Your Crap in Your Kid’s Diaper: The Clean Up Cost Can Last a Lifetime. www.thomasGagliano.com

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Dad can be hard to shop for sometimes. Of course, he can never have too many ties, coffee mugs or tools. But doesn’t the man who taught you how to ride a bike, to play catch and to always try your best deserve something more personal and unique.

Sure, he will be happy regardless of what you get him, but why not help him enjoy more time with the interests he has outside of being a great father. Here are some Father’s Day gift ideas for every kind of dad – from the grill master to the car enthusiast and the clean freak to the hygiene centric and every kind of dad in between.

Let Dad Stand Out with a Million-Dollar Shine

Your dad can now achieve the million-dollar appearance of Barrett-Jackson car auctions in his garage. Their Premium Auto Care line includes washes, waxes and detailers formulated with synthetic hydrophobic polymers and genuine carnauba wax for lasting brilliance and easy application. Learn more about how to bring a long-lasting and brilliant, deep shine to your dad’s car at Barrett-JacksonAutoCare.com. Barrett-Jackson Premium Auto Care products, which range in price from $5.49 to $17.99, are available at retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Pepboys, Menards and select Home Depots, and through online retailers including Amazon.com. For the ultimate gift, go a step further and wash his car for him.

For the Dad Who Loves to Drive

What do you get a dad who loves his car and truly loves to drive? How about something that connects him to his car, like a shoe that enhances his driving experience? While comfortable and stylish enough for everyday wear, the Piloti Spyder S1 driving shoe features patented Roll Control heel technology, superior red suede and mesh panels for maximum comfort and flexibility as well as the perfect combination of support, size, grip and feel. Check out the Spyder S1 ($150) as well as Piloti’s complete line of luxury, casual and performance driving shoes at Piloti.com.

A Gift Dad Can Sink His Teeth Into

Make Father’s Day complete with a dinner he’ll remember for years. The Omaha Steaks Father’s Day T-Bone Gift package is a meal dad will be willing and eager to fire up the grill for. The package is headlined by two 18-ounce T-Bones and includes four Brisket Burgers and four Gourmet Jumbo Franks along with Omaha Steaks Seasoning. Regularly $194.95, you can now bring the family together to enjoy this incredible fare for just $69.99. For more information, visit omahasteaks.com.

A Spotless Man Cave, Workshop and Car

It’s the ultimate gift for dad and his man cave. The Dirt Devil FlipOut™ is a premium cordless hand vac, perfectly designed to keep his man cave, workshop or set of wheels spotless. The 16-volt, fade-free lithium battery means faster charging, longer runtime and continuous power. It’s compact and lightweight, and has versatile tools for quick and easy cleaning. The FlipOut is $49.99. For more information, visit DirtDevil.com.

Power Dad’s Smile

Be the power behind dad’s smile this Father’s Day with the Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity. The brush connects to the Oral-B App, which provides real-time guidance while brushing and records brushing activity that can be shared with dental professionals. With six different cleaning modes, it removes 300 percent more plaque compared to a manual brush. Upgrade your dad’s oral care routine and visit oralb.com for additional details.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

*FF

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You fathered a child, and now it’s time to step up and be a present, active participant in that child’s life. Dads play an important role in raising a child, and there are many reasons why dads should be active, including:

1. Love: The love shared between a child and a parent is special. Active dads have the opportunity to not only show their children love, but to help teach them how to build and nurture loving relationships. The loving bond a dad builds with his child can begin when a child is born. An active dad will change diapers, swaddle baby, talk to baby, make eye contact with baby and more in order to begin building a bond from day one. When it comes right down to it, love comes from the building of trust and bonds, and love is one of the strongest emotions we feel. Being both physical and emotional, it’s incredibly important to show your child love as often as possible. Hugs and kisses are great, but you can also tell them you love them and miss them and can’t wait to get back home to them when you’re away.

2. Role Model: Of course children need positive and healthy role models in their lives, and an active dad can provide a child with just that. A role model helps a child learn about goals, respect, appreciation, love and more. An active dad will teach their child about positive relationships by building an excellent relationship with the child’s mom. An active dad will always lead by example, because they know their children are watching and learning from every move they make. An active dad will strive to be the best role model he can be.

3. Experience: An active dad allows for extra or more active experiences. Dads who are active in their child’s lives encourage more activity, adventure and learning opportunities. Active dads offer their children different experiences such as learning to fish. Maybe fishing is something mom doesn’t enjoy, so without dad around a child may never experience fishing. As a dad encourages a new experience such as trying a new sport they’ll develop ongoing opportunities to be involved with things like: practice, coaching, games, travel, etc. The more experiences a child can have the more well-rounded and worldly they’ll grow up to be.

Being an active dad is easier than you might think. There are lots of ways to get involved and it’s of the utmost importance that you do! Have fun with it and do your very best.

Happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Parenting Expert and father of 7, Robert Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for every stage of fatherhood, and the Daily Daddy Blog. He is also the creator and producer of “My Life as a Dad,” the groundbreaking new web series that showcases celebrity fathers offering their personal experiences and parenting tips.

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Parenting is all about balance, and it can be quite difficult to feel as if you’re giving your children enough attention while also trying to balance work, life and good relationships. It’s all about finding the right balance and eliminating the dreaded feeling of guilt in relation to parenting. Remember: If you’re doing your very best, you’re doing it right.

Daddy guilt exists as much as mommy guilt does just in different ways.  I believe most dads think that they do not spend enough time with their kids.  However, as with most guilt it is really an internal process, and the kids themselves are likely quite content with the level of attention they are receiving.

I’ve put together my top tips for alleviating the feelings of daddy guilt and being more engaged, involved and connected – even if you don’t get as much time as you’d like with your kids.

When in Doubt, Play: After having 7 kids of my own and experiencing 50 plus years of life, I find I am a little less concerned about my guilt nowadays. If I feel even slightly remorseful, I push those feelings aside and simply sit down on the floor and start playing with my kids.  Together, we like activities such as: reading, building train track set ups, and just walking outside together to explore our surroundings. Building memories together, bonding and establishing a relationship is an important part of being a dad, and engaging in activities with your children whenever you have time will eliminate some of the daddy guilt you might be feeling from working too much or traveling.

Give Your Undivided Attention: For a working dad or mom, the key to avoiding guilt and building relationships is undivided attention.  When you have the time to be with your kids, do so, without the smart phone nearby and without any other distractions. Even fifteen minutes of undivided attention a day is better than an hour of being in the same room while distracted by a television, a computer or a phone.  Quality time is well spent sitting quietly, asking questions, and listening to your children. Your kids will show you what they need from you; they’ll lead you to their understanding of quality time, and you need to be ready to jump on that bandwagon.  Engage your children, make eye contact, and listen to what they’re saying. That is ten times stronger and more effective than force feeding activities or trying to simply entertain them.

Make the Phone Call: When your kids are grown and out of the house it’s important to connect with them, and that generally means logging onto Facebook, setting up a Skype call, sending them an email or making that phone call. Your goal is simple: check in, ensure they know you are thinking of them and give them your love. If you have little ones at home and your work demands you travel and are away from you family for long periods of time you’ll need to do the same types of things to stay involved and engaged. In our house we love Skype and FaceTime; it allows us to see each other face-to-face, check in, smile, and even play with toys or read a story together. Engaging in this type of activity – even when you’re far apart – will alleviate the feelings of guilt that might come with being away from your family for work.

Be Consistent: Be the man your family relies on and follow through – every time. If you work long days and are only home at night in time for baths and story time then be present, every single night, for those activities. If you work nights and only get to spend time with your children when they wake up in the morning then be present and make that time count. If weekends are the only time you get to connect with your children then be consistent during those times and be involved and engaged. Your kids will look forward to the time they get to spend with you, and when you consistently engage them you’ll be making memories and building relationships that will last a lifetime.

So my advice is really this: if Dad is feeling guilty, he should just jump in and spend time with his kids, whenever and however possible – it will benefit everyone involved. 

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

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One of the first things expectant parents think about is how to prepare for their new baby.  In some cases this means getting a nursery together and in other cases it means organizing an area of their house or bedroom.  Regardless, there are a few essentials that every new baby needs:

• A Place to Sleep.  My wife and I prefer the co-sleeper for the first 2-3 months. This is a small crib-type bed that can be placed close to our bed in our bedroom (usually on the wife’s side so that it’s easier for breast feeding).  There are other benefits, as well, such as breathing and heart rate appear to coordinate better for the baby when sleeping in the same room as the parents.  It’s also easier for mom and dad to hear the baby and make sure all is OK.

• Diaper Changing Stations. I am a true believer in “Diaper Changing Stations.”  We live in a three story house, and I insist on a changing table on every floor.  It is important to always have the table in a ready position.  This means, having an inventory control system in place for; baby wipes, diapers, diaper cream, nasal aspirator, baby Q-Tips, burp cloths, fresh changing covers for the changing pad, onesies, and sleepers.  This is really important during the first 3 months as you are  often up in the middle of the night, lacking in sleep, and tempers can get short  when the baby is on the changing table. Ideally, you want everything in place and ready to go.

• Blankets & Burp Cloths. Always maintain a good supply of swaddling blankets and burp cloths.  Most new babies love the security of being swaddled to sleep and since they sleep a good portion of each day it’s great to keep plenty on hand.  Burp cloths are also a must have.  They protect your cloths when burping baby but are also essential for cleaning up spilled milk or spit-up.

• Diaper Disposal. I love the Dekor Diaper Pail. I have tried most every diaper pail on the market since I do have 7 kids, and the Dekor is the easiest to load, empty, and dispose of dirty diapers.  The smell is also kept to a bare minimum (you’ll find this important!).

• The Milk Inventory. Find a good place for formula storage and formula making if mommy is breast feeding and supplementing with bottles or if baby is solely bottle fed. Once again, have a good handle on inventory as bottles need to be cleaned, assembled, and be ready for either thawing frozen breast milk or setting up formula for the next feeding.

Although it is nice to have a beautiful nursery, with beautiful colors, book shelves, and fun pictures on the wall, it is really just for the parents. The baby does not even discover that world of their nursery until they are over 6 months, so you do not have to rush to set it up.  For us, even though we live in a large house, our babies usually spend the first year in our room. It is easier for hearing them, getting up in the night, and I believe it helps to improve the silent bonding that exists between children and their parents.

Good luck with your new baby!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Getting Your House Ready for Baby – A Daddy’s View appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

In just the last 24 months the term Dadchelor Party has been heard across the USA, radio, TV, and magazine articles.  A lot of new families-to-be, as well as, experienced mom’s and dad’s that already have one or more children want to know; “Is it a good thing?”, “Should we have one?”, “Is it good for my marriage?”, “Is it like a bachelor party?”, “Why are dad’s doing this?”

I have thoroughly researched the topic and in order to experience what the Dadchelor Party is truly all about, I hosted one for a friend, had one for myself and proudly hosted several Dadchelor Parties for celebrity dads, as well.  I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are fun, great for male bonding, but more than anything help push the new daddy another step forward to be ready to engage himself as either a first time dad, or an experienced dad adding a new member to his already expanding family.  I firmly believe that any event, or process that enables dad to be ready to take one more step into the family arena for birth and beyond is good for any family.

I can tell you first hand that new dads-to-be want to be involved in the process, but they are nervous, and sometimes afraid to ask questions.  Simple things like changing a diaper, or swaddling, to the more difficult task of helping to calm the new baby, or dealing with a little post-partum depression with mommy needs to be understood by dad.  After the first baby, it does seem to get easier but, as well, with each addition to the family, the dynamic changes.  I have heard mom’s and dad’s say, one baby seems like a “piece of cake” compared to having two, or even having twins.  But to the family with their first new born baby, it is a life changing and sometimes overwhelming event that truly requires a team effort.

Thus the birth of what is now known as the “Dadchelor Party.”  This is not about going to Vegas, doing shots of tequila and making improper decisions, it is about bonding with your guy friends one last time before “daddy-lock-down”, as well as, getting some good and fun “dad-advice” and information from other dad friends at the party.

First let’s look at the daddy-lock-down.  A first time dad quite often does not realize that the last month of pregnancy until the third month of life, the family unit will go into shut down mode.  First, during the last month of pregnancy, it becomes a waiting period, the Braxton Hicks (pseudo contractions) start up, the baby will normally double in size, mom has trouble walking, sitting, sleeping, and every burp causes concern about the baby.  As well, babies can come anytime once that last month starts up, so everyone has to be constantly ready to go.  The first three months of life will take some getting used to for everyone.  The first month will pass in a blur, and it will get easier after that.  For the new dad, this means a complete change in life style, going to the gym on Saturday morning, or hanging out at a Laker game during a week night needs to be put aside at least for the next four months, so the Dadchelor Party is the night to say thanks to the guys, and remind them that you will not see them for the next 120 days.  However, if dad really has some great friends, then they will set up a meal schedule and each of them take a turn at bringing over some food during the “lock down”, at least then they can say hi, offer to run an errand, or just say “hang in there”.

The other important part of the Dadchelor Party is the advice from current dads. Sometimes the most simple of questions go unanswered and become a worry.  Have you ever sat in a classroom, and wanted to ask a question, and then did not raise your hand because you thought the question was just not appropriate?  Then within a minute someone else asks the exact same question, and the teacher says “excellent question”!  Well that is where the dad-advice comes into play.  Listen up to the experienced dad’s at the party and discover that you are not alone, there are a lot of commonalities in dad’s role of raising children, going through labor and delivery, and learning how to integrate a new child into your family.  This is the time to not only hear first hand, but now to feel like you have someone you can reach out to during “daddy-lock-down”, if you need some further help or advice.

For my Dadchelor Party, we got together with about 14 dads and played Texas Hold Em’, drank some beer and wine, and I got a few “gag” gifts, as well as, some useful items.  Since I was a dad to be with number 7, I was celebrating with my guy friends and reminding them I would not see them for the next 4 months. For the Dadchelor Party I threw for a friend, we went skeet shooting, held a contest, ate BBQ, and had a few beers.  Everyone stood up, and rather than giving a toast, they gave a piece of advice, sometimes in a funny or teasing way.

There is nothing more important than getting the new or experienced dad to be engaged in the process of giving birth and having a new baby added to the family unit.  I believe that as a dad you can begin to bond with the baby in that last month before birth, and then just keep stepping up and doing whatever you can to help with the new born after birth.  Having a family is like a lot of life lessons.  “The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it”

Good luck and Happy Parenting!

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post The Dadchelor Party appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Navigating through Daddyhood can be tricky, and even downright confusing at times. I’ve come up with the 4 C’s of Daddyhood. These 4 C’s remind me of what’s most important, they show me how to handle various daddy situations and help keep me calmly on the (sometimes bumpy) road that is daddyhood.

1. Consistency: First things first – being a dad is all about consistency. Success in daddyhood requires consistency in all aspects of parenthood: consistently making it home in time for family dinner; developing a routine your children will consistently look forward to every day; consistently finding quality time to spend with your kids; consistently setting a good example for your children to follow.  You kids will look to you, their dad, for advice, for help, for ideas, for really just about everything, and you need to be ready to be a dad who is consistent.

2. Communication: One of the single most important things you can do to navigate smoothly through daddyhood is to communicate effectively – not only with your wife but with your children, too. If something is unclear, ask questions; if you’re expected to be somewhere you find out all the details; and most importantly you let your family know just how much they mean to you each and every day. Sit down with your children and talk to them about anything and everything. You’ll be surprised by the things they tell you and your father-child bond will grow because of this special time spent working on keeping open lines of communication.

3. Control: Yes, you’re the man of the house, but that doesn’t mean you control how that house is run day-to-day. In fact, if there’s one thing I’ve learned through daddyhood it’s that you’ll have to give up a great deal of control. Things are not always going to work out how you wanted them to and you’ll have to learn to be flexible and roll with the punches. Your wife will likely have control over the weekly calendar and schedule, and you should thank her daily for keeping your family’s lives moving smoothly from day-to-day. You, as the daddy, however, can find control in organization and routine; figure out what works for you and stick to it!

4. Creativity: Possibly my favorite of the 4 C’s is creativity. As we struggle through day-to-day life it can be easy to forget to have fun and find enjoyment in the seeming mundane everyday moments. As a dad I work hard to turn simple tasks into enjoyable moments making my wife and children smile and laugh as often as possible. Be creative every single day and strive to make every moment enjoyable as time is fleeting and your children will be grown up before you know it.

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post The 4 C’s of Daddyhood appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Father’s Day, or Daddy’s Day as I like to call it, isn’t all about presents. It’s about celebrating dad and letting him know you appreciate all of his hard work and dedication. This year, make Dad feel extra special – without wrapping up a present! Some of my very favorite Daddy’s Day memories don’t include traditional presents at all, but simple memories sharing love and gratitude with my family. Here are my top 5 suggestions that’ll help ensure Dad gets an extra special Daddy-friendly celebration this year:

1. BBQ Time: It’s a known fact that dads love to barbeque – a whole lot of them do, anyways! If the dad in your life loves to grill then I suggest planning an extra special Daddy’s Day barbecue complete with dad’s favorite foods, favorite beer and favorite people. You can leave the grilling to Dad, but make sure you take care of everything else! Family barbecues are great for bonding, laughter and lots of fun. Don’t have a yard or a barbecue? Don’t fret, check out local parks and find a great spot that will work for you. And make sure you pick up something for dessert to end the night “sweetly”!

2. Garage Makeover: Know a dad who loves his garage or “man cave”? This Daddy’s Day give his special hideout a makeover! It’s up to you whether you want to ask for Dad’s help or turn it into a surprise!! Make sure you frame a family photo and place it in just the right spot to show Dad you’re always by his side and you understand he might need a place to escape to from time to time! Kids can help their dads organize tools, get rid of old toys and help clean up a garage or “man cave” space that dad will love.

3. Daddy’s Day Out: If the dad in your life is always talking about a new restaurant he has been dying to try now’s your chance to take him out! Daddy’s Day Out should be entirely planned by you and your children ahead of time. Figure out what it is that Dad has wanted to do and just do it! Daddy’s Day Out will make Dad feel both loved and appreciated, while allowing him to enjoy some family time participating in an activity or visiting an establishment he’s been talking about for months.

4. Surprise! A good surprise goes a long way. If you have older children or family members you haven’t seen in a great deal of time, Daddy’s Day is the perfect day to get everyone together to surprise Dad! You can all meet at a specific destination or have someone get Dad out of the house for a few hours and throw the surprise party there. The efforts taken to gather loved ones will surely touch Dad’s heart and make memories he’ll reflect on often.

5. Adventure: Some dads love adventure! And Daddy’s Day is just the day to show the dad in your life just how adventurous you and your children are. Has Dad been talking about renting a boat and exploring a nearby lake or cove? Has he been hinting about his desires to take a camping trip? Whatever it may be, show Dad you appreciate his adventurous side and take a special family outing altogether! Make sure to think out of the box, be creative and don’t forget to plan the details. 

No matter how you choose to show the dad in your life just how much he means to you, make sure he knows just that by the end of the day. Make time to express your favorite moment, tell him the top 10 reasons you’re happy he’s you’re dad or allow time for each family member to “toast” to Dad. So have fun and shower Dad in love and appreciation – he’ll be sure to remember the special day for the rest of his life.

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, daddies can often be left out. This year, make him feel extra special by taking a few tips from a daddy to seven, Daddy Nickell. I’ve put together some ideas that won’t break the bank, and are sure to melt daddy’s heart, too.

There are lots of things kids can get their dads for Valentine’s Day without digging into the piggy bank. Here are several of my favorite options:

1. Personalize It: Dads love to receive something personal and close to their hearts. This year, give dad an extra special memory in the form of a framed photograph.  The picture will no-doubt be treasured for years to come while it adorns a dresser or a desk where Dad looks at it often.

2. Made with Love: The way to a dad’s heart is usually through his stomach, so make Dad a delicious treat! You could make cookies, brownies, ice cream sundaes, etc. – the best part is you’ll get to share the treat all together!

3. Get Creative: Make something creative for Dad. Little ones can make a hand-made Valentine’s Day card or art project, and older kids can give dad a hand-made coupon booklet complete with activities like: go out for ice cream, head to the batting cages, let’s go mini-golfing, etc. Be creative – Dad is sure to love it!

And if you’re a wife trying to come up with a Valentine’s Day gift for your loving husband and father of your children, look no further! I’ve got some great ideas for you:

1.  Red and Silky: Guys like sexy stuff too! Why not gift your hubby a set of fun sexy boxers this Valentine’s Day? Of course they don’t have to be red and silky – just have fun with it; I promise he’ll like it.

2. Thrifty Mom: Go all out by creating a coupon for an all-inclusive date night with your husband. When it’s cashed in, you and your husband will hire a babysitter, get dressed up and head out for a fancy night on the town.

3. Surprise: Most husbands love special surprises. Go ahead and have a lovable Valentine’s Day dinner with your family at home. And while your husband puts the kids to bed whip out a special desert, queue a romantic comedy and light some candles. It’ll make for an extra special end to an extra special day.

Remember when it comes down to it Valentine’s Day isn’t about the gifts – it’s about spreading the love and letting everyone know just how much they mean to you. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 6, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.

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