Much like mothers, fathers often benefit from having a little 'me time.' They've spent so many years raising you and that has involved a lot of hard graft, so finding time to say thank you to your daddy and showing him you care is important. Obviously, Father's Day is the perfect time of the year to express your love for the man who raised you, but it's also a good time to remind him to take care of himself and do the things he loves to unwind and relax. The feel good factor on Father's Day stems from two main things, being appreciated (finally!) and getting the chance to enjoy a day of fun and/or relaxation. Get these things right and your father will be looking forward to Father's Day every year!



Interesting Interests

Whilst it's easy to say that almost all mums love pretty things for the mantel piece and the prospect of a pamper day, dads are a little bit more difficult to type cast. This can make getting Father's Day gifts a bit tougher. Fathers tend to have very specific obsessions; they love history or football, or know everything there is to know about gardening. There's always something they love. Many dads still want to be rock stars and play the guitar or love listening to music, whilst other fathers are devoted to having a tinker in the shed or doing DIY. When you're choosing Father's Day gifts you should focus on his hobbies and obsessions because that will mean you get him something he'll like but also something he'll use. Remember that Father's Day gifts should be useful because practical presents usually have more worth to men than arty or decorative objects.

Some people don't see much point in Father's Day and some fathers even express disinterest but often it's easier to have that attitude in order to not be disappointed if nothing happens or you don't receive any gifts! You can get dads who have lost interest in Father's Day excited about it if you make some effort and you can show them how much you really care. Don't think that he won't appreciate anything you get him, because he will. Sometimes dads just act as if they're not bothered to cushion the blow if no-one else cares. Father's Day gifts are not the only way to tell your dad you love him either, you can take him out for a drink or meal, make him something special or even go on a mini break with him somewhere he'll love. Football dads would appreciate being taken to a footie match, for example!

Why Dads Rock?

Did you know that dads have an increasing role when it comes to the basic care of children in the UK? So chances are that your dad spent more time taking care of you than his dad did taking care of him! Some good Father's Day gifts are a fair reward for all his hard work! A few studies several years ago revealed some interesting statistics and facts about dads; according to one millennium cohort study: "66 of Fathers in Scotland [and 57 of UK dads] change a nappy at least once a day." That's a huge improvement on figures from the 1980s. Furthermore this is a rising trend, so more dads feed children, change their nappies and give them practical love and care than ever before.

That's not all your dad probably did for you either! According to studies in 2002 and 2003 by several academics "A strong father figure is associated with academic success," so your dad could be more responsible for your good grades in school than you'd think. He may have helped you with your homework, taught you interesting trivia which helped you get good marks or even just been a supportive and calming influence.

There are even more studies which show how brilliant dads are though and girls in particular benefit from having a hands-on-dad. One study states that: "Girls whose fathers are involved in their upbringing are less likely to have mental health problems in later life." So while as a teenager, you thought your dad was driving you around the bend, he could actually have been keeping you sane. Ironic, really?

If these aren't all good reasons for getting your dad some fab Father's Day gifts we don't know what are. You can probably think of lots of ways in which your dad has helped you to learn, prosper and mature though. Why not come up with a list of things you're grateful for and add it to your Father's Day card as a side-note? Your daddy will only know how much you appreciate and love him if you tell him after all!