Father's Day Party Planner kids can plan and organize

Hey my Omschooligans! It's almost time for one of my favorite holidays--Father's Day! Here's Father's Day celebration or birthday party ideas dads will love, that won't break the bank. And it can be planned entirely by children with a little help from adults. And value added, party planning keeps kids productively occupied and teaches important lessons in fun hand's on ways. 

First a word on priorities

Make it clear who the party is for. It might seem obvious that Father's Day should be dad-centered. Unfortunately, it has to reiterated. Sometimes holidays lose focus and parties end up being about everything but the person of honor. We all know that person who makes every event about themselves, even when it's someone else's special day. Let's not be that person this Father's Day. While everyone should enjoy holiday celebrations, when they are focused on one person, the party should be tailored to that person's preferences. Fit parties to the person, not the person to the party. If someone has allergies, make sure there's food for them. But don't nix dad's favorite carrot cake just because Aunt Picky-Pants doesn't like it. 

No pressure, Papa! 

On Father's Day or dad's birthday, don't put pressure on dad. If he doesn't want to dress up, for example, so what? It's his day to be comfortable. Teach kids unselfishness. In parenting, everything can be a teaching tool--even parties. Kids will be as selfish or selfless as they are taught to be. Demonstrate to kids that parties are meant to convey love. If he wants to do the grilling, let him. If he wants it simple, keep it that way. 

💭Funny Omi Memory: when I was a kid, we made ashtrays, pipe racks and ties for dads! Times have changed!

Dad-friendly Fun

On Father's Day, do things dad enjoys. I (and two of my kids) find fishing achingly boring. But my husband loves it. I remind the non-fisherfolk (and myself) how often he does things he hates for us. So we all went fishing on Father's Day. The kids felt good doing what made daddy happy. That's paid off in character as they've gotten older--each is very others-centered. You could also 

• play badminton, corn hole or lawn croquet
• do a group craft project 
• have a card making station
• chalks the walks with a Happy Father's Day mural

Pamper and personalize 

List with kids, all daddy's favorite snacks, hobbies, reading material, special interests, movies, music. Make a themed gift basket of his favorite things. Does dad love his truck? Make a truck-themed gift basket with cleaning supplies, accessories, manual, logo T-shirt and cap. 

Fiesta! 

Very few men don't love to eat. Indulge dad's tastes, no matter how weird. And the men in my family redefine weird food tastes! My husband loves deep-fried okra. My dad liked suet pudding. Grandpa loved head cheese. So we do a "food shower" for dads and grandpas. One year, we made a New Orleans Father's Day brunch with beignets, Cafe du Monde, jambalaya, gumbo, catfish court-bouillon and etouffee. Dad got a personal bottle of Tabasco Sauce. 

Party outdoors

BBQ, picnics and camp-outs are dad-favorites. Can't get away? Set up tents in the backyard. Make (or buy) a fire pit. Set up an outdoor buffet. Grill (let dad do the grilling if he enjoys it or wait on him). Make a dad-pleasing Coney Island hot dog bar. Roast wienies over fire. Set out chili, sauerkraut, hot peppers and condiments. Whip up homemade cole slaw (chopped red and green cabbage, carrots, colored peppers, onions dressed with olive oil, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, salt and sugar). 

Airfry or deep-fry French fries (deep fryers and air fryers are great dad gifts)

Serve watermelon (have a seed-spitting contest)

Make a German chocolate cake with coconut frosting.

Sip root beer floats. 

Get dad a 6-pack of craft beers. 

Homemade and cheap

Most dads don't want a lot spent on them. And Father's Day isn't about that. One year, we made dad a T-shirt. I bought washable crayons and kids drew pictures and signed it. Another year we did a handprint sweatshirt. Kids could decorate a stadium chair, beach towel or blanket. I made a blanket with our homeschool group of kids for our priest. He still uses it. For more awesome holiday ideas, visit my blogs Great Food 4U and Green Crafts and Free Printable Holiday.