Ador Cochingo, owner of Seven80, has always asked his family for two things for Father’s Day: whisky and cigars. He doesn’t want them to stress about finding the perfect gift, and they refuse to believe him when he says he doesn’t really need anything. So, whisky and cigars. “You never want to be a burden to your family,” he says. “It is part of your role as a father to be the caretaker and protector.”
While fathers appreciate getting gifts they love, they truly deserve something meaningful to celebrate them. “As men, we might seem like we don’t need anything else,” Cochingo adds. “But over the past decade, we have learned to be more in touch with our feelings.” He says the best feeling is spending time with his kids, and sharing in their joy as they do something together.
He also recalls his favourite gifts: his kids’ handmade cards.
While you don’t need to get out your construction paper and glue sticks anymore, every dad likes a beautiful greeting card with a heartfelt sentiment in your own hand-writing..
It is unlike anything else to receive a card that recalls a memory you have shared with the person who sent it. Not just a generic Happy Father’s Day card from the drugstore, but one that tells your dad: “I thought of you while picking this out.” Or maybe you just want him to de-stress with a good laugh for a couple of minutes.
There are a few local stores that carry cards that you won’t find at larger retail stores. Seven80 is one of them. You will find cards there by Prairie Chick Prints — a company that specializes in charming, snarky greeting cards. One of their classics reads “Dad, I love you more than anything, except Mom.” Not all cards have to leave your dad in tears — unless you end up choosing a heartwarming option from Kristine Lee Designs.
Real Happy Designs, Good On Paper and Fun Gal Studios are amongst the many companies that fill up The Makers Keep’s shelves. These cards are as cute as they are punny — think “Dad You’re Teerific” with a cartoon of a golf tee or “Best Pop in Town” with a soda can. They are also a good canvas for a well thought-out, personalized message from you.
Pop Collective also offers a variety of options. They carry cards from What She Said Creatives — its selection leans towards cutesy, sometimes sarcastic, messages — and PopCultPaper, which specializes in pop culture themed cards. You know your dad better than anyone, would he laugh at a “Dad… I am glad you are the one that knocked up Mom” card or just glare at you for the rest of the day?
No matter what card you select or make, and whether it accompanies a gift or it is the gift, as long as you write down how grateful you are to have him as your father, he will appreciate it more than you think.
Seven80
Kingsway Mall | 225, 1 Kingsway NW, Edmonton
Londonderry Mall | 100, 1-Londonderry Mall NW, Edmonton
EIA Outlet | 121, 1 Outlet Collection Way, Leduc
St. Albert Centre | 131, 375 St Albert Trail, St. Albert
seven80.com
The Makers Keep
South Edmonton Common | 9707 19 Ave NW, Edmonton
Millenium Buisness Park | 112, 2755 Broadmoor Blvd, Sherwood Park
St. Albert Centre | 375 St Albert Trail, St. Albert
themakerskeep.com
Pop Collective
Wîhkwêntôwin | 101, 12021 102 Ave NW, Edmonton | popcollective.ca
