Father’s Day is around the corner. Days like these are a often a little bittersweet; you may have moved away from the nest after college, or perhaps your parents have retired and relocated somewhere far and tropical.
Whatever the reason, not being able to see dad in June can be frustrating.
However, it’s not impossible to show Dad that you’re thinking of him, even if you’re hundreds of miles away.
Read on for 7 awesome Father’s Day surprises you can plan no matter where you are on the map.
Table of Contents
1. Arrange a Date Night for Your Parents, On You
We Suggest: The tried-and-true dinner and a movie combo

Even though you aren’t with them in person this Father’s Day, you can still give your parents a pretty swell date night.
Most restaurants will allow you to make a reservation and leave your credit card info (make sure you’re speaking with the owner or manager so that your information is properly taken care of), so that when your parents come in to eat, their meal will be taken care of.
You can tell mom about your genius plan so she can help you out and make sure dad is surprised when the bill comes and it’s covered.
However, if the thought of leaving your information with a restaurant makes you weary, you can always get your parents a gift card to their favorite bistro or gastropub, too.
And of course, no dinner date is complete without a movie.
Since most movie theaters require an ID or the card you used if you bought your tickets in advance, it will be easiest to go online (to Fandango, Regal, or another cinema site) and buy them a gift card loaded with enough value to cover at least 2 movie tickets instead.
Fandango will let you customize the appearance of your gift card and give you the option to mail or email them to the recipient, making it easy to take your parents out on a date no matter how many miles away you may live.

2. Frame a Memory
We Suggest: Printing your favorite family photo on canvas

Go one step above a picture frame and get your dad’s favorite picture printed on a canvas that he can hang on his wall.
Places like Canvas Pop will let you choose any image at any size and resolution, and you can also customize everything from the type of frame to the photo effect (if you want one).
Get it sent directly to your dad for an unexpected surprise.
3. Send Him Dessert
We Suggest: His favorite sweets with an unexpected twist

If your dad is the kind of guy that can never pass up ordering dessert when you all go out to eat, he will definitely enjoy receiving something to curb his sweet tooth this Father’s Day.
There are several bakeries and confectioners out there these days that specialize in online orders.
Get your dad some cookies from Stuffed Cookies, a bakery that handcrafts delectable cookies, mixes in your favorite items like chocolate and pretzels, and then stuffs them with filling (cookie butter, nutella, you name it).
Customize a batch based on your dad’s favorite flavors, or choose from their favorite pre-selected creations.
4. Have His Favorite Beverage Delivered
We Suggest: A custom basket full of liquor, spirits, and/or beer

Maybe your dad’s the type of person to unwind each day with a nice bourbon or a cold beer.
Heck, the first sip of beer you ever took in your life was probably given to you by him.
If this is the case, what better way to help him enjoy his holiday than with a gift basket filled up with all of his favorite imbibements.
Build a Basket lets you choose everything from the basket to the liquor, and add other cool things like snacks, gifts, and bar accessories.
He’ll appreciate the gesture and be able to quench his thirst this Father’s Day.
5. Give Him New Reading Material
We Suggest: A virtual book

Is your dad a proud Kindle owner? Perhaps consider getting him some new reading material for Father’s Day.
Apparently, Amazon has the option of letting you set the date that your book will arrive, and even allows you to add a personal message.
So, whether he enjoys self improvement guides or science fiction novels, you can virtually buy and give him his next favorite read.
6. Take Him (Online) Shopping
We Suggest: Getting a gift card to his favorite website so he can pick out something cool


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Sometimes, the thought of choosing a gift for your dad is too confusing (he’s told you countless times that he doesn’t need anything, right?).
So instead of stressing out, take the guesswork out of Father’s Day by giving him a virtual gift card to his favorite website.
That way, he can select whatever catches his eye, and you don’t have to worry about buying him something he’ll never use.
If he’s a style guy, get him a gift card to Ties.com so he can up his accessory game.
If he loves new gadgets, a gift card to Sharper Image will be appreciated. Or, if he’s a grill master, send him to Williams Sonoma’s website for some new cooking tools.
7. Give Him a Recurring Gift
We Suggest: Signing him up for a subscription box full of things suited to his interests


Celebrate your old man with a unique subscription box for Father’s Day, and he’ll be receiving gifts all year long (or whatever timeframe you choose).
With the sheer abundance of types of subscription boxes out on the market today, you’re bound to find something that fits your dad’s tastes.
Does he have a well-maintained beard or mustache? Sign him up for the Dollar Shave Club. Or maybe your dad is a self-proclaimed handyman.
Send him tools and gadgets each month with The Handy Box.
Most boxes let you choose 3, 6, or 12 month options to suit your budget. The options are seriously endless.