Dads. They come in all shapes and sizes – they can be the ultimate taxi, the smartest guy you know, the world’s best cupcake-baker or even just your trusty speed dial when you’ve got that weird flashing light on your dashboard again. The long and short of it is that dads are amazing, and with Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, we’ve got some serious head-scratching to do when it comes to putting together the perfect gift.
But what do you buy a dad with dyslexia?
We’re not advocating that dads with dyslexia need different gifts to those who don’t– they love chocolate and comfy slippers as much as the next fella, we can assure you – but sometimes going the extra mile when it comes to gift-giving is the perfect way of saying thankyou for all that they do for you. So, without further ado, here’s the semi-official Succeed With Dyslexia Gift-Giving Guide for Father’s Day, as simple and stress-free as clicking Add to Basket.
The Gift of Reading
Many people with dyslexia are avid readers, but some can find it a struggle when it comes to settling down with a book. There are plenty of tech solutions that can make a huge difference to their reading experience though!
The right tools depend on the ways that dyslexia manifests for the individual, and which ways they find it easiest to take in information but promoting multisensory (an audio element with text) reading is known to help. Giving gifts like e-Readers, audiobook subscriptions, and text-to-speech technology like ReaderPens can make wonderful presents as they unlock a whole world of reading that might have otherwise felt daunting or stressful. Low-tech solutions like reading windows can help too!
From pescatarian cookbooks to Harry Potter, globetrotting adventures to intense spy thrillers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Make it an Experience
It may not have been the best 12 months to get out and do things with your family, but with restrictions easing in some parts of the world it could represent a good chance to get together. Think about experience days, staycations or just something that will allow your dad to engage with his creative side- many people with dyslexia are deeply creative individuals who are good at thinking their way through problems and possess a great ability to innovate. A gift like this could be anything from an escape room to a one-day sculpture masterclass. Think big or small, but think out-there and zany- they’ll love it.
Dial Your Dad
Although we’d like nothing more than to turn up to our dad’s house with some deckchairs and a couple of frosty beverages, the UK is still locked down when it comes to household mixing and it’s a very real fact that some of us won’t be able to see our families. It might be tempting to send a quick “Happy Father’s Day!” text and then get back to your lie-in but, especially when your dad has dyslexia, it’s a great idea to call instead. Many people use text-to speech apps on their phones, some prefer to just call instead – it’s personal, but most people agree that it’s much easier to respond to a phonecall than an extended text or WhatsApp message.
It also makes the whole thing a bit more special, so go and score some brownie points by having a good old-fashioned chat. This one isn't strictly something that you can buy, but it's an important gift nonetheless.
Having dyslexia or literacy difficulties can be difficult sometimes, and it might feel especially so when it comes to parenting—finding it hard to read a school report or not being confident helping you with your homework can leave some dads and grandads feeling a little down. Although we’re big advocates for telling them how special they are all year round, Father's Day might be the perfect opportunity to let them know exactly how grateful you are for all they do. So make this one something to remember - it's been a weird year, and it's more important than ever to let people know you care.