Father’s Day is just around the corner and with June just about to start, it’s time to get going on those ideas. Minted asked me to think about what types of gifts are appropriate for the diplo-dads out there and it got me thinking that there really isn’t just one of kind guy in diplomacy…all sorts of personalities do all sorts of jobs, so here are a few picks based on the kind I see most often. (**As a side note, of course all these jobs are also occupied by women in the foreign service, but for today, this is for the gents!)
The Domestic Affairs Guy: This is the guy that represents America because well, he just loves America – honor a state important to him, like where he grew up or where you got married as a little sentimental nod to the fact that all places in the US are special, but some just a bit more so.
The International Trade Guy: He knows exactly which goods come from where and everything in its path and how it all works together. In the end we’re all connected, right?
The Perpetual Envoy Guy: When something is going on in the world, this guys seems to be on his way there. So instead of a view from his office, he seems to always have a view from the plane.
The Unaccompanied Tour Guy: Most people don’t realize that when many people live and travel abroad for diplomacy, they do so without their families because of security situations. Which means that they’re often missing our on the little day to day moments that make ordinary days extraordinary. Pick a special moment from one of their visits home to remind them that their family is waiting for their safe and speedy return.
The Public Diplomacy Guy: He’s one to know at the embassy because this is the guy that plans all the fun stuff. Well, fun some of the times. This collage would be great to highlight the many events he’s put together all in one place.
The Countries and Regions Guy: Sometimes he’s a Latin America specialist, sometimes Asia, sometimes Middle East. Pick a location or destination important to this diplo-dad, an important post or milestone city. The numbered coordinates invite conversation from others – good thing too since he’s the expert and can tell you all about it.
Which one would you pick? And if you do pick one, Minted is actually kind enough to offer for all readers 10% off their Father’s Day gifts (and that includes the prints featured here, notebooks, stationery, art prints and cards) as well as free ground shipping. Pretty cool. Use the code on your orders until June 6!