Every year, my partner, Sarah, seems perplexed about what I actually want for Father’s Day. When she asks, I often express a longing for something intangible—something that can’t be purchased. She looks at me like I’m out of my mind, as if I’ll be let down if I don’t unwrap a gift. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the new biking gear or tech gadgets, but honestly, what I crave is a little peace and quiet—or perhaps some quality time together. The chaos that comes with parenting and marriage makes it clear that a thoughtful gift pales in comparison to a bit of free time. Here are a few things I’d genuinely appreciate this Father’s Day, and the reasoning behind them. This isn’t an exhaustive list, and I certainly don’t expect to receive all of these in one day (that would be sensory overload!). I hope this helps you discover the perfect gift for the special dad in your life.
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Intimacy
I know this sounds predictable, but it’s essential. When I mention intimacy, I specifically mean time with my partner. It’s not that we don’t connect; we do. However, I long for moments where we can enjoy each other without feeling rushed. I want to avoid sneaking around during nap time or trying to squeeze in some romance before the kids wake up. I’d love an uninterrupted moment where we can focus on our relationship without the distractions that come from being parents. -
Movie Night and Pizza
This isn’t a euphemism for Netflix and chill. What I truly desire is a simple evening of watching a movie together, accompanied by a delicious pizza. I want to indulge in something with a bit of edge—perhaps a film with strong language and thrilling action—without worrying about the kids overhearing. As parents, our movie choices often revolve around family-friendly films, and I miss being able to enjoy the types of movies I love while relaxing with my partner. -
A Peaceful Nap
This Father’s Day, all I want is a chance for a solid nap. A few hours of uninterrupted sleep would be a dream come true. After countless early mornings and late nights filled with worries about finances and family, I yearn for some quiet time to recharge. It doesn’t even need to be in a bed; just a cozy, toy-free corner of the floor would suffice. -
Time for a Hobby
One thing I miss is biking. Before fatherhood, I could spend hours cycling, but now, I often feel guilty taking that time for myself. This Father’s Day, I would love to hit the trails for an unhurried ride. I want to escape for a while without a curfew, just to enjoy the wind in my hair and the thrill of the ride.
Reading this list makes me realize how similar my desires are to what Sarah asks for on Mother’s Day; she often seeks time for her gardening hobby and a chance to watch a romantic movie with some comfort food. In the end, it seems that both moms and dads share some universal wishes: we all crave sleep, pizza, and a little time for ourselves so we can recharge and continue being the best parents we can be. If you’re interested in more about parenting and family topics, check out this resource for valuable insights.