by Melanie Linn Gutowski

Father's Day is the ideal occasion on which to honor the man who made your Savvy Auntiehood possible: the father of your nieces and nephews. Whether he's your brother, brother-in-law or friend, take some time to thank him this weekend.

-Many dads would appreciate simply having a day of rest on Father's Day. See if you can help with the kids for the day - plan an outing or a special day at your place.

-Conspire with mom and the kids to take care of some of the work dad would normally have to do on the weekends so he won't have to on Father's Day.

-Most dads like "gifts of experience" - they like to experience fun things with their kids, so find out which activities dad most likes (and don't forget to think of ones the kids are old enough to do with him) and buy some gift cards. Some good examples would be outings to movies, camp sites, amusement parks, local cultural attractions and sporting events.

-Help organize a cookout in dad's honor. Make that potato salad he loves, or add a dish to the menu that he doesn't usually have, like buffalo burgers or gourmet sausages.

-Help your nieces and nephews make a homemade surprise gift for dad. It could be a scrapbook, a painting or even a series of photos of them posing in places or with things that remind them of dad.

Melanie Linn Gutowski, Savvy Auntie's Associate Editor, is a proud Godmother and ABC.

Published: June 15, 2010