어버이날 (Eobeoinal) Parents' Day and Gift Ideas
The month of May is a special month for Korea. It is considered the month of family, by having Children's Day on the 5th and Parents' Day on the 8th. While most of us are used to celebrating Mothers' Day in May and Fathers' Day in June, this day of appreciation is combined into one over in Korea.
Initially influenced by the Western tradition of Mothers' Day back in the 1930s, the date has since evolved to include both parents. On this day, it is tradition for Korean children to make paper carnations to pin onto their parent's clothes. They also give their parents a letter of gratitude. Adult children tend to give gifts in the form of money, meals, medical checkups, or vacations.
This is a song children usually sing to their parents on Parents' Day and the lyrics roughly translate as such:
We talk about the boundless sky but to me, there's something that's just as wide.
The love of my mother who birthed and raised me.
I think it's greater than that of the blue sky.
We talk about the never-ending sea but to me, there's something that's just as great.
The love of my father who raised me and taught me how to be a person.
I think it's greater than that of the sea.
As we approach Fathers' Day on 20 June, here are some gift ideas for you to show your appreciation to your father!
Buy him a cake
Paris Baguette Chocolate Teatra Earl Grey Cake ($60)
Paris Baguette has recently released their Chocolate Teatra Earl Grey Cake ($60) that features a harmonious blend of their premium Young Grey Tea (Chinese Black Tea and Earl Grey Tea) with chocolate mousse and white chocolate cream.
From 7 to 17 June, they are having a promotion that gives you a 10% off when you pre-order from their webstore.
There will also be a free Paris Baguette Cake Tote Bag with the purchase of the Father’s Day cake. From now till 31 June, you can also enjoy $5 off when you bring along a Paris Baguette Cake Tote Bag to purchase any whole cake. The bag is while stocks last, so get yours before it runs out!
For those who may want to purchase the cake in person, the cake will also be sold in their physical stores and will be available on GrabFood from 18 to 20 June.
Gift a pair of earphones
Image credit: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Our fathers, like most of us, are working from home as well. With the whole family working from home, things can get pretty noisy. Why not get a pair of earphones for dad so that he can work in peace?
A pair of Bluetooth earbuds can also be a good companion for fathers who exercise frequently.
Surprise him with electronics
LG UltraWide™ Monitor (34WN650)
LG UltraWide™ Monitor (34WN650) ($649) is perfect for dads who are working from home. The wide screen enables dad to easily view all the documents he needs for work without the hassle of switching between different tabs.
This monitor is also perfect for a gaming session or two after a long day’s work.
From 17 June to 18 August, every purchase of the LG UltraWide™ Monitor (34WN650) will also come with a free Logitech MK470 Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo worth $79. Please refer to www.lg.com/sg/promotions for the full terms and conditions.
Cook a homecooked meal
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. For those who know their way around the kitchen, why not take some time this Fathers' Day to cook your dad his favourite meal? Your sincerity and love pour into this meal will definitely make it taste better.
Write a letter of appreciation
For most of us born into Asian culture, we find it difficult to express our feelings verbally. Instead of always skirting around telling dad that you love him, why not writing it in a letter? Thank him for all the sacrifices he has made for you and for all the love that he has shown you.
Those who feel exceptionally awkward about this can opt to put it in an envelope and tell dad to read it only when you're not around.
Have a self-photoshoot
Image credit: @achahakyeon on Instagram
Black and white self-photoshoots are popular in Korea now. These are spaces that have all the professional equipment of a photoshoot — it only lacks a photographer. In their place is a remote control that you can use to snap photos.
Fotomat Studios offers this service here in Singapore.
Go on local tours
Most of us would have used up our SingapoRediscovers Vouchers on staycations or on local tours around our sunny island. There are still plenty of local tours that we can find on travel companies like Klook or Traveloka. If there is a tour that suits dad's tastes, why not go ahead and book one for him and the whole family?
You can even book a massage session for everyone to unwind at the end of a long day of exploring Singapore!
Check out some massage and spa recommendations here.
A father's love and sacrifice for the family is often overlooked in the face of appreciating and thanking our mothers. This Fathers' Day, show dad that you care and love him just as much as he does you!