Holidash News

Gift Guides for Every Dad

Holidash staff — 6/8/2011 11:00 AM

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Father's Day Gift Guide

By Kendra Smoot

Dads can be a hard lot to shop for. If they haven't already bought themselves exactly what they want, they usually are elusive about what they'd like you to buy for them. Well, don't fret this year. We tracked down 20 gift ideas starting from $4 that will get any dad's stamp of approval, whether he's an outdoor nut or design buff.

Getty

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Outdoorsy Dad
1 Backpacker Magazine Subscription $15
2 Chirping Birds $15
3 Waterproof Compression Dry Sack $32
4 Award-winning headlamp $99
5 National Parks Annual Pass $80
6 Classic canvas day bag $130

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Design Daddy
1 The original bike seat $347
2 Durable European notepads $12
3 Sleek stainless steel bottle opener $27
4 Tivoli radio: a design classic in the making $150
5 Masking tapes from Japan $22
6 A humble travel thermos for hot or cold $30

Fathers Day Gift Guide

If Your Dad Thinks He's MacGyver:
1 Duct tape, now available in his favorite color $4
2 Sandals with a built in bottle opener $46
3 A wing-nut tool, saw blade, ruler, plus eight other tools on one card. Seriously. $3
4 A slim money clip that is also a knife $11
5 The best-reviewed drill is a no-brainer $160
6 This firesteel is guaranteed to work even in wet conditions to light a campfire, bbq, or stove $10
7 A GPS even though he "never" gets lost $200

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Dads Who Love to Cook
1 An apron made of canvas that manages to be manly $48
2 Flaky sea salt, a favorite of professional chefs $7
3 A good-looking reusable shopping bag for trips to the grocery store or farmers market $10
4 This book has the recipe for the perfect hanger steak and sweet potato chips $25
5 Big match lighter $4
6 This clay cooker is an investment, but there are many sizes to choose from. A medium cooker with side shelves begins at $713

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Hipster Dads
1 This skinny tie will definitely be an instant favorite $95
2 Microbeers delivered to his door monthly $70 for 2 months
3 Vinyl for the ultimate music snob $20
4 For making his own independent film $200
5 Leanne Shapton paints pieces of wood to look like classic book covers. Grab his favorite tome $150
6 Hip glasses from a hip NYC store starting at $55

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Crafts With Kendra: Father's Day Tie

Holidash staff — 6/8/2011 10:00 AM

By Kendra Smoot

This Father's Day, instead of buying Dad another tie, make one for him. Our crafts expert, Kendra Smoot, shows you how in this step-by-step video.

Supplies:

Template
Paper scissors, fabric scissors
Scotch tape
1 yard patterned fabric
Needle and matching thread
1 yard lightweight interfacing
Knitting needle

To make the tie in our video:

1. Print out template pages; there are 19 pages in total; the links are below the instructions. Use the key to assemble, then tape together. Be sure to tape pieces together at page borders and also on pattern pieces. Cut out.

2. Pin pattern to wrong side of fabric. Cut out.

3. Pin interfacing patter piece to interfacing and cut out.

4. Pin and sew tipping to tie ends. Trim excess fabric at corners and turn inside out using a knitting needle.

5. Sew together large, middle, and small ends. Press joining seams out.

6. Lay interfacing down, making sure tips are snug at both ends, fuse with iron, following package instructions.

7. First fold the outer edges of tie towards the centerline, then fold again. Press. Edges should overlap slightly.

8. Stitch down entire length of tie with an even ladder stitch.

Downloadable template pages (don't be daunted by how many pages there are -- this is a super easy craft, we promise).

Entire Tie Pattern
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18

We've got more great Father's Day ideas at Holidash.com!

Father's Day Gifts: Whiskey Tips

Monika Bartyzel — 6/8/2011 10:00 AM

Photo: Ethan Prater, Flickr

If Dad drools every time the Mad Men pour a drink, or if he's an old-time mad man himself, perk up his Father's Day with a great bottle of whiskey.

But wait! Going out and buying Dad a nice bottle of whiskey for Father's Day isn't as easy as hitting the store and picking up a pricey bottle. Not all whiskey is created equally, and in order to choose the right one for Dad, you'll need to do your homework.

Whiskey is made from a variety of fermented grains -- barley, corn, rye, wheat -- each of which offers a different flavor profile. The first written evidence of whiskey production dates back to Scotland in 1494, when Friar John Cor purchased "eight bolls of malt ... to make aqua vitae." The drink spread like mad, starting as one harsh beverage that slowly morphed into what it is today as distillers discovered that whiskey tastes a whole lot better when it has some time to age. Now the libation has extended well beyond the British market, and is produced world-wide.

Single Malt v. Blends
There are two aspects of whiskey production that are very important when you head to the store. The first is the distinction between single malt and blends. As the name suggests, single malts are made by one distillery, while blends can be either a vatted blend of other malted whiskies, or even mixes that use additional non-whiskey spirits. Generally, single malt whiskey is the go-to beverage, earning a higher price because of the care put into getting the right flavor without mixing or matching.

Food Fit for Dads: Martha Stewart's Best Burgers

Holidash staff — 6/7/2011 10:00 AM

Father's Day Desserts

Holidash staff — 6/1/2011 5:00 PM

What Dad Really Wants for Father's Day

Josh Loposer — 6/1/2011 12:00 PM

Do you really think dad wants to be seen sipping coffee out of this thing? Credit: Cafepress.com

If Mother's Day gift-giving is uninspired (and it certainly is) Father's Day shopping is a sad joke. Neckties, patriotic boxer shorts, and personalized coffee mugs...I mean, talk about phoning it in.

To tell the truth, Dad probably doesn't even care about getting recognition for his noble fatherly efforts, that's just how dads are. Likewise, he knows darn well that Mother's Day came first and that Father's Day was a politically correct afterthought dreamed up at Hallmark HQ.

That said, you're eventually going to wind up caving in to your guilty conscience and getting dad a gift this year anyway -- and for once, your gift might as well not suck. Sure, that sounds great and all, but how is that done, exactly?

Glad you asked. To come up with some Father's Day gift ideas that your dad might actually like or want, aside from a cold six-pack of beer or a bar of Sam Adam's beer soap (Father's Day is the 4th biggest weekend for US beer sales), we've asked five real live dads to answer the following question: If your kids/spouse could read your mind, what would they get you for Father's Day this year?

Here are their answers.

DIY Father's Day Card

Gina Houseman from Papersheep — 6/1/2011 10:00 AM

This year for Father's Day, you can buy Dad a funny card at the grocery -- or you can make him a card and personalize it with a map of his favorite city. Gina Houseman from Papersheep walks you through this simple craft; we promise it will make Dad's day.

Credit: Gina Houseman

Start by gathering the following supplies:

1 sheet of cardstock, folded down the middle

1 map of your dad's favorite city

X-acto knife

Cutting mat

Ruler

Pencil

Glue

Father's Day Gifts: Buy Dad a Meat Club Membership

Holidash staff — 5/24/2011 6:40 PM

By Monika Bartyzel

If Dad's greatest joy is grilling up a juicy piece of meat on the barbecue, look no further than a meat club membership for your Father's Day gift.

We've already talked about buying dad grilling gifts, but why stop there? This year, put the grill tools to work and treat Dad to a meat club membership. Instead of one present and 365 days of waiting, Dad can celebrate Father's Day every month with new and tasty meats.

It used to be that meat clubs would offer only the basic cuts, but these day's the world is your oyster (or steak) when it comes to meaty memberships.

Classic plans like Pfaelzer's Steak Plan come with a hefty (though adjustable) price tag, but offer many classic, grillable favorites -- surf and turf feasts, filet mignon, prime rib roasts, and even a pile of ribeye steaks. Meanwhile, Meat of the Month Club offers basic options as well as a number of pricey and affordable exotic choices. Dad's gift can be as simple as steak and seafood, or branch out into any number of meaty options -- Kobe steaks, exotic burgers ranging from bison to kangaroo and alligator, sausages that include everything from wild boar to smoked pheasant, and even a special exotic meat of the month club that revels in even more exotic meats like turtle and Vietnamese python. One month to twelve, the options range in price from about $70 to $1,500, though the latter is, of course, a result of 12 months of super-pricey and extravagant Kobe deliveries.

But the meat fun isn't only for those with lots of cash to burn. If you want to give the same wow but can't afford a pre-made plan, make your own meat club for Dad, picking up an array of pricey and affordable meats that you drop off yourself. When you mix up the cheap standbys like hot dogs with some juicy rib eyes or even a hand-made burger or two, the price will be significantly cheaper and completely in your control.

And think about presentation for your gift: Wrap the meat club announcement up with the grill tools -- or a nice bottle of Scotch -- and you'll have a gift Dad will never forget.

DIY Father's Day Gift: Make Dad a Car Kit

Megan Reardon — 5/24/2011 10:00 AM

Credit: Megan Reardon

We all know fathers are awesome. Celebrate how awesome your Dad is by giving him a personalized kit of useful things to keep in the glove box of his car. I've created a small case that makes it easy to see the contents and puts that one thing we all hope we have in the car somewhere, a flashlight, right in the center. You can personalize the case by creating an iron-on applique using either an intial, an image (I've used the car silhouette you can find on road signs), or a Super Dad logo, which you can download and print.

Credit: Megan Reardon

Some notes on where to buy materials:

I found the best selection of what I needed for this project at a fabric store that specializes in outdoor and sports fabrics (for me this is Seattle Fabrics). If you don't have similar specialty fabrics store near you I can tell you I was able to find all of the materials below at large chain fabric stores with the exception of the two-inch-wide webbing in a color other than black. Black webbing will work out fine as it will match the mesh fabric we're using to make the pockets.

In the chain fabric store I found the mesh I wanted sold in the section with the nettings used for petticoats, it was labeled "Special Mesh" and was a bit stiffer than the other options. In the specialty outdoor fabrics store the mesh I liked best was located with the tent making materials.

Credit: Megan Reardon

Materials:

- 1/3 yard (or 9" x 19" rectangle) of a heavyweight and stiff cotton duck

Gather the following items in the same color, or in a color that will contrast nicely with the duck:
- two 9" nylon zippers (nylon because we'll be trimming the excess)
- one package of Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape
- spool of thread
- 1/3 yard (or about 10 inches) of 2" wide nylon webbing (if you cannot find this in a color to match use black to match the mesh fabric)
- 1/4 yard of a quilting weight cotton fabric to use as the applique (if you're going to decorate the case with initials I suggest finding a coordinating plaid to add an extra bit of interest)

- 1/3 yard (or 9" x 13" rectangle) of stiff black mesh
- large snaps (I used the Heavy Duty Snap Kit made by Dritz)
- Steam-A-Seam (or a similar material used to bond two layers of fabric together)

- Items that might be useful to have in a glove compartment -- flashlight, sunscreen, tissues, pen, etc.

Crafts with Kendra: Father's Day Ice Cream Sandwiches

Kendra Smoot — 5/24/2011 10:00 AM

Credit: Kendra Smoot

This year make something for dad that shows how much you appreciate him and his sweet tooth. Crafter Kendra Smoot's clever ice cream sandwiches are a cinch to make and will be very welcome on a hot summer day. Be sure to make room in your freezer and stomach and follow these simple directions.

Credit: Kendra Smoot

Supplies:

2 baking pans

parchment paper

alphabet cookie cutters

ice cream scoop

spatula

What Not to Buy For Mom: The Worst Mother's Day Presents

Neha Prakash — 5/3/2011 4:29 PM

By Jessica Samakow on Parentdish.com

Year after year, you practice your "I love it" face in the mirror before receiving your Mother's Day gift. Of course, you appreciate your family's effort, but you'll likely be returning whatever gift you're unwrapping. To avoid the inevitable Mother's Day gift blooper, forward this guide to Dad to give him some not-so-subtle clues on gift-buying don'ts.

Tips for Dad: What Not to Buy

Exercise Equipment or Diet Books
Nothing says 'I love you' quite like a jump start to weight loss. Note to dad: No matter how much your wife talks about wanting to lose weight, buying her a "Get Rid of Love Handles" DVD is not the answer. And, offering to fund her liposuction isn't the greatest idea either.

Bubble Bath
As lovely as soaps and bubble bath gift-baskets may look, let's be serious here: When was the last time mom had time to soak up the suds? The lavender scented bubble bath that you bought her last year is still under her sink, unopened. Let her finish that one first, and you can buy her a new one when the time comes -- in ten years.

Cheesy 'World's Best Mom' Gear
Ok, so the sentiment is sweet. But aside from Mother's Day, mom isn't going to walk around sporting "#1 mom" around her neck or across her chest -- it's just embarrassing. Write it in the card, not on the jewelry.

Cleaning Supplies
Sure, Mom keeps the house nice and tidy, and often complains how much easier it would be if only she had top-of-the-line cleaning supplies. But, she wants them on a Wednesday, not on Mother's Day. "Hey Mom, scrub the floor," is not exactly her ideal Mother's Day card.

Kitchen Appliances
Mom loves to cook, yes. But just because she wants a new toaster doesn't mean Mother's Day is the time to give it to her. After all, she's cooking for you.

A Pool Table or a Grill
Mother's Day is not the time to leverage in something you've been eyeballing, dad. Even if your wife agrees that a new plasma TV would look nice in your living room, she doesn't want to spend Mother's Day observing how much clearer the football game is.

A Snuggie
We can all admit: After making fun of the Snuggie, we secretly wanted one. But, reminding mom that she spends every Friday night plopped on the couch is not the way to go. She doesn't need a special blanket for date night with the couch until she's ready to buy it for herself.

A Puppy or a Hampster
While your new pet might be adorable, we all know that it will soon become mom's responsibility. Don't give her the "gift" of having to clean up dog poop.

Clothing That's the Wrong Size
Unless you are positive what size your wife is, buying her clothes is just a bad idea. If you buy her something too small, she'll be upset that it doesn't fit. If you buy her something too big, she'll be upset that you think she's that large.

Confessions of a Mother: Guilty Things Moms Secretly Do

Neha Prakash — 5/3/2011 3:58 PM

By Jessica Samakow on Parentdish.com

Confessions from Cafemom.com

I Let My Toddlers Go Naked in Public
"I let my toddlers run around the house, the front porch, and the yard without clothes on. So cute, so innocent and free!"

My Kid Watches TV Close Up
"My son sits or stands directly in front of the TV to watch his Baby Einstein videos and favorite television shows. It doesn't really bother me."

I Let My Toddler Play Outside Alone
"I let my toddler play in the yard alone or without adult supervision. I live in a quiet neighborhood with mostly elderly neighbors and our yard is fenced in, so I let my 3 ½-year-old play outside with our two dogs, who bark at everybody that comes near our house."

My Toddler Wears Crude T-Shirts
"My daughter has a t-shirt that says 'Daddy's Little Squirt.' I love it; I think it's funny. But the other day at the mall, another mom pulled me aside and told me how offensive it was and that I'm defiling my child, especially since my daughter doesn't even know what it means. Well, I told her off, of course. She's my child and I'll dress her however I like."

I Let My Toddlers Climb Play Equipment Unassisted
"When we go to the park or playground, I don't hover over my toddlers. I sit on the bench and watch. If they want to climb up the slide, I let them. I loved climbing up slides when I was little. It was challenging and fun -- and my mother never shadowed me to prevent a fall or little mishaps. This is how children learn -- by making mistakes. And if my kid is arguing with another child, I usually don't get involved unless one of them is going to get hurt. They need to learn to work out their own problems."

My Kids Go to Sleep After Midnight
"I have three kids under the age of three, and we all go to bed after midnight and wake up at 11 AM the next day."

I Leave My Toddler Alone in the Bath
"My son is just about to turn 2 and he has been playing in the bath by himself for about a month now. He likes to take long baths, and it got to the point where I had stuff to do and I got tired of fighting to get him out. So now he takes a bath in the master bathroom while I'm close by in the bedroom folding clothes and picking up his toys. I don't go far, but I don't hover over him, either."

My Toddlers Eat Pizza for Breakfast
"My kids have had pizza for breakfast. At least they are eating something and have food in their stomachs. I would rather feed them a non-traditional breakfast than have them be hungry!"

I Throw Away My Kid's Artwork
"If it doesn't make me laugh or cry, my kids' objects d'art have got to go. I'm a neat freak, so before I became a mother, or at least until the kids hit preschool, I was able to maintain a minimalist household. Now my house is gasping for air beneath an avalanche of construction paper. My kids generate a minimum of one piece of artwork a day, and that's conservative. Therefore, I throw the art away on the sly."

I Scold Other People's Kids
"If a child comes in my house and starts breaking the rules, I'll scold them if their parents refuse to. I treat all children the same. I demand respect as well as give respect."

I'm on Vacation, But My Kid is Still Going to Day Care
"My husband and I have a few days off from work, but we still plan on taking our daughter to day care one of the days. We are paying for it and we never get a break. I personally think that any spare moment you can spend with your child is priceless, but sometimes its nice to have a day to yourself. She will play, paint, do crafts and have a good time, so I figure no harm done."

I Would Dye My Toddler's Hair
"My son is still a baby and doesn't have hair yet, but if his hair grows in red, I will be sad. I will seriously consider dying his hair if it is really red. I just love blond/brown hair."

I Favor My Older Child
"I favor my 8-year-old over my 6-year-old. My 8-year-old is much easier to deal with, while my 6-year-old throws constant tantrums. Even though I feel that way, they get treated equally. I think a lot of mothers secretly favor one child over the other, either because one is easier to deal with, sweeter, smarter, cuter, whatever the reason. You can't help what you feel inside."

I Let My Toddler Eat Food Before Paying for It
"I let my son eat or drink food from the grocery store before actually buying it. I see nothing wrong with it. It keeps him content and I plan to pay for it, so what's the big deal? I've gotten dirty looks for it several times and can't understand why."

I Find Excuses to Send My Kids to Bed Early
"I once made an excuse why my kids were in trouble, so they would have to go to bed early that night -- so I could get a break!" Another mom also admits, "I've told my toddler it was bedtime when it was really an hour earlier, so I could put him to sleep and watch my favorite TV show."

Norway Named Best Place to Be a Mom, Afghanistan Called Worst

Neha Prakash — 5/3/2011 12:49 PM

By Anita Snow
Associated Press

The best place in the world to be a mom is Norway, where maternal and child mortality rates are low, women's life expectancy and years in school are high, and the average maternity leave is about one year, a new study measuring the well-being of mothers and babies shows.

Australia and Iceland join Norway at the top of Save the Children's 12th annual Mothers Index, released Tuesday. Afghanistan comes in last, and the United States places 31st.

Released every year in the days before Mother's Day, the international nonprofit group's ranking analyzes the maternal and child indicators and other published information of 164 countries.

The survey considers Afghanistan the worst place to be a mother, with women having a life expectancy of 45 years - the world's lowest - and one of every 11 women dying in childbirth. One of every five children in the country doesn't live to age 5.

By contrast, a typical Norwegian woman lives to be 83 years old, and just one in 175 will lose a child before his or her 5th birthday.

Skilled health personnel are present at virtually every birth in Norway, while only 14 percent of births are attended in Afghanistan. Eighty-two percent of women in Norway use modern contraception, contrasted with less than 16 percent of Afghan women.

"The human despair and lost opportunities represented in these numbers demand mothers everywhere be given the basic tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and improve the quality of life for themselves, their children, and for generations to come," the report said.

The U.S.-based Save the Children said governments and international agencies could help change the lot of women and girls in developing countries by improving their education, health care and economic opportunities.

It said the U.S. and other industrialized nations could do more to improve education and health care for their own disadvantaged mothers and children.

The survey noted that the United States came in at 31 mainly because its maternal mortality rate of 1 in 2,100 is among the highest of any industrialized nation.

As a result, a woman in the U.S. is seven times more likely than one in Italy or Ireland to die from pregnancy-related causes, and her risk of maternal death is 15 times that of a woman in Greece.

The United States also does not do as well as most other developed countries when it comes to mortality of children 5 and under. Eight of every 1,000 children born in the United States die before reaching their 5th birthday - a rate on par with Latvia.

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa scored among the lowest on the survey, with eight placing in the bottom 10.

But money isn't always the most important factor in improving the lives of mothers and their babies, said Save the Children, noting that Malawi has made notable progress in recent years.

Working with the U.S. Agency for International Development and other international partners, Malawi has developed a "homegrown" focus through which community health workers provide services in areas where doctors and nurses are unavailable.

In rural areas, people are now educated about infant and child health and offered de-worming, vaccinations, insecticide-treated mosquito nets and information about better sanitation habits.

A Handmade Mother's Day Present Idea: A Keepsake Box

Neha Prakash — 4/25/2011 5:13 PM

By Gina Provenzano

Is one day really enough time to truly take note of the kind and loving gestures our mothers make every day?

Of course not. But it's a start.

Kids may not truly appreciate all that their moms do for them, but little ones do know one thing: They love their moms unconditionally.

Let them express that love with a keepsake box to be treasured. Like the stick figure drawings stuck to the fridge, this can be displayed for all to see, and then later tucked away for a lifetime of memories.

Made from air-dry clay, the box is easy enough for young children to craft, while older kids can it embellish it further by making a lid and filling it with coupons and messages of love for mom to uncover all year long.

What you'll need:

Air-dry clay, Crayola's tub is 2.5 pounds and plenty for this and other projects
Rolling pin
Ruler
Butter knife
Pencil
Acrylic paint
Paint brushes
Water-based gloss varnish
Colored paper (optional)
Decorative edge scissors (optional)
Pen (optional)

Directions:

1. Roll the clay. Grab two fistfuls of clay. Squish and knead them together with hands to make one ball. On a smooth, well-protected surface, roll dough out with rolling pin.

Note: Teach kids how to roll in different directions, like a pizza, in order to expand the shape evenly.

Roll to about one-eighth inch to one-quarter inch thickness, and so the dough measures about 6 inches by 5 inches. If there is not enough, add more clay and start over.

2. Measure and shape box. Use the ruler and the knife to measure and cut a 5-inch by 4-inch rectangle from the clay. It doesn't need to be perfect. Now measure one-half inch around all sides of the rectangle. Fold the one-half inch edges up to form a 4-inch by 3-inch box. Pinch the excess clay at the corners and fold in or snip off. Use fingers to smooth clay around corners, along the rim and where the sides and the bottom meet.

3. Make heart. Grab a small amount of clay. Squish and knead it together as before. Roll out the piece to be about 1/4" to 1/2" thick. Use knife or fingers to cut and mold clay into a heart shape. Place the heart shape inside the box in the center and gently push it down to adhere to box.

4. Decorate box. If your child has a steady enough hand, have him or her etch the words "I LOVE U" with the tip of a pencil in the heart shape. Let the box dry thoroughly -- overnight or longer depending upon humidity.

When the box is completely dry, paint it as desired. Try mixing up the colors. Let paint dry thoroughly. Brush with varnish and let dry.

For Older Kids:

Make a lid. Grab another fistful of clay. Squish and knead it together as before. Roll out the piece to be about one-eighth inch to one-quarter inch thickness. Measure the actual length and width of the rim of the box. Add one-half inch to both measurements.

Note: Help children add and subtract by showing them the fractions on the ruler.

Cut a rectangle to this size using the ruler and the knife. Roll the scraps into a ball and flatten again with the rolling pin to make another piece about the same thickness.

Now, measure the inside of the box, both length and width. Subtract one-half inch from each number. Cut a rectangle to this size using the ruler and the knife. Center the smaller rectangle on top of the larger one and gently press them together.

Flip the lid to the other side and etch the words, "Happy Mother's Day" on the top of the larger rectangle with the tip of the pencil. Allow the lid to dry thoroughly as before.

Decorate the lid. Paint the lid and lettering as desired. Varnish as before.

Add your wishes. Cut small strips of paper with decorative edged scissors. Write promises, simple messages or other sweet sayings on the strips. When the box is finished, fold messages and place inside before giving to mom.

Enjoy the day!

The Perfect Present Topper: DIY Mother's Day Gift Bag

Neha Prakash — 4/25/2011 5:07 PM

By Shiho Masuda

You've chosen the perfect present for Mom -- now it's time to add a personal touch to your Mother's Day gift by creating your own packaging. This 5"(w) x 7"(h) x 2"(d) handmade gift bag accessorized with a pink paper flower is perfect for small gifts, anything from handmade sweets to jewelry or bath products.

Credit: Shiho Masuda

You'll need:
12" x 15" sheet of paper
2.5" x 20" sheet of tissue paper
5/8" x 28" pink ribbon
3" wooden stick
floral stem tape

You will also need:
Cutting board
X-Acto Knife
Ruler
Scissors
Pencil
Double-sided tape
Glue dots

Credit: Shiho Masuda

Sketch out measurements on the back of your paper, based on 5" (w) x 7" (h) x 2" (d) packaging. Fold all the lines back and forth in both directions.

Credit: Shiho Masuda

Make four 2" cuts in bottom panel, cutting out triangles in the center flap. Fold in first crease from the left, then the second crease from the right (or vice versa), and stick the ends together with double-sided tape.

Credit: Shiho Masuda

Fold in and seal the bottom of your package using glue dots: start with the side tabs, and finish with the tab with the cut-off corner. Push in the center of both sides of the package to form creases.

Make 1/4" accordion folds with the tissue paper (it may take some time...be patient!). Cut one end of folded tissue paper in a "V" shape. Glue one end of the tissue strip to the wooden stick with a glue dot, and holding the bottom part, start rolling the stick to create a tissue flower.

Credit: Shiho Masuda

Wrap the bottom of the flower and stick with the floral stem tape, and cut the stick to about 3" length. Tie the bow at the top of the stem. Place the gift inside, and fold the top about 1", then fold another 1"; fold the right top corner in a triangle and close the end with a glue dot

Slide the stem of the tissue flower through the inside of the triangle flap.

Shiho Masuda is a gift wrapping guru and paper artist based in New York City. She has given classes and demonstrations around the city on gift wrapping and other paper crafts, and produces fun and easy-to-follow crafts videos. She is currently focusing on eco-friendly crafts projects. For photos of her work, please visit her website. Masuda contributed this post to Holidash via Seed.

New to Fatherhood? Don't Fret: The Do's and Don'ts of Mother's Day

Neha Prakash — 4/25/2011 4:38 PM

By Brett Singer

Here's the situation. You're a new father. You're dealing with pressure. Anxiety. Poop. (Lots of poop.) And then May rolls around, hopefully bringing May flowers... and Mother's Day.

As if you don't have enough to worry about, right?

The first thing you need to know about Mother's Day is that yes, you are obligated to do something nice for the mother of your child. Yes, we know she's not your mother, but without you she wouldn't be anyone's mother, so man up and mark your calendar (Mother's Day is May 8, in case you didn't know).

The second thing you need to know is that asking your single friends for help shopping for your wife will result in answers like these:

DON'T: get her a "Mommy Dearest" DVD.
DON'T: choose that particular dinner to introduce her to your girlfriend.

(Lesson: Single guys are funny, but they have no idea what they're talking about when it comes to Mother's Day.)

But, hey, don't panic! Holidash has got your back. To find out how to handle that first Mother's Day, we spoke with a few guys who have been there and done that (not always the right way, unfortunately for them). Here are some do's and don'ts from real-life dads. Take notes.

DO: Get her a card/gift.
DON'T: Ask your single guy friends for advice.
We've already covered why your single friends are a bad source of Mother's Day shopping advice; the one thing they do seem to understand, though, is that you should get your baby mama something to show how much you care. Ben Kimball, a sawmill laborer and volunteer firefighter from Pennsylvania, says via email that on Mother's Day, dads should make mom "feel as important and special as she is every day." Even if you know that she knows how much you appreciate all she does, be it working, wiping noses (or worse), or both, this is a day to show her exactly how you feel.

It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I usually save the big gifts for anniversaries. But you should probably pick up a present of some sort, at least flowers. Or keep things simple and go with a card. That's what Ben says he did for his wife's first Mother's Day, and it was a hit.

DO: Involve the kids.
DON'T: Expect them to do anything without your help.
Even if the special lady in your family picks up your dirty socks for you (and if so, consider yourself lucky), it's important to remember that she's not your mom. Since this is her first mother's day, your kids will probably be too little to do much in the way of gift buying. But that doesn't mean they can't contribute. Joshua Lewis Berg, a children's entertainer living in Burbank, CA, says via Facebook that one year he picked up a t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan "Hand's Down, Best Mother Ever." Then he increased the cute factor by including paint-dipped hand prints from his little girl. What did mom think? "She still wears the shirt to this day," Josh says. All together now -- awww! Josh, you're making the rest of us look bad. Thanks, man.

DO: Remember that she's your wife.
DON'T: Forget that she's a mom.
While you're honoring your wife for all the things she does as a mother, do not make the mistake of ignoring her wife-ness on Mother's Day -- or any other day of the year. Ben from Pennsylvania says that while the kids are focused on her as a mother (of course), it is a good idea for a husband to focus on his wife as -- well, as a wife.

This does not mean that you should get her Victoria's Secret lingerie for Mother's Day. Save it for your anniversary. (And be honest -- that's a gift for you, dude.) The trick is to find a balance between the two roles, something that can be accomplished by making sure that on this day it is all about her. Barack Levin, an author living in Atlanta, GA, decided that this year, he will send his wife to a spa for Mother's Day, for a day off from the kids. Why? Because, he says via email, she deserves it.

DO: Get the kids involved.
DON'T: Put them in charge.
We all know that moms want their kids to recognize how much they do as mothers, but let's face it: The pre-school set are not the best party planners. Involve your kids in whatever you're cooking up for their mother, but don't hand the whole celebration over to them. Continuing in his quest to make the rest of us look bad, Joshua Lewis Berg tells us that he includes the kids in any Mother's Day plans because "it is, after all, 'mother's' day, not 'wife's' day." Jonathan Sager, a Mainframe Administrator from Callicoon Center, NY (and husband of Holidash contributor Jeanne Sager) says via email that "as a new father [approaching] Mother's Day for the first time, it is important to let [your wife] know that that she is a good mother and that you appreciate what she does for your child."

Gregg Lichtenstein, Los Angeles, CA, screenwriter and creator of obesity-fighting performance troupe The Activators, went a step further on his first Mother's Day. "Our daughter was only three weeks old and my wife was exhausted," he says via email, "so I decided to become a 'manny' for the day. I took care of our baby and also waited on my wife hand and foot. This included meals in bed, an endless supply of magazines, her favorite DVDs, foot rubs, and an entire day of uninterrupted sleep. I didn't focus on her as a wife or a mother - instead, she was a queen for a day. And it was just what she needed."

DO: Go all out for Mother's Day.
DON'T: Assume that you're off the hook when Sunday is over.
Mother's Day comes but once a year, but a mom is a mom every single day. "One word of advice for dads (new and old)," says Barack Levin. "Do not wait for Mother's Day to show your appreciation to the mother of your children. She deserves more than just one day." Joshua Berg says that dads need to make sure that mom "feels appreciated every day for what she does... but especially on Mother's Day, let her know that you are thankful." Whether mom is a full-time homemaker or CEO of the MegaGlobalHuge Corporation, she's still the mom. And this is her special day. So don't screw it up!

But hey, no pressure.

5 Tips For A Healthier Easter

Neha Prakash — 4/22/2011 3:11 PM

By Catherine Pearson

From the traditional holiday ham to baskets overflowing with candy, Easter can quickly turn into a bad day for people, health-wise. But by ditching a few not-so-great-for-you-treats in favor of healthier alternatives, you can enjoy the holiday and keep your healthy eating efforts on track, too.

Choose Dark Chocolate

Several studies have touted the health benefits of dark chocolate, from its ability to lower blood pressure to the fact that its packed with key antioxidants. Not all chocolates are created equal, though, so ook for a less processed variety, which should have plenty of vascular-health-promoting flavanols.

Fill Baskets With Healthy Alternatives

If you're playing Easter bunny this year, pass on packing your kids' baskets full of sugary treats and opt, instead, for healthier options. Try filling bright eggs with trail mix or granola. Or swap out snacks altogether, opting instead for toys, coloring books or other small treats.

Keep The Asparagus Light

Fresh spring asparagus is a staple of many an Easter meal, but it can quickly go from a light and nutritious side dish to a calorie-laden affair, thanks to many of the sauces people opt for. (We're looking at you, béarnaise.) Try something like a light tarragon sauce, which is creamy but not quite as dense, calories-wise.

Get Active

Plan an Easter egg hunt for you, your friends and your family that takes you all running around the yard, or maybe walk to church together, rather than piling into the car. The point is to get out and spend a few minutes clocking some exercise while still enjoying the day.

When All Else Fails, Remember Moderation

The thing is, if you stick to just a few pieces of candy, it's hardly the end of the world. So let yourself indulge in one or two and then pass that basket on!

Top 10 Children's Easter Books

Damon Scheleur — 4/22/2011 3:04 PM

When the kids grow tired of Easter egg hunting and candy munching, reading is the perfect way to keep up the holiday spirit.

Here are the top 10 children's books to help you celebrate as a family.

Amazon

The First Easter by Carol Heyer
A traditional religious text, The First Easter tells the story of the last week of Jesus' life, explaining to young children the story of his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, his crucifixion, and his miraculous resurrection.

Amazon

The Story of Resurrection Eggs in Rhyme and Song by Jean Thomason
This simple, rhyming book is perfect for preschoolers, who will be delighted to follow Miss PattyCake through the wonderful story of Easter.

Amazon

Rugrats' Easter Surprise by Sarah Willson
Easter is best celebrated with friends and family, and what better friends to invite to the party that the lovable and mischievous Rugrats? Follow Tommy and the rest of the gang through their very own Easter egg hunt, where eggs are the least of the surprise!

Amazon

The Easter Bunny That Overslept by Priscilla and Otto Friedrich
What happens when the Easter bunny oversleeps? He tries to delivery his eggs on Mother's Day, Fourth of July and Halloween-of course!

Amazon

Spots First Easter by Eric Hill
Every child's favorite dog teams up with his hippopotamus friend Helen to find the Easter eggs. With this lift-the-flap book, readers, too, can join in the hunt.

Amazon

Easter: With Words from the King James Bible by Fiona French
This elegantly illustrated book helps young children get their first taste of the biblical story as it is written in the King James Bible itself.

Amazon

God's Love at Easter by Joy Morgan Davis
Another rhyming book, this story lets children rejoice in the love God showers upon them during the holiday season.

Amazon

Badger's Easter Surprise by Alan and Linda Parry
Waking up is never easy, especially for a badger who has been sleeping all winter long. But when this very grumpy badger realizes that his friends have made him an Easter present, the springtime starts looking a whole lot brighter.

Amazon

It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz
The Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the whole Peanuts gang are not looking forward to Easter this year. They even decided to cancel the whole celebration, until the unexpected "Easter Beagle" shows up to raise their spirits.

Amazon

Lilies, Rabbits and Painted Eggs: The Story of the Easter Symbols by Edna Barth
Why do we paint eggs on Easter but carve pumpkins on Halloween? Why do we think of bunnies during Easter but reindeers during Christmas? This book teaches your child the history behind Easter's symbols and helps everyone rejoice in the coming of spring.

Easter Bunny Explained: How A Rabbit Got Associated With Easter

Neha Prakash — 4/22/2011 2:32 PM

By Dean Praetorius

The Easter Bunny is perhaps the biggest commercial symbol of Easter.

But how did a rabbit and eggs become associated with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Well there clearly seems to be no correlation between the secular symbols and the Christian holiday. While the first known mentions of the bunny tradition appear in 15th century German literature according to Discovery, the bunny has its roots in pre-13th century pagan traditions.

From Discovery:

Bunnies, eggs, Easter gifts and fluffy, yellow chicks in gardening hats all stem from pagan roots. They were incorporated into the celebration of Easter separately from the Christian tradition of honoring the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Some believe, rabbits were associated with the Teutonic deity Eostra, the goddess of spring and fertility, for their especially high reproduction rate. Eggs, and especially their hatching, are another symbol of spring with roots in pagan tradition, according to History.com.

Germanic, pagan, spring traditions and Christian resurrection tradition were quickly melded together as Roman Catholicism became the dominant religion in the region around the 15th century, according to Discovery. As a result, the Easter Bunny tradition in America takes its roots in the German settlers of Pennsylvania.

From History.com:

According to some sources, the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws." Their children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs.

Much like leaving cookies out for Santa, German children often left carrots out hoping the bunny would leave them extra special candy.

Heidi Klum's Unique Easter Crafts for Kids

Neha Prakash — 4/22/2011 2:17 PM

Heidi Klum and her children's art teacher demonstrate some of Klum's favorite Easter holiday family arts and crafts. From dyeing eggs to innovative new ways to decorate them, kids and parents can definitely have a great time with these simple but festive ideas.

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