by Furnishly | Jun 18, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Every time a holiday rolls around, my sisters text our group chat with the same question: “What are you getting for dad?” Panic ensues. A book he may already have read? Novelty socks? A … lawnmower? It’s not that we don’t want to get him a present he will love, it’s just that, historically, it’s so hard to know what that is.
Unlike me, who made a bulleted and categorized wish list each Christmas season growing up (yes, I am the youngest child what makes you ask), my dad will rarely mention some concrete thing he would like to have, let alone write it down. And, just like the way he enthusiastically says, “It’s delicious!!” before he’s even tasted something, his reactions to gifts are so consistently exuberant I can never tell when I’ve actually hit it out of the park.
And yes, of course, I ask him what he would like. His answer? Just time with you. So this year, I’m listening. After talking with friends and colleagues about ways they would spend quality time with the father figures in their lives, here are some intangible (and, bonus points: last-minute friendly) ideas for “quality time” gifts to give any dad.
Let them teach you something.
There’s an unspoken checklist of things a dad could teach you: how to change a tire, how to tie a tie, or negotiate a salary. But dads are not a masculine monolith! They know lots of other things. My dad is an avid gardener and I once overwatered a cactus, so I’m hoping to book some time with him in the garden to learn his green thumbed tips and tricks. (That being said, I do also need to learn how to change a tire.)
Dads and old tales may be kind of a meme, with a vague “don’t get him started” punchline, but dads really have excellent stories. Ever seen “Big Fish”? You may get the same story you’ve heard two dozen times, and even that is a chance to solidify it in your roster of family lore. But if you can, try asking for a tale you’ve never heard before — and then listen closely.
Without fail, every time we drive down a certain road in Massachusetts, my dad will point out a house he once lived in, which is now a Dunkin’ Donuts. I’m not sure if he realizes he’s said it so many times, but I actually love it. Revisiting places your dad cares about is an endless fountain of possibility: The town where he grew up? His college campus? His old summer camp? His favorite bookstore? Pick a spot and ask him to show you around.
Watch their favorite movie.
My dad loves zombie movies. I hate body horror. I will not be traumatizing myself for the sake of a good gift! But he also loves long, old black-and-white films and niche documentaries and slapstick comedies that I likely wouldn’t watch without him. Whether going to the theater to see a movie he’s been talking about, hanging out in the living room and giving him free reign of the remote control, or watching the same film remotely from different places, sharing a movie night is a simple, meaningful way to bond over something he loves.
Growing up I relished bring-your-kid-to-work day because it meant a) taking the train into the city and b) getting to wear my new back-to-school wardrobe before classes had started back up. If your dad has a job or routine where you can tag along for the day, spend the day by his side and get to know how he spends it. At this point I’m unfortunately past the point of busting out my best back-to-school outfit to join him in the office, but I really enjoy hearing my dad talk about what he does at work — and these days I can (kind of, almost) understand it.
Cars are often venues for the best conversations and comfortable silences. Whether you opt to take a long, cross-country road trip or simply a scenic drive across town, taking your dad for a drive is a simple way to spend some quality one-on-one time. Looking for a soundtrack? Try the Daily Dad Jokes podcast or turn on that beloved cassette that’s been stuck in the player for years anyway. My dad’s go-to knee-slapper is a CD called “Townie Tunes” which currently has a glowing two-star review entitled “Funny if you are from Boston.”
Laugh at their dad jokes.
Last year for Father’s Day, my sister and I took my dad out for breakfast at a local diner. But the real present was: Beforehand, we agreed to laugh heartily at every joke he cracked. He is hilarious but he has been working with the same audience of daughters for a few decades, so he may catch a few more groans than he used to. Folks, he ate it up! And we had a great time, too — something about laughing and endorphins and making someone you love happy. The omelet was subpar but the breakfast was excellent.
by Furnishly | Jun 8, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
Father’s Day is coming up fast — like June 19th fast — have you thought about what you’re gifting the dad, stepdad, grandpa, uncle, or father figure in your life? If you’re having trouble finding the perfect gift on a deadline, fear not: We rounded up 22 last-minute gifts that are anything but half-baked. From the best subscriptions and must-have tech gadgets to self-care items, he’d never spoil himself with and outdoor finds he’ll put to great use this summer, these gifts will not only show him how much you care, but he’ll actually be excited about them. Plus, all these presents will get here well before Father’s Day. The perfect gift on time? What’s better than that? (P.S. Check out our ultimate Father’s Day gift guide here in case you want more ideas!)
Do you have a fabulous last-minute Father’s Day gift you’ve given or received? Let us know in the comments below. And let’s give a big cheer for all the dads out there!
Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
by Furnishly | Jun 3, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Britt Franklin
Assistant Shopping Editor
Britt is a stargazer and sunrise-chaser with a collection of magic erasers, and a fascination with the fantastic. A storyteller at heart, she finds inspiration in all the small things, and can likely be found singing show tunes, catching up on K-dramas, or going on adventures to satiate her natural-born wanderlust. (Sometimes even all at the same time.)
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by Furnishly | May 31, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
June is almost here which means one thing: Father’s Day is just around the corner (I know, can you believe it?). You’re probably thinking the same thing a lot of people are: What in the world will the dad in my life want as a present? Whether you’re shopping for your father, grandfather, husband, brother, or father figure, finding something that shows them just how important they are can be a challenge, especially given how radically different every man’s tastes can be. But don’t fret: We took them all into account. From the cool dad to everyone’s favorite — the “dad joke” dad — we’ve curated a list of gifts to celebrate the dads in our lives, quirks and all. And if you’re looking for a great last-minute Father’s Day gift, check out our favorite picks here — we promise they’re all still incredibly heartfelt and something he’ll totally want.
Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
by Furnishly | Apr 24, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Right now, I’m smack dab in the middle of wedding planning, which translates to feelings of, “Sure, I’m deeply in love…but also remarkably stressed and perilously broke!” Since I’m up to my ears in save the dates, registries, and table assignments, I can barely keep track of everything going on outside my growing nuptial to-do list — which, for me, is a problem.
My love language is gift giving. More than anything, I relish in making my friends and family members feel extra special on their birthdays, during holidays, and just because. Given the extraordinary amount of planning I’ve got going on, though, I’ve felt myself losing track of these gift-giving occasions.
As a solution, I’m compromising: I’ve decided to reserve as much cash as possible for the wedding by making no-spend gifts for my loved ones. And since my laptop and all of its organizing splendor is currently anchored to my body, my gifts will be tech-focused. For those interested in saving some money and using your organizing habits for good, here are five no-spend, tech-focused gift ideas for family and friends.
Teach a Friend to Fish with Loom Tutorials
This one is specifically for all the tech-challenged people in your life who call again and again asking to be walked through a computer task. Loom is a video messaging tool that allows users to record both their computer screen and themselves for a personalized walk-through of incalculable tasks. Think of all of the ways you utilize your computer and how you can instruct the uninitiated on how to perform these functions on their own.
In the case of my mom, Cathy Mags, my gift to her is a Loom tutorial that explains how to mail merge addresses into mailing labels for all of the bridal showers and holiday cards she sends. I can also use it to show my dad, Apartment Therapy super-fan Stewart Mags, how to create custom playlists on Spotify. This will allow him to stop listening exclusively to Blues Traveler (I hope?) and expand his horizons!
Having a loved one take time to walk you through a new process is a lot more meaningful than watching YouTube tutorials that might not get to the heart of your personalized use of a particular tool. Show someone you care by spending time imparting a helpful skill.
Say Cheese with Shared Photo Albums
I love when my phone lights up because my brother-in-law-to-be has updated our shared family album with more pictures of our darling ring bearer, his son Crosby. These little notifications make far-away family feel closer, and gives my fiance and I the opportunity to feel like we’re right there watching our nephew grow.
Setting up a shared photo album among family or friend groups is a creative way to stay connected and keep memories in one place for safekeeping. It’s almost like having an Instagram for just four or five people, which I think is the ideal way to use social media. There are plenty of ways to get your loved ones connected on a shared photo album. I prefer good ol’ Apple Photos, which makes this process incredibly simple.
Create the Building Blocks with Notion
I’m a newfound Notion groupie. I look for any and every reason to utilize this incredibly customizable project planning and note-taking tool loved by Gen Z. You can use it for virtually everything! To use Notion or other organizational tools (like Google Drive or spreadsheets) as a gift, take a moment to consider what’s going on in that person’s life that could use a solution. Eliminating the mental and often emotional burden of planning and sorting is a huge gift, especially for folks with a lot going on.
Is your friend planning a big move? Build them a comprehensive checklist! Is your family member working on some major life improvements? Make them a custom habit-tracker! Is your uncle getting really into cryptocurrency? First of all, good luck pal! Create a page that links to information and helps them track their own investments. Not to be a walking, talking, free advertisement for Notion, but they have plenty of free templates to help jump start your gift-building.
Set the Mood with Pinterest
I’ll tell you what I could use right now: A closet reset. If a friend of mine created a Pinterest mood board for my new look to help inform a capsule wardrobe, I’d be so grateful (praying my friends are reading this)! This is what I’m talking about, people: If your loved one is in need of a little inspiration, give them that gift through your outside perspective.
Since I’m a writer for Apartment Therapy, my friends often ask for pointers on arranging gallery walls, styling new apartments, or corralling clutter. Creating and presenting Pinterest boards is a resourceful way to give your loved ones the gift of your creative eye. Plus, receiving a customized mood or inspiration board always feels a little like I’m getting a massage or having my fortune told — it’s fun, makes me feel pampered, and is a major value-add to my life.
Score Your Friend’s Day with Playlists
No offense to you or me, but this suggestion is simple: Building playlists is incredibly easy, and probably the most fun. Do you have a friend running a marathon? A family member embarking on a cross-country road trip? Is your sister going through the worst breakup of her life? Make them a playlist!
Receiving a highly-specific curated gift like a playlist has a bit of an ASMR effect on me. Ask your loved one how they’d like to spice up their day, and plan their musical score accordingly. There are countless ways you can set up and share a playlist for a pal, but Spotify is my go-to. Brainstorm unique ideas, and the more specific they are, the better. For instance, my “Limited Too” playlist includes all songs that remind me of being a kiddo at birthday parties in the mid-to-late ‘90s. It’s been a real hit among my friends, and now it’s my free gift to you!
Sarah Magnuson
Contributor
Sarah Magnuson is a Chicago-based, Rockford, Illinois-born and bred writer and comedian. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Sociology and a master’s degree in Public Service Management. When she’s not interviewing real estate experts or sharing her thoughts on laundry chutes (major proponent), Sarah can be found producing sketch comedy shows and liberating retro artifacts from her parents’ basement.
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