Father's Day Gifts — Putting Father First

Article archived: June 2010

Judy Dodd, MS, RD, LDN, Giant Eagle^® Corporate Nutritionist

It's likely that you think about golf or another favorite sport and a nice meal to celebrate Father's Day! And the golf shirt, team hat or tickets to a game are on the gift list. But it's a new day, and trends show that more men appreciate adventurous eating. Running, biking, staying fit and the need for "down-time" are also options for Father's Day. Before we explore the options, let's visit some history.

Credit is given to Sonora Dodd to honor her dad, Robert Smart, a widower who had responsibility for his children following his wife's death. Mrs. Dodd initiated the day in her hometown of Spokane Washington with June 17, 1910 as the first Father's Day. June was chosen because it was the month of her father's birthday. It was 1972 when Father's Day became a national holiday, with President Nixon signing the order designating the third Sunday of June for this honor.

Father's Day has become the day to honor dads, dads-to-be, grandfathers, as well as other relatives, friends and mentors who fill the shoes of a "dad." So let's look at some ideas for honoring your heroes this Father's Day with time, good eating and exercise!

Eating

Of course, meals are the center of all that is a celebration or special occasion.

Grilling and picnics seem to fit the spirit of the day. There are a number of delicious items to cook up on the grill, such as kabobs, chicken, ribs, steak, burgers, shrimp, salmon or other fish. A combination of all would also fit the menu. Add grilled vegetables and a salad, hearty bread — and of course, cake.
Invite the neighborhood or family "dads" to a group celebration. The children and the non-dads can take responsibility for cooking and serving.
Combine the eating with a visit to a favorite place. It may be a fishing lake, a park or an attraction. Pack food for a picnic or bring a portable grill and enjoy a change of scenery.
Add an upscale flair to the menu. This is where Giant Eagle^® Prepared Foods and our chef-prepared meals can help make it easier for the non-cook.

Exercise

Ok, so it may be more activity than exercise, but it's a healthy way to honor dad.

Plan a bowling party, a golf outing or another activity that your dad is sure to enjoy.
Arrange for golf, boating or fishing at a special site.
Pick a date for a family run, walk or a bike event! Invite friends to join in the fun.

Enjoy

Consider these options:

Take some time to enjoy the zoo, a museum, a concert, a play — or provide a gift card or a pass.
Plan a trip to a favorite place of the past, or a new experience that dad has never had! Gift cards can make it easier to buy the gas and pay for the extras.
Give a gift basket of favorite foods and beverages, health and wellness items (like some manly soaps, scrubs and creams), and a magazine or reading material. Pick your own items and let Giant Eagle^® assemble your dad's basket for you, or pick one up that is already made to go!

Looking for some grilling ideas? Email nutrition@gianteagle.com!