One of the best things about being a dad is having the opportunity to plan little surprises for them, especially when they are not expecting it.

I have always done this. It started with my oldest daughter, when she was a baby. I took our youth group to an event at Six Flags in St. Louis. When I came home, I bought a small Bugs Bunny stuffed animal and brought it home to her. She still has it, sixteen years later.

My kids love it when I come home from a trip. I almost always have something for each of them. I have brought back bigger items, like t-shirts and hoodies. Other times, they are smaller items, like key rings or magnets. One time, I brought home some copper plated post cards for each of them, with a hand-written message to each child on the back.

And at other times, it could simply be a drink at Sonic, or a burger from McDonald’s, when we are out. My goal is to keep things exciting and unexpected, at least some of the time.

What this does, is it expresses my love for them, each of them. One of the primary ways I express my love for others is to give them gifts. I do the same for my wife, and even other people in our lives.

Giving small, surprising gifts to my kids is something I will never regret doing. As a minister, I am often busy. And even though I take time off to spend with each part of my family, both separately and together, many times, I am busy, gone to conferences, church events, hospital visitations, or something else. During times like these, a small gift reminds my family of my love.

Frankly, with seven children, it can get a little bit expensive to do this at times. But it is money well spent. And I will never regret it.

Be deliberate, Dad!

Do you give small surprises to your kids? What is a memorable example of this from your family life? You can leave your thoughts in the comments by clicking here.