FATHER'S DAY GIFTS MOMS CAN ENJOY

{courtesy of Michelle Pino}

Time-honored wisdom tells us that the best gifts reflect both the recipient and the giver. I like to take my gift-giving a step further. Why not give gifts that not only reflect my personal taste and preferences but also benefit me as well as the recipient? As long as the recipient truly enjoys the gift, my methods aren’t selfish at all, merely a form of enlightened self-interest. Father’s Day is a particularly great time to incorporate this technique in gift giving. I like to find something my husband will enjoy, but we both know I always give a gift that I’ll get a little something out of as well.

My husband and I are both winelovers, so a couple of years in a row, I got him a wine club membership. We both enjoyed the monthly deliveries, and we even shared some of the monthly treats with guests. It was such a hit that last year on Mother’s Day he returned the favor.

If you’d like more help in the kitchen, consider taking the things you do there outside. Putting together a meal on the grill is so much more manly than using oven mitts to take dinner out of the oven. This Father’s Day, get Dad a grill he can proudly show off to neighbors and guests. Chances are you’ll spend much less time cooped up in the kitchen this summer.

Treat your husband to a day or weekend at a resort. Of course, he’ll have to bring you along. You can enjoy the romantic getaway together and also participate in activities you personally enjoy. At Turning Stone they have started to create resort packages specifically catered to a couple’s day retreat. Let your husband enjoy a round of golf or win big at the poker tables. Meanwhile you can have a spa day and relax by the pool. Afterwards you guys can meet up for a romantic dinner and night out.

Get fit together. Has your husband been talking about getting in shape but spending more time watching television than watching his weight? Get a gym membership for the two of you, or sign up to take a fitness challenge together. You’ll enjoy quality time together, and you’ll be doing something good for your health as well.

Gifts that benefit the giver aren’t simple indications of selfishness. In fact, when time for gift giving comes, selflessness can be easily overrated. Everyone wins when a gift makes everyone happy. Inject a little enlightened self-interest into your life this Father’s Day. Your whole family will be happier.

 Michelle Pino has contributed this piece based

on the knowledge she has acquired while working

at Skana, one of New York’s finest spas. When 

Michelle isn’t working you will find her baking, 

crafting, reading a magazine or catching up on 

her favorite TV shows . If you have any questions

or comments feel free to contact Michelle via email at michellepino@turningstone.com