Father's Day in Lockdown 2.0

Since it seems those of us in Melbourne will be spending another Father’s Day in Lockdown, I thought I might share some of the small ways I tried to make last years Father’s Day special, in the hopes of helping others make theirs special as well.

I know for us, the best thing about it was the ability to spend the entire day together, just the 5 of us. Yes it was a shame not to be able to see either of our own dads, but it certainly made for a quieter day with a lot less running around. Which made for more quality time together, to celebrate Craig.

Here are some of the things we did last year.

1. 40 REASON'S WE LOVE YOU.

By asking the kids (obviously just the older 2 since Edward was only a baby) some really simple questions, and prompting myself to dig a little deeper than normal, we managed to come up with a list of “40 reasons we love you”.

I have no recollection as to why I chose 40! Maybe it was just the number I managed to get to? But I’ll include our EXACT list from last year below, purely as a prompt for you to think up your own reasons, as obviously each and every dad will be different. This was a very simple idea but was really well received, as I know it would have been in reverse.

Our Exact Example

2021 Template you can use

2. BREAKFAST!

Along with bacon & eggs, we also added hash browns and sausage if I remember correctly. So yes, this obviously takes a bit of effort. But with a tiny bit of preparation, adding the items to the list for your Click & Collect during the week, its still a lot less stressful than going out for breakfast on Father's day would be anyway. Let’s be honest, with young kids, a meal out at a café is a sure fire way to spend a lot of money, whilst spending the entire time telling the kids to be quieter and trying to find ways to keep them busy and distracted. MUCH easier and cheaper to just have a big old cookup at home!

3. DINNER.

Speaking of food, we had takeaway for dinner but instead of just the usual routine, we decided to make it special with a Lounge Room Picnic. The kids loved getting it all set up, we even used paper plates to minimise clean up for me. We let Craig pick one of his favourite kids movies and everyone was happy!

Some ideas we are using in 2021 will include….....

1. CARD.

This year I have designed a colour in Father’s Day Card. This means all 3 kids can do their own, but it will be the same design and we can print them at home without needing to leave the house! They’ll enjoy colouring it in together and it gives them an activity to do next week, during another week in lockdown. You can download it yourself using the link below. Make sure you tag me in any pics so I can see them.

Download Colouring Card

2. GIFT.

So with no school stall this year, and the shops shut because of Covid, I was worried about what to get Craig for a Father's day gift. I had a "Fist bump" single line drawing designed that will be a simple but thoughtful addition to the walls in our house. I don't know about you but my 3 boys constantly fist bump their dad! I've actually made these availble in the shop with the option of 5 different colour backgrounds (to work with different interiors) as well as different quote options. There is also the option to add your own custom words. This way you can have a gift without ever leaving the house! Just download and print at home! It's A4 in size, meaning you probably already have a suitable frame lying around as well. Link below.

You could even involve the kids and get them to pick the colour or quote they like the best. Another idea I loved was using lyrics from a favourite song, instead of a quote.

SHOP prints

3. MORE GIFTS.

The other gift we are giving Craig this year is a personalised Mug for his MANY coffee's that he enjoy's each day. I got the kids to pick a saying and they chose the one that says "World's best FARTER, I mean Father" So that will certainly give us all a giggle.

4. COOKIES.

I am a big fan of ordering cookies from the many small cookie businesses local to me, for special events like Father's day and birthdays. However sometimes it can be even more fun to just make some ourselves! Now to be clear, I don't actually MAKE the cookies. haha. The whole "baking with kids" idea gives me anxiety. The measuring, flour everywhere, arguments, licking fingers and general mess all make it just a little too stressful. But recently we decorated a bunch old smiley face cookies for some "small acts of kindness" and I think we will make more to eat on Father's Day. It's super easy. Just Marie biscuits, icing, smarties and snakes. The kids love decorating them with all the different colours and its a short, sweet, project so they don't get bored halfway through and leave the rest to me. Which tends to happen with a lot of activities in this house!

I'll be sure to add any other ideas here as I have them. I'd love to see what you all get up to for your own families Father's Day! Tag me in your posts and stories so I can see. Especially if you come up with with some new Lockdown ideas I can add here.

Enjoy xx