Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 15. If you are trying to figure out what to do to ensure the dad in your life feels celebrated, I have a pro tip I’ll share with you:

Ask him!

If I have learned anything in my nearly 15 years as a parent, it’s that my husband cannot read my mind and I cannot read his. I promise that remembering this is crucial in a marriage and certainly while raising kids. I forget this from time to time and it’s an immediate recipe for frustration and disappointment that could have been avoided.

It’s entirely possible he is not interested in a day filled with an A-Z agenda. Remember this if he gives you the ever (un)helpful answer of, “I don’t know, whatever” when asked what he wants to do. He might genuinely just want a day of no agenda, no plans. If that makes you uncomfortable because you are a planner, quickly remind yourself this day should be celebrated to his preference, not necessarily yours.

Here are some tips/gift ideas to help as the day approaches:

Ask him what he wants to do– My husband will typically give a really helpful response of, “I don’t know, whatever.” But the point is that I still make a point to ask him in case there is something specific he has in mind. It also sends the message that you want the day to include things he wants to do.

Say yes to his golf or happy hour plans. For Mother’s Day, many of us want time away from our families. Same goes for the guys. Encourage him to spend part of the weekend golfing or meeting up with friends. It’s a win-win because he is doing something that brings him joy and it also means hours of you not having to plan something “dad centric” for the time he is gone.

Custom Socks – My kids got socks with our dog’s face on them as a gift for my husband recently and he absolutely loved them. They’re so silly and cute the whole family will love it.

Dollar Shave Club – I got this one for my husband a few years ago and he has continued with it. Blades, shave gels and other products. It’s a super inexpensive gift that keeps on giving.

Any other kind of subscription – There are hundreds out there. Beer of the month. Cheese of the month. What is he into? There is bound to be a subscription for it. You can opt for a one time, monthly or even just a couple times a year based on budget and desire. Sign ’em up!

Golf or other hobby with their buddies – My husband is not big into gifts. I always try to encourage him to get some guy time around Father’s Day. The gift of time can be a great one to provide for your special guy. No strings attached. You can even write this in a Father’s Day card for them to redeem at a later date.

All About Dad/Grandpa: Fill In the Blanks – These are so cute for little ones fill out. Years ago, my kids gave me one for my birthday that read, “Mommy’s favorite movie is Star Wars.” Not true, kids. But it’s entertaining to see what they will say.

Dad Coupons – Kids wash the car, Mom cooks and does dishes for 2 nights, Dad’s movie pick…anything that dad could get a break from or rewarded with would work. You don’t have to get fancy; handwritten note cards will do!

Bluetooth Headphones (no fussing with a cord at work or the gym!) – My husband loves gifts that are practical that he will use every day. There are many price points, pick what works for your family.

Band of Brothers DVD – This series is decades old, but my husband says it’s the best and never will go out of style.

Upgrade something they already have – What is something they use every day that they could use an upgrade on? New socks, underwear, sunglasses, maybe a money clip instead of a wallet? Maybe toss the white t-shirts with the sweat stains and buy him a couple new packs? Guys are, typically, pretty simple and often don’t upgrade for themselves. It’s appreciated all around when we upgrade it for them!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! You are loved and appreciated!

Deuteronomy 1:31: “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”

Malachi 4:6: “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”