Three Awesome Father's Day Gift Ideas Kids Can Get Into

We should never miss an opportunity to celebrate life. Father's Day is one such day. As children grow, it is our responsibility to teach them to honor others, be thoughtful in doing so and have fun doing it - thus teaching them to celebrate. The goal is that one day they will be able to do all of this without us and teach their own children the same. And with this, a legacy of love is created.

Incorporating kids in a holiday gift is leading by example. So, here are three great ways to incorporate your children in a great gift for Dad (their dad) this Father's Day.

Shirt and Orgami Money Tie

What you will need:

- Internet and Dollar Bill (or another money bill)

- Or Construction Paper and Glue/Tape

- Straight Pin or Paper Clip

Many fathers across the nation will probably get a shirt in the mix of Father's Day presents. A very cute way to bring the child into a purchase that your husband will actually use (like a shirt) is to let the child make a tie. This is really just for presentation, but it is a creative work of art that shows your child had a part - even with a practical gift. So, when you wrap the dress shirt, attach a homemade tie in place, in the box with the shirt. A simple straight pin or paper clip can hold the tie in place without damaging the shirt.

To make the tie, you can use a dollar bill (or higher bill) and use the following on-line tutorial to let your child fold it just right - in the shape of a bowtie. This is a great site that comes with directions and large pictures to guide your child. (And who doesn't love to open a gift and see money?)

http://members.cox.net/crandall11/money/bowtie/

Another way to accomplish this is to make the traditional necktie. Simply cut a tie shape out of construction paper. If your child is small, buy themed stickers they can place on the tie. Or, cut out shapes with them that they can glue on. If they are a little older, let them personalize the message on the paper tie. Possibilities are endless. (This is also a good time to introduce the art of coordination! Say to your child, "What color is the shirt? Okay...what colors go with that?") This gift is a win-win because your husband gets something he wants or needs and your child contributed to the "wow" factor of a creative gift.

Kids Art on Mugs, Mouse pads, Magnets and More

What you will need:

- Internet

- Scanner or Kinko's/Copy Center

- Piece of Child's Artwork

Most mothers take pictures and in the age of digital cameras, we are fairly familiar with online photo stores. (If you're not familiar with any of these sites...keep reading. There is a link below for you to check out.) But did you know you can scan a child's drawing and save it as a picture? This is great news because now, you can turn any photo offering into a tangible, usable, creative gift - personalized with your child's artwork. Confused? Don't be.

If you have a scanner, simply scan a child's drawing onto your computer and save it. If you do not have a scanner, any Kinko's or local copy shop can scan a photo for you and save it to CD, or email it to you. (Or, you could take a picture of the art with your cell phone and send it to your email. Once the picture is in email, save the picture to your computer. Caution: The clarity of a picture of the art may not be as clear as a scan.)

Once the picture is saved on your computer, you can upload the picture to a photo site (like Walgreens or Shutterfly), just as you might upload a photo to print Then, you can order any photo product offered on the site, like a mug, mouse pad, poster, wall cling, canvas, etc. You can even elect to have it mailed to your doorstep or pick it up at the nearest Walgreens.

For older children, girls especially, suggest that they make a collage. Kids can be so creative and a collage can convey personal messages, pictures and art! Now, all you have to do is turn your child's work of art into a tangible gift - by scanning it and ordering the picture you scanned (of the art) through an online photo store - ON a unique gift!

If you aren't familiar with online photo stores, simply log on to Walgreens Photo online and check it out. (Shutterfly and other photo web sites also have similar offerings.)

Walgreens: http://photo1.walgreens.com/walgreens/welcome

Let 'em Wrap It Right...Everyday of the Week!

What you will need:

- Roll of white wrapping paper (or any light solid color)

- Markers or crayons

- 7 unique gifts (free or store bought)

Children love to wrap presents. But even more, most kids love to draw or color. Involving kids in the wrapping can be a way for them to be engaged - and is so easy for you. But, let's get creative. This father's day, buy your husband 7 gifts...one for every day of the week. These do not have to be huge, costly gifts. In fact, they can be free (ideas to follow.)

Wrap each of the seven gifts in white (or lightly colored) solid wrapping paper. Then, label each gift (or have your child label the gift) with every day of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and so on.) Finally, have your child decorate the wrap with markers or crayons.

Ask your child, "What does daddy do on Monday?" Or, "Where does daddy like to go on Saturday?" Let them theme each gifts wrapping with a drawing that symbolizes the day. The gift could also match the day. For example:

Sunday: Gift - Tie, Child's Drawing on Wrapping Paper - Church

Monday: Gift - Starbucks Coffee Mug, Child's Drawing - Dad at a work

Friday: Gift - Home made Coupon for a FREE massage, Child's Drawing - Dad resting

Saturday: Gift - Golf Balls, Child's Drawing - Dad Golfing

This is a great way to incorporate kids because you are able to buy your husband things for the week - things he may want or need. And, your child is 100% in the know of what's in the box and get's to decorate every package. This also makes for fun opening, because the child almost feels like they know a riddle...and want dad to guess what is inside, based on their drawing.

Whatever you do this Father's Day, remember to incorporate the kids. Often times, the prep is more of a celebration than the gift. In the end, what we are really giving our kids is time...the best of things. And what they are really giving dad is...a memory. Now, that is worth celebrating!