Father’s Day Gifts for Grandpa

As Father’s Day draws near, make sure you plan something special for the man who made your dad possible – your grandfather. Choosing the right Father’s Day gift for your grandpa can be a challenge, because at this stage of life he probably has plenty of material things and knows his own preferences pretty well. So rather than knock yourself out seeking the perfect gadget or shirt, consider giving him an experience he’ll enjoy.

Father’s day food fun

What’s your grandfather’s favorite dish? You could make it for him, take him to a restaurant where it’s the house specialty, or have it delivered. Ideally, you can gather friends and family to share a special meal with him, but one-on-one time can be good, too.  And if your grandpa prefers to do the cooking or grilling himself, offer to help with the shopping, prep, or clean up — the most important thing is to spend time together.

A long-lasting gesture if you live too far away to visit is to set up a subscription for his favorite type of food, so he can enjoy Father’s Day deliveries all year long. There are food-of-the-month clubs and gift box subscriptions for just about everything, from bacon and beer to paleo fitness snacks. Make sure you give him a call each month to catch up and get his review of each delivery.

Road trips to remember

If Granddad likes to travel, especially if there’s a place the two of you haven’t visited in a while or have always meant to go, serving as road trip chauffeur can be a great way to spend time together and get a change of scene. Not sure where to go?

• Consider visiting family, especially his siblings and other children or grandchildren who your grandfather would like to see. For far-flung relatives, this can be a great gift.

• Take a literal trip down memory lane. A drive around your grandfather’s hometown, college town, or other stomping grounds can spark stories you’ve never heard before and let you see the places where your grandfather lived, went to school, met your grandmother, and more.

• Go wild. If Gramps is the type who’s happiest out in the woods, on the trail, or by the lake, make it happen. Rent, borrow, or buy the gear you’ll need for a camp out, hike, or fishing trip and hit the road.

Wherever you go, make sure your grandfather is comfortable along the way. A lumbar cushion for the car can prevent backaches, and frequent stops can forestall stiff muscles. And make sure he brings any medication and contact numbers he might need.

Collect and share memories

If your grandfather’s family is spread out, put the internet to work for you. Online services such as Shutterfly and Snapfish can make bound albums with your digital photos and text. Ask your relatives for fresh photos of themselves, their homes, and their kids along with mini-updates on what everyone’s doing. You can also encourage everyone to share a special “granddad memory” or Father’s Day message, and then put it all together as a printed album or digital slideshow.

However you honor your grandfather this year, remember that the most valuable gift is your time and attention. Whether that takes the form of a visit, a phone call, or an outing together, it’s the present that means the most.

Casey Kelly-Barton

Casey Kelly-Barton is an Austin-based freelance writer whose childhood was made awesome by her grandmothers, great-grandmother, great-aunts and -uncles, and their friends.