Buying your father a gift on Father’s Day is always a process. How do you even attempt to make or get something that properly shows your undying appreciation? While you’re procrastinating on getting a gift (like me) take a look at this list, which documents the annual cycle of gift-buying.

1. Realize that Father’s Day is coming up

2. Instinctive “Ugh, do I have to get a gift?”

(I realize this is June, not Christmas, but that face just works so well for the sentiment)

3. Answer own question: “Yes, Dad is awesome and deserves a gift.”

4. Decision one: Store-bought or homemade?

Matching father-daugher bowties, anyone? Sometimes store-bought is nicer, homemade shows more thought.

5. Rack brains for father’s hobbies.

Does watching the game on TV count?

6. Do I get him something work-related?

Pretty, but also pretty boring.

7. Is baking an option, or is he on a diet?

Think you have it bad? My poor friend is a baker but has a father with no sweet-tooth.

8. Have we had any conversations where he’s mentioned wanting something?

Oh, but he has more money than I do, so he probably would just buy it for himself.

9. Does this funny internet thing that I found work?

Or is it too impersonal?

10. Decide on gift.

11. Make a plan to buy the gift.

12. Procrastinate on said plan.

13. Realize Father’s Day is coming up super soon. Scramble to get gift.

3, 2, 1… Go!!

14. Homemade vs. store bought debate part 2: What do I do for the card?

15. Wrap gift.

Sometimes this requires a bit of creativity based on the size and shape of the gift.

16. Rack brains for appropriate and original way to express sentiments in card.

Is this just like what I said last year?

17. Hope that he likes it

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56380734@N05/6905728412

18. See the reaction, and most importantly, give the gift with a big hug and a “Thank you!”

19. Realize that Father’s Day is about more than just the gifts.