Dads are famously hard to buy for. Ask what he wants and the answer is always the same: "Nothing, I've got everything." And for a big birthday like his 60th, another gadget or gift card just feels a bit thin.
I know, because that's exactly where Atelier Buba started. For my dad's 60th, I wanted to give him something he'd keep and come back to for years. So I made him a magazine about his own life, filled with stories and photos from everyone who loves him. He read it cover to cover at least ten times.
Here are gift ideas for a 60th that are personal, thoughtful and made to keep.
1. A magazine all about him
Collect stories, old photos and messages from family and friends, and turn them into a real magazine with him on the cover. Think interviews, "then and now" photos, his greatest hits and the stories everyone retells at birthdays.
The Magazine Dad template has 68 editable pages ready to fill in Canva, so you don't need any design skills. Print it and he gets a glossy magazine that's 100% about him.
Why it works: it's not one gift, it's everyone's gift. Every page is a message from someone who loves him.
2. A family cookbook with his favorite recipes
Is your dad the king of the barbecue, or the one who always asks for grandma's stew? Gather the family recipes and the stories behind them into one book. A family cookbook template makes it easy to add recipes, photos and little notes.
3. A day out with the people he loves
Experiences make great gifts for a milestone. Plan a day around the things he loves most: a hike, a match, a long lunch at his favorite place. Bonus points if you bring the magazine along and hand it over at the table.
4. A "60 reasons" jar or letter
Ask family and friends for one reason each why they love him, until you reach sixty. Write them on small cards in a jar, or collect them in a letter. It's a lovely extra page for his magazine too.
5. A restored photo from his childhood
Find an old photo of him as a kid, have it scanned and printed in a nice frame. Paired with a story from his own parents or siblings, it's a small gift with a big impact.
How to make the magazine before his birthday
- Start two to three weeks ahead. That gives everyone time to send stories and photos.
- Send a few questions around. Not sure what to ask? Use the free questionnaire or the list in what to write in a personalized magazine.
- Fill the template in Canva. Drop the photos into the frames and paste in the stories. A free Canva account works.
- Print it. At home, with Canva Print or at a local print shop. Read how to print your Canva magazine for tips.
Not just for his 60th
The same idea works for his 50th, 65th, 70th, retirement, or Father's Day. Some of the most touching magazines I've seen were made for a dad who "didn't want anything at all".
Frequently asked questions
What's a good gift for a dad who has everything?
Something personal he can't buy himself, like a magazine full of stories from the people he loves. It's about the memories, not the money.
How long does it take to make a magazine?
Collecting stories takes the most time. Filling the template itself can be done in an evening or two, depending on how much you add.
Is there a version for mom too?
Yes. There's a Magazine Mom template, and a Mom + Dad bundle if you want to surprise both.