Editor’s Note: This article appeared in ThisFamilyBlog.com and is used with the author’s permission.

by Jen Tousey

Fathers and Grandfathers have always held a special role in families. Traditionally, fathers set the rules and enforce them. This can make for a tumultuous relationship with a child. But fathers also provide security. Kids want to make their fathers proud, and a father wants nothing more than to be proud. In this family, our fathers are the rocks! They are the captains of the family and steer our adventures! This Father’s Day is a great day to find a unique gift that honors his place in the family and a nice way to say thank you for putting up with us 🙂

Maps

Guys like maps! At least they do in my family … Vintage maps or even antique maps are a great way to chart out the pathways of forefathers over time. It’s a simple piece to hang on a wall but can become interactive with push pins and string. It’s a creatively visual way to honor the journeys of your ancestors.

DNA Test

What do you get the guy who knows everything? (Because Dad’s would like you to believe they do know everything.) A window to his past. DNA testing can reveal some fascinating information and will for sure spark some really fun conversation. In our family we’ve learned about blood lines we didn’t know we had. It’s also really fun to compare results with various family members. Be prepared … you might find more then you bargain for! I mean, we found a whole new aunt and cousin!

Heritage T Shirts

Dads always need a T shirt. It’s a staple of the Dad wardrobe. So give him one that is fun AND meaningful. The guys over at Celebrate DNA have some great ideas. My personal fave is the tote that claims “Everyday is Day of the Dead for a Genealogist” It comes in T shirt form too. Check them out … they take ‘Personalize’ to a whole new level!

Storyworth

This is one of the coolest things ever! We did it with my grandmother before she passed away and we are doing this with my father now. Here’s the rub. When people are older, they don’t want more ‘stuff’. They are trying to downsize. With Storyworth, Dad (or Grandpa) gets emailed a question a week. He answers it and sends it back. This continues each week for a year. The good folks at Storyworth compile all the answers and then at the end of the year, they notify you it’s complete. You choose the cover and they bind it up all nicely. VOILA! You have a personalized history and riveting book written by the man of the hour!

I tell you, I’ve learned a lot of things about my father, his growing up, and how he views the world that I never knew. It’s a great way to get to know someone. My grandmother wasn’t able to finish all 52 questions before she passed away but she did do a fair bit. It is a treasure. I read it when I want to feel closer to her. Her stories give a glimpse into a simpler life in a bygone time.

Framed History

Was your dad in the military? Is there a favorite multi-generational photo? Print it and frame it. It may seem trite at first but I think men like to know they are appreciated in different ways than women do. They don’t generally want flowers and sweaters. They want to know their lives meant something, that they taught a lesson, that their influence was appreciated. This Father’s Day take a photo that tells a story and frame it beautifully. Write why you chose this memory and include it in a card or on an index card on the back.

Book It

He used to read to you. This Father’s Day create a book together, the most unique book that only you can tell. The story of your family! This will provide hours of conversation and time together as you preserve family records and events.

This Father’s Day make History! Already have Father’s Day covered? Pin this for later … because Christmas is just six months away!