If Father’s Day is an upsetting day on your calendar, I feel you. There were several decades that I never celebrated Father’s Day and it was a downer of a day. Hugs to you. 

Cliched list of Father’s Day gifts:

• bill fold
• flask
• cuff links
• Whiskey *my husband really enjoys whiskey so I agree, it’s cliched, but a great clutter-ish free gift for someone that truly enjoys it
• a tie
• button down shirt
• belt

It’s like we’re all stuck in the Mad Men idea of what father’s want. But, you know, dad’s are all different. They like different things and for most dad’s these days a pair of cuff links would get very limited use. So I wanted to put together a list of clutter free ideas for modern dad’s. Things that kids (cough – usually the other parent – cough) can put their own spin on, many of which don’t cost much and are clutter-free.

Clutter Free Gift Idea’s For Dad on father’s Day

• A card made by and signed by his kids. Those over-glued cards with random cereal stuck on them, the ones with a scratchy attempt at a signature, often make me well up. I know it’s simple but a handmade card, signed by the kids (even if they can’t really write yet) is often a tear jerker for dad’s.
• A family bike ride to the library. The dad in my house thinks this is one of the best things about being a dad: riding bikes together and going to the library together. Top if off with lunch and we are hitting peak nirvana.
• A break from a regular chore. Have everyone pitch in to take one thing off his plate be it Friday night dinner or his laundry.
• Breakfast in bed. It doesn’t matter if it’s inedible, made by kids breakfast served in bed is a total winner for every dad.
• Something to eat or drink. Bake his favourite cookies or make enchiladas for dinner. Buy him a bottle of his favourite wine or whiskey. Consumables are a fun, easy and clutter-free gift!
• Do something new with him. If you’ve never played mini-golf as a family today is the day. Head to the lake or beach for stand up paddle board.
• Newspaper or magazine subscription. If he feels a bit guilty about his splurge on The Atlantic, Sports Illustrated or People magazine, gift him a subscription. He’ll remember your gift every month.
• For the low on time dad: a day for himself. Maybe he wants to hang out with friends and – cliche time – golf. Or just wants a day to get a long run in and binge read a book. It’s hard for parents of young kids to take big blocks of time for themselves. If the dad in your life is desperate for time give him the gift of a day to himself.
• Tell him how important you are too him. A nice note for the dad in your life, written by the kids or dictated to the other parent – is a sweet and cherished gift.
• Give him the time that’s hard to give. Older kids, this one is for you. If life is busy try and carve out real time to spend with your dad. Think a relaxed day hanging out and puttering around instead of a rushed brunch at a restaurant.

Do you celebrate Father’s Day? How do you celebrate? The dad in my house has his birthday right next to (sometimes on) Father’s Day so I always try to make good plans for us to do fun things as a family and for him to get a sleep in (one of his favourite things that he doesn’t get to do enough).