Celebrating Dad :: Gifts for Father’s Day (Yes, There’s Still Time!)

0

The paternal wisdom and hard work of the men who showed up for us deserve the greatest recognition. 

Father’s Day is this coming Sunday, June 18. There’s still time to put together a wonderful (and local!) gift to demonstrate just how much you love and admire the person we call “Dad.” While I use “Dad” and “Father” throughout the article, this article is designed to help you find a gift for whomever you want to honor on the holiday. 

» » » » » »  RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Celebrate Father’s Day in Albuquerque  « « « « « « «

Since every single father is different, I’ve put together a variety of gift opportunities. Reminder: The best gifts don’t have the biggest bow or cost the most. Select the best thing for your person as you know them best!

Father's Day Gift Ideas for Albuquerque MomsLet’s Golf!

Does Dad love golfing? Then get him some new golf balls AND time with you. Even if you don’t play, drive the cart and head to the range or a mini-golf course so you both can have some golf-themed fun without the athletic pressure. For mini-golf, head to Hinkle Family Fun Center off Tramway or Lunar Golf located inside Cottonwood Mall. Don’t forget Dad’s favorite course for a range or head to Top Golf!

DIY Gift Basket or Gift

Putting together a gift basket or making a gift doesn’t need to be backbreaking work. For the man who loves salsa, beef jerky, or coffee, head to a local market and put together new brands or flavors never tasted before. This is a great way for Dad to try some new products, especially local ones, in a no-pressure way. Dad can re-buy (or ask for a refill) on the new favorite(s)!

This is a great project for even small children because the goal is to pick out new flavors for the basket. Let them point out the products with the coolest labels for purchase, help them arrange the basket, and then make a card and you’re all done! 

Head to a hobby store and pick up a soap-making kit and some musky scents Dad would love. Pour some skin moisturizing love in some soap molds and you’re in business. 

Sometimes it’s as simple as finding your favorite photos of your Pops in your albums and getting them physically printed at Walgreens. You can make collages or just find several pictures worth printing. Place some curated memories into a scrapbook, frame, or photo book for him to admire all year long. Just make sure the photos are particularly flattering! 

Take Dad Out to the Movies

You’re “gonna need a bigger boat” for this gift! On Father’s Day, provide the tickets to the 7:00 pm showing of Jaws at the Lobo Theater on Tuesday, June 20. Then be sure to arrive starting at 5:00 pm to order off their menu. You’re able to enjoy your meal before or during the film! There’s also a 10:00 pm show for the night owls out there.

The New Mexico Shakespeare Festival is back in Veterans Memorial Park FOR FREE every Thursday through Saturday from June 9 until July 8. This year’s shows allow you to choose between (or see both!) The Comedy of Errors or A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Take On the Chores

Rake the yard, wash the car, mow the lawn, or weed the garden to save Dad some time and energy. Put a cool beverage in your father’s hands and knock out some of Dad’s labor.

Something Dad Would Never Buy . . .

There’s SOMETHING Dad has insinuated that he would love for himself, but never gets around to buying. Now’s the time! Or if Dad likes a certain brand of shirt, jewelry, or accessory, consider upgrading him to a nicer (or just newer!) version.

Pamper Him

My own Dad was skeptical when I gave him a gift card for a massage a few Christmases ago. He’s now an AVID regular to his favorite local masseuse to make sure the tension in his shoulders gets released. Dad can schedule the appointment for whatever time works best, and you have something to hand or email to Dad on Father’s Day. 

Also, consider the local hot springs. Albuquerque has hot springs as close as Santa Fe and Jemez and as far away as Las Vegas, NM and Truth or Consequences. If your dad already enjoys time in any of these locations, give him a chance to relax away from the family at the hot springs. 

Dad may not say it, but who doesn’t love a good foot massage or moisturization? Consider your favorite local spa. Whether it’s his first time enjoying a pedicure or he’s a self-care regular, he’ll enjoy having someone doting on him.   

A Gift of Flight

If your dad would love climbing aboard a hot air balloon flight, start calling local balloonists! If Dad is a tad scared of heights, consider a local distillery, brewery, or vineyard (Dad’s preference!) to arrange a flight of drinks for him to sip on at ground level.

A Backyard BBQ Without Firing Up the Grill

Head over to The Salt Yard (Eastside or Westside locations) where you can enjoy burgers, hotdogs, wings, tacos, and games. No cleanup is needed!

For the Chill Dad

If you want to support your dad’s enjoyment of local and legal greenery, “The Cannabis Cup New Mexico” is underway and Dad can be a judge! Starting on June 17, judge kits will be available with different locally-sourced cannabis products in eleven categories. Dad can vote at his leisure for his favorite ones.

Take Dad Out to the Ball Game 

Both the Isotopes and New Mexico United ARE NOW PLAYING!

A Favorite Meal 

Brunch and dinner with the family is always a treat. Consider making (or taking Dad to) his favorite meal. 

Play Tourist

Many of us have been in New Mexico for years, and we never seem to check out the local offerings that many tourists enjoy. Check out one of the surrounding state or national parks near Albuquerque or take Dad to a museum he’s never enjoyed before. Climb aboard the tram, enjoy the view from the top of the Sandias, ride the ABQ Trolley through downtown and Nob Hill. You could even take Dad on the Breaking Bad Tour.



The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.