I need help! No kidding! I really need YOUR help. 16th June was Father’s day. And, this year. for the very first time, my dad did not get a gift from me:-( I know he won’t be feeling as bad as I am .because he does not believe in’days’(as in Mother’s day, Teacher’s day etc). But I do! Now, I wish to make up for the Father’s day gift and celebration on his birthday which luckily happens to be very close - 24th June.
I love giving gifts to my near and dear ones. And, I try to be different every year. These are some of the things I have gifted my dad in the last few years. Perhaps, you could pick up something from here.
A gift of love . with love
Greetings: As a kid, I never thought of anything better than a self-made greeting card. I still vividly remember, I would tear a paper from my school notebook and draw the pictures taught in school(flower, house, lamp, sun.crazy!), colour it and’decorate’ it. Mumma helped me with spelling’birthday’ and I would scribble’Happy Birthday Papa!’ and end it with an’I love you’ note. When this was proudly presented to my dad, he would laugh and give me a hug. At that age, I just knew that laughter was a sign of happiness. But, now I know why he laughed:-)
Same thing.yet, different!
Wrist Watch: Though Papa is not really fond of watches, I chose to pick it up for him because of the very reason that he wouldn’t get a new one himself till the old one stops ticking forever! His old watch was…an expensive, gold-plated, imported watch. I didn’t have the patience to wait till it reaches its grave. The one I gifted was silver-strapped and elegant-looking.(keeping in mind that the two don’t have anything in common).
Quality, not the price.
Wallet: I think this was the safest bet. By then, I had learnt(from my mom) to understand and recognise the quality of leather. I hadn’t saved a lot that year. So, it was a perfect gift as I managed to get a good leather wallet without shedding a lot of money.(Note: It is very easy to get cheated regarding the quality of leather).
Variety in fragrance.
Perfumes: On my Papa’s 40th birthday, I bought a set of 40 perfumes …each having a different fragrance. The perfume bottles were small and delicately designed. I think it was much better than a set of 2-3 bigger bottles. After all, Variety is the spice of life!
Adding to the wardrobe
Shirts: My dad likes wearing Safari suits for formal wear. So, I thought of adding to his limited collection of shirts and T-shirts. My mom helped me with Dad’s shirt size and brands and I picked up 3 shirts in a neat deal of’Pay for 2, Get 3’. Papa liked them all as the colours suited his complexion well.
Besides the above, I have also gifted other common things like Pen sets, Pen stand, Executive diaries, Key chains, Books, Electronic Shaver, Shaving kits, Magazine subscriptions, Gift cheques and Umbrellas!(June marks the beginning of monsoon here.) None of the gifts have been unique or innovative.but, they have always been special in one way or the other.
This year, I plan to do something different. All through these years, I spent from my’savings’ which was again’his’ money. For the first time, I shall be spending my own hard-earned money to give him a gift. So, it has to be all the more special! Before I go ahead and reveal my plan, a small request to the naughty MS-ians;’you Dare pass a hint to my Papa!’
A beautiful beginning.
The wake up(phone) call will be given by my friend, who is a professional entertainer, at sharp 6 am. He will read out a small birthday poem and play the’Happy B’day.’ tune, followed by a small message on behalf of my family.
Papa leaves for his morning walk by 6:30 am. When he’ll open the door, he will find a bouquet of red, pink and white roses with a small note attached.
.a memorable end
I have booked a table for my family at his favourite restaurant. Ordered a cake from the Taj cake shop and made arrangements with the restaurant to pick it up in the evening. The menu for the day will comprise of all his favourite dishes. I have fixed up the starters and drinks. Rest will be taken by order later.
The restaurant manager has also arranged for a china-rose bouquet and a special Mexican drink for all of us(on their behalf). He will drop-in to wish my dad too. The birthday song will be played when Papa cuts the cake. Music for the night will be soft and instrumental- just as Papa likes.
With all this, I will be getting a 10% discount for the dinner that night. Howz that?
Now that I have already planned and arranged everything.why did I ask for your help?
Good question! I just wanted your opinion on how would that be? Am I missing something? And, what more could I add on to make it better? Will the celebration be incomplete without a’gift’? If yes, then please help me decide as to what should I get for him. Please do not repeat any of those things I already mentioned. I want it to be Different!:-)
Thanks in advance! And, if my plan or gift ideas have helped someone. Then, you are Welcome!;-)