Some wonderful things exist for free around the country. Why not take advantage of museums, parks and events that are completely free? Every community has something you can do for free on Father’s Day. The Internet is a great resource when you’re trying to find free or low cost things to do around your home town.

Start by searching at the local chamber of commerce. Most major cities will have a site that points to all the arts events in the area. You can look up museums, parks, zoos, and events that are family friendly. Just be prepared that on Father’s Day things won’t usually be free. So you can plan to go with dad on the day before, the Saturday, or on another day around Father’s Day. If you can go during the week, that’s even better as usually there is a free or low cost day during the week at most places. See if you can arrange for dad to get the day off and make a day of it.

Other things you can do for free are to take dad to the park and have a picnic or play some Frisbee. An outing can be a lot of fun especially if you don’t usually get to spend uninterrupted time as a family. If there’s a park that has a natural waterfall, bridge, or other interesting landmark or eye catching point of interest, plan on having your picnic there. Bring a blanket and a cooler full of all dad’s favorite foods and even some yummy Father's day cookies, decorated by the children who love him. You can really get creative and make everything from scratch. Or you can buy everything and save time and effort. Just be sure to pack the cooler with lots of ice and also bring some hand sanitizer as often water and bathrooms, if they exist at all at parks, can be far from your picnic site.

Making gifts is always a fun way to get the kids involved. This year, make use of free software programs online like Picasa, which is powered by Google. You can create entire collages, scrapbooks and photo gifts easily. Upload to sites like Zazzle.com and you can make t-shirts, mugs and more all with the kids’ or dad’s image on them. They cost little and if you order one for everyone in the family, you may qualify for a discount.

Use your imagination and you’ll be able to skip the high-end stores with the high end price tags.  Make something or create a lasting memory by taking dad out into nature or to a free arts event this year for Father’s Day. It’s the memories that count. You won’t remember if you got dad a tie last year, but you’ll sure remember the fun you all had splashing in the pool or kicking around a soccer ball at the park. Create new memories this year on Father’s Day and you’ll have them forever.

Related Articles:

• Ideas For Father's Day Activities
• Famous Dad Trivia & Facts
• Father's Day Gadget Gifts
• Celebrate Father's Day - Gifts and Activities
• Father's Day Craft Ideas For Kids

The Photo Card

Cards that have photos of dad and the kids are the best kind. You can make them with many different supplies. All you really need is a good quality photo. You can take a few pictures several days before with dad and the kids. Don’t tell dad what you’re doing but be sure to get some good shots. Upload them to your computer and print them on photo paper. Now you’re ready to go.

Supplies for cards can range from recycled card stock or even cardboard boxes that you cut up. Think of all the mediums you can choose from. You can use paint, paper, fabric, foam sheets, ink and rubber stamps, 3D objects like pom poms and charms, glitter, glue, beads, mosaic tiles, and felt. There’s really no end to the kinds of cards you can create if you grab a good bunch of supplies.

If you’re already a crafter, you probably have shelves and bins full of supplies. But if you’re just getting started, you can make lovely cards, too. Look around the house for paper that’s pretty and useable like wrapping paper, wall paper that’s left over, contact paper, and even drawer liners. You’ll be surprised at how many things you find that you can use. No scrap of paper is too small or unusable.

Next, assemble some color. Paints, pastels, markers, crayons,  acrylics, and finger paint will all work. Be sure your materials are suitable for the age of your children and supervise as little fingers can get into trouble quickly.

Create a theme for your card. Does dad like to fish? Watch sports? Garden? Cook? Incorporate elements into the card that relate to his hobbies. For instance, kids can glue on dried pasta to make a culinary card for their amateur chef dad. Use your imagination, but also let the kids’ imaginations take hold. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what they come up with.

You are not bound by any rules when making cards. Start by cutting out a size for the card from the paper you’ve chosen. Then provide glue sticks, craft glue, Elmer’s glue, glue dots, or whatever adhesives you have. You can layer paper, add mixed media elements like found objects, trinkets, ticket stubs, etc.

Help your child to add their photo as part of the card. They can simply glue it on or you can laminate it so it won’t get soggy from glue and handling. Make the photo part of the card or have it be removable so dad can display it in his favorite spot.

Cards for Father’s Day are the ideal craft for kids of any age. Encourage them to write in it no matter their age. Dad will treasure what they wrote and even their chicken-scratch handwriting in years to come. Put the date on it so dad can remember how little they were the year he received it. It’s a fun reminder of Father’s Day and dad will save them all.

Related Articles:

• Ideas For Father's Day Activities
• Unique Father?s Day Gift Ideas
• Great Golf Gifts for Father's Day
• 5 Gadgets for Father's Day

Straight-laced dad Ozzie Nelson was unforgettable as he played himself in “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” on TV from 1952-1966. Does it get any more apple pie and down home goodness than that?

Did you watch a young Danny Thomas on “Make Room for Daddy” in the 1950s and 60s? The character was Danny Williams and he, his wife, and three children made TV history.

Perhaps the best known father of the golden age of TV was Robert Young as Jim Anderson in “Father Knows Best.” He played the ever smiling and sage head of the household in glorious black and white. The 1950s had a role model in this suit-wearing, happy-go-lucky Father of the Year.

Who could forget Walter Brennan and his larger than life Amos McCoy? “The Real McCoys” was a late 1950s and early 1960s smash hit. We still call things “the real McCoy” today because of the show.

June, Ward, and The Beaver couldn’t have pulled it off without cool and unruffled dad, Ward, in “Leave it to Beaver.” The show’s premise was light and the audience loved it. Never was a dad so even keeled and yet so respected.

For the family that had it all and a dimple cheeked dad at the helm, viewers tuned into the “Donna Reed Show.” They found Carl Betz’s portrayal of Alex Stone, the dad with the perfect coiffure a heartthrob.

As the times changed, fathers came to take on roles as single dads in mixed situations. Remember Fred MacMurray as Steve Douglas, the single dad with three boys in “My Three Sons”? This was innovative and must-see TV in the 1960s.

Another single dad was Andy Griffith. His show ran through the 1960s with a young Ron Howard, who would later become Richie Cunningham on “Happy Days.” And speaking of “Happy Days,” Tom Bosley was our favorite plump and loveable dad as Mr. Cunningham, the hardware store owner.

Dads have sure changed over the ages. Cartoon dads like Homer Simpson came to bring a whole new meaning to being a dad. And the dads we didn’t want as our own were many including Al Bundy on “Married with Children,” John Goodman’s and his stint as Roseanne’s husband on the “Roseanne” show and others.

TV went from portraying dads who never had a hair out of place to dads with no hair and a messy life. Viewers love them all and look for traces of their own fathers in the portrayals of television’s most celebrated dads. Perhaps you even see your own dad in some of the comic characters that have graced the screen as head of household.

It’s fun to grab some old episodes of TV from the early days and watch them on DVD. It’s a reminder of what used to be considered the ideal family and how fathers have matured and changed over the ages. Why not make your Father's Day gift be a family movie night this Father’s Day to celebrate your dad and have a few chuckles, too?

Related Articles:

• Famous Dad Trivia & Facts
• The Origins of a Special Day for Dad
• 5 Gadgets for Father's Day
• Unique Father's Day Gift Ideas

In the United States, Father’s Day means a day to honor dad. That’s pretty much a standard no matter where you go. American dads enjoy feasting on barbecues, Father's Day cookies or a meal out with the family. They receive cards, gifts, and treats of all kinds. Often the family will give dad the day off to do whatever he likes. Dads are honored for being the important members of the family and leaders of the household.

Other countries that celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June include Argentina, the Netherlands, France, Canada, Chile, Japan, England, and India. It’s interesting to note that in India, Father’s Day was never celebrated until around 2000! Fathers were always revered there, of course, but it has been the effect of the United States and the United Kingdom’s celebrations of the day that have had an effect on how India has changed their holiday.

Taking their cue from the Western world, India has declared the third Sunday in June to be their unique day for fathers. They look to the traditions of the west to include cards, gifts, and a day to lift up dad in praise. It’s catching on more now in the larger cities and more populated areas. The outlying areas haven’t really made it a huge tradition yet. But as more and more people find themselves swept up in the marketing of Father’s Day, dad is likely to get a bigger party every year.

Several countries, including Denmark and Norway, host their Father’s Day in November. Their celebrations of dad fall on the second Sunday. If you’re in Portugal, don’t expect to celebrate in June either. You’ll find dads being honored on St. Joseph’s Day on March 19^th.  In Spain, the same holds true.

In Germany, the date changes each year. Fathers are celebrated on Ascension Thursday which falls exactly forty days after Easter.

Visiting Taiwan in August? Prepare to celebrate Father’s Day on August 8^th if you’re there. And if you happen to be in Brazil around the same time, you’ll see Father’s Day celebrations the second Sunday in August.

If you’re in Thailand, December 5^th is the day reserved for Father’s Day. It’s in honor of a past king. Australians will party with dad on the first Sunday in September and be joined by their neighbor, New Zealand.

Interestingly, Sweden also finds the first Sunday in September to be the proper day to honor dad.

Dads are revered the world over in many different ways and on many different dates. It doesn’t matter when or where you celebrate the important men in your life who have taught and guided you.

Just be sure to make the day special. A handwritten note or card is often the best Father's Day gift you can give a man to show him that he has meant so much to you over the years.

Get the kids involved to make their own brand of lovely gifts and cards for a truly memorable day for all.

More Father's Day Articles:

• Father's Day Gadget Gift Ideas
• Celebrate Father's Day - Gifts and Activities
• Father's Day Fun Facts

One of my favorites is a homemade card made to look like a shirt and tie.

Materials Needed:

• Decorative Scrapbook Paper
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions:

1. First cut a 4 x 12 inch rectangle from a piece of decorative scrapbook paper and fold it in half to create a double-layer 4 x 6 inch rectangle.
2. Form the collar by cutting 2 matching 1 inch long horizontal slits about 1 inch below the fold.
3. Fold over the 2 flaps as shown, then glue them down with a 5-inch-long tie shape cut from another piece of decorative paper glued between them. Glue a pair of small buttons to the collar.
4. Once the glue has dried, lift the bottom front of the card and write a Father's Day greeting inside.

A fun idea for the younger group is to make a card on computer, then inside print questions about dad and ask your little one to answer the questions, then fill in their answers.  Questions could be: "How old is Daddy?", "What does Daddy like to do on the weekends?", "How tall is Daddy?", "I know Daddy loves me because . . .".  The answers are sure to bring a smile and can be tucked away to look back on years from now.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!  Be sure to check out the Celebrate Father's Day - Activities and Ideas lens at Squidoo for even more great ideas.

Shirt and Tie Card Credit: Family Fun

At Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets we have a great assortment of Father's Day Gifts.

We have delicious snack baskets that include items like cheese, salami, crackers, cookies, and candy along with golf related items like Golf Balls, Golf Book of Wisdom, Greens Keeper Turf Kit and more!

If your dad is known for his sweet tooth, then one of our Cookie Bouquets is right up his alley!  We take deliciously iced cookies in the shape of golf balls, golf bags, flags and greens then arrange them so they almost look too goo to eat - but we're sure that won't stop him!

Whether your dad lives near or far, these gifts will surely be up to par this Father's Day!

For even more great ideas for Father's Day, check out this cool lens at Squidoo where you can get all kinds of Golf Gift Ideas.

Kindle Wireless Reading Device:  If your dad loves to bury his nose in a good book, then the Kindle is for him!  Weighing just over 10 ounces, the Kindle can download and store over 1,500 books.  It reads like real paper - there is no glare!  Not only can he read books, but he can also download Newspapers instantly via a 3G wireless connection.  The Kindle is available from Amazon for around $259.00

Portable GPS System: You know Dad doesn't like to stop and ask for directions, but now he doesn't have to!  Perfect for navigation on the go, he can take this handy device with him in the car, on the bike or on foot!  Many new systems include trail maps for when dad seeks a little adventure.

All-in-One Remote: Does trying to do something simple like watch a movie involve a ton of remotes, and one always seems to be missing? If you'd like to simplify dad's life, get one of the new programmable remotes. These aren't just a single remote that can control all the electronics in your family room; they can execute multiple steps with the single push of a button. Most are actually programmed by connecting them to your computer, where you follow a set-up wizard one time. What makes them so great is the buttons are set-up around the actual task you want to perform. For example, let's say you wanted to watch that movie you just put in the DVD player. You simply click "Watch DVD" on the remote, and it will turn on the TV, change it to the right input, turn on the stereo and set that to the DVD setting, turn on your DVD player, and turn off anything that was on previously. It does all of that with a single press of a button! Dad will surely feel powerful!

Wireless Grill Meat Thermometer: Is your dad King of the Grill? Help simplify the task with a meat thermometer that takes the guess work out of grilling! Dad can insert the thermometer into whatever he is cooking, then go back to watching the big game on the TV inside, and still keep an eye on his grilling duties by watching the temperature! Some models even have an alarm to let him know it's time to take the meat off the grill.

Swiss Army Golf Tool: Here's a sports twist to the all-time best selling Swiss Army Knife. If your dad can be found going 18 rounds during the summer, then this is the perfect gift for him. The beauty of this little golf gift is it has all the things a golfer should have handy, and they come in one tool. There's a divot repair tool for the times he's lucky enough to land on the green, and a ball marker in case his putt is out of tap-in range, plus many more useful tools that he never knew he needed, but will surely find a use for!

Is your Dad more of a food lover?  Then check out all of our Father's Day gifts filled with all kinds of goodies just for hime!

In this day and age, more and more children are growing up with one parent.  The divorce rate is steadily increasing, and, unfortunately, many children do not have the support of two parents in one home on a day-to-day basis. 

I was one of these individuals who grew up without my Father in my daily life since the time I was 2 years old.  In addition, we were also separated by long distance and I was unable to get to know my Father completely and emotionally. 

My Mother, the pillar of love and strength raised me to the best of her ability and did a fantastic job.  I turned out to be a good person, and I am so thankful for her and her sacrifices.  I love her to pieces! Truly, it must have been difficult to raise a child on her own.  She had the role of both Mother and Father and it wasn't an easy road at times.

But I wonder?  What would it have been like to be raised with two parents in the home?  Would I be the same person as I am today or would I have been different?  Perhaps more secure in my thoughts, opinions and self-esteem?  I cannot say and will never know.

However, as a Mother of two young children, both blessed with having their Father around on a daily basis, I do see how important the Father's role is to the children.  They need the love and support of both parents, there is no doubt.  My children have double the love, support and attention and they are very well-rounded and happy toddlers.  As time passes and the road of life continues on, I will enjoy seeing the difference in my children and the positiveness they will derive by having two parents in their lives.

One should not underestimate the role of a Father.  It is unfortunate that divorce and other life-altering events and circumstances separate children from the two most important people in their lives who brought them into this wonderful world.  Sometimes these situations and events cannot be undone or rectified.  However, sometimes they can and if at all possible, think of your children first and foremost! 

Often the Father is in the children's life but their role is downplayed and is not treated as equally as the role of a Mother.  It is unfair to the children and to the Father.  No matter the situation, allow your children to get to know their Father and spend time with him.  Don't let personal feelings get in the way as it is not your feelings that are being torn apart, but your children's feelings and thoughts.

For those that were blessed with having a Father in your life, celebrate your Dad, the wonderful man in your life on Father's Day!  Near or far, Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets has a diverse selection of Father's Day gift baskets perfect for him!

Each year on the third Sunday of June, families and individuals in the United States and Canada celebrate the special man in their lives - their fathers!  These strong, masculine, hard-working individuals who have had a big part of our upbringing need a special day too.

With appreciation and high regard for her father and after listening to a sermon on Mother's Day, in 1909 Mrs. Dodd approached her minister and others in Spokane to request a church service dedicated to fathers on June 5.  This date was her father's birthday and Sonora wanted a special day to remember her father. June 5th was too soon for the minister to prepare the service so he spoke a few weeks later on June 19th.

Spokane first celebrated its first Father's Day on June 19, 1910.  From that time on, the state of Washington celebrated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day.

In early celebrations, people wore flowers as a traditional way of celebrating Father's Day.  Mrs. Dodd chose the red rose to honor a father still living, while a white flower honored a deceased dad.

Soon, states and organizations began lobbying Congress to declare the special day an annual Father's Day.  President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea in 1916, but it was not until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event.  Quoting President Coolidge, the event was to "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measures of their obligations."

Since then, Father's Day is held on the third Sunday in June throughout the USA and Canada, and fathers are recognized and honored by their families on this special day.  President Lyndon Johnson, in 1966, put the official stamp on a celebration that had already been going on for almost half a century and signed a proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

Everyone has a father and some of you may be fathers.  In other situations, some are single moms who are both "mother and father" to a child. In any case, fathers impact children's lives in more ways than we will ever know.

Little boys like to imitate their fathers or, as they say, "walk with Daddy's big shoes on."  Little girls look up to their fathers for approval and it is said that the love the love a father shows his daughter reflects the type of man she will marry.

June 19th, 2005 is Father's Day and a special day to celebrate your special Dad.  How will you show your appreciation and love to the wonderful man in your life?  Cook a special dinner for him with all of his favorite dishes, bring him to his favorite restaurant, or be creative and make him a special Father's Day gift.

If the miles separate you from your father this special day, send a greeting card, flowers, or a holiday gift basket that is perfectly suited to him!  And if your Dad is a gadget guru, check out this Squidoo lens...Father's Day Gadget Gifts!

Give your dad a hug and show him your love this Father's Day!

What man doesn't love electronics? Considering the rate at which technology evolves these days, it is likely that Dad doesn't have the latest and greatest techno gadget. Visit your local Best Buy, go online to Amazon.com or buy Consumer Reports magazine to get a good overview of the most popular electronic items that are on the market today.  One idea to consider is a digital camera. Prices on cameras have decreased significantly in the last few years. You can now get a 7 pixel camera for under $200 with all the gee-wiz gadgets you can imagine including movement auto-face focus, zero time delay,  and red-eye edit capabilities right on the camera. Dad will love capturing family moments, taking pictures of the kids or photographing his latest carpentry creation. One of the most popular electronic picks is a Universal Remote. Logitech has a computer programmable remote that can control all those electronic gadgets in the cabinet such as the DVR, DVD player, CD player, HD television, stereo receiver and more. You can get a great version of the Universal Logitech remote control at Wal-mart for around $100. More expensive options are also available at places like Best Buy. It is easy to program using downloadable data via a computer, and can perform multiple functions with the push of one button. If your coffee table is covered with five remotes, it may turn out that you'll love this gift for Dad as much as he will. Finally, for an inexpensive gadget option, consider a computer flash drive. These portable data devices are about the size of a small lighter and hold ridiculous amounts of data. When Dad wants to take data from his computer to the office or to another computer in the house, this small device will make the job infinitely easier.

Do you have one of those Dads that spend more time in the garage tinkering than in the house? Well wander out to his garage or tool shed and take a look around. Even if Dad has tons of tools, he probably doesn't have the latest gadget or maybe he needs one of his old tools replaced. Some newer items to consider are laser levels or specialty pliers. If you simply don't know what Dad needs or if you are running short on time, just get him a gift card to his favorite home improvement store like Menards or Home Depot. When he gets to pick out his gift, you can be 100% sure that he'll like it!

Lastly, consider Dad's hobbies for gift inspiration. Does he like golfing, drinking beer, watching NASCAR or something else? Giving a gift that is in line with one of his hobbies will likely be a hit. If Dad is a big sports fanatic, consider giving him tickets to a local game (e.g.  basketball, football, baseball gift).  Make this gift even better by offering to take him to the game yourself so that you can spend some quality time together. If Dad is a golfer, you could take him golfing, give him a golf improvement book or a new golf club. Fishermen are easy to buy for because new lures and gadgets are coming out every year. Finally if Dad mostly likes to sit around watching TV and drinking beer, give him a food or beverage gift. Many online gift basket companies such as Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets sell gourmet food baskets, cookie bouquets, beer gift baskets, grilling gifts and other gifts themed for Father's Day. Just do a quick search on the web to find a suitable gourmet gift.

No matter what you end up buying Dad this year, he'll love that you took the time to pick out something tailored to his needs. Now get up and get shopping!