Father’s Day is right around the corner…and you haven’t gotten him anything yet! We have you covered. Here are a few suggestions that we’ve come across that are unique, cool, and practical…just like your dad. Dust off your charge card.
Why is Dad’s Day so perplexing for so many people? Fathers can be intricate souls, but perhaps a solution to your problem might be looking at what you want your gift to say. In other words, what kind of gift giver are you?
A serious gift giver might want to give something that conveys their true feelings, as well as how much they truly care about all the “fathering” they received. A Dad Book might satisfy that serious, well-wisher side. It can say you’re interested in what his thoughts are, and it represents a good opportunity to get to know the man a little better. Here’s one example (<$8) that comes with 300 different prompts to get your dad thinking, talking and sharing his life story.
Another heartfelt present that your dad might be tempted to actually display in a prominent spot on his office shelf would be the Best Dad Photo Album (~$30). Artfully designed, using 30 of your favorite father memory shots, you can capture your special relationship with him over the years. Your first step, or bike ride, dance lesson, baseball coach, etc. No one else could give what you can with this gift.
A little less serious, but still personalized to your specific dad would be a Lego-like character built just for him ($21+), stylized from several different options to capture his unique look or character, with glasses, husky, dark hair, etc. You can even include a favorite pet. Check out the options here. You’ll have 500 characteristics for your mini-brick art statuette. I guess you could paint it gold, too, if you want to make a political statement.
One thing about your dad you may not know is that all dads deep down inside feel that they deserve a quiet moment with a cigar and a glass of whiskey. It’s kind of a James Bond, high-society dream a lot of men have deep down inside. So bring it out, and give your dad permission to sit back and enjoy life with this special Cigar Glass. Two pastimes in one, two male moments combined, what could be better? Crystal, no less ($30).
Now let’s get to fatherly hobbies or interests. Each gift shows that you’ve been paying attention to whatever he’s been into lately, or forever. Take soccer. With the World Cup arriving soon, soccer-loving dads are surely getting their TV remote grips in shape. Help him get the whole soccer picture with this masterful book written by a true soccer expert who’s covered every tournament since 1990.
Maybe dad is more into golf. Last year’s driver gift has probably gotten a lot of use, but it’s his short game that needs to be worked on. That’s why most dad’s really get a kick out of having their own putting green. He’ll be able to practice in private with this Putt- A-Bout set. Here’s the thing: you can tell him this is far from a kid’s toy, with each cutout hole 1/4” smaller than standard to help sharpen his game.
And, if soccer and golf are not on his playlist, surely he has a favorite baseball team, or should have, if you live in a Major League city. You’ll have all summer to take him to a game. Before the game, make sure he can toast his favorite team with his own personal MLB glass. Each glass can be personalized with hair style, skin tone, etc. and of course his favorite team ($35).
We’ve covered off the major summer sports. But just in case your good ‘ole dad is one of those “pigskin-only” people, you might think about a gift certificate from StubHub that he could apply to tickets for his favorite football team. This would have an added benefit to carry over to any music concert or theater event he might be interested in, too. It says “I know you’re a versatile guy and have many interests, so go for one.”
Speaking of interests, your dad might have a hobby or two that you can acknowledge and support. Men are into barbecuing, but you’ve probably already given him every version of a meat-lovers guide to charcoal already. How about pasta? You can go whole hog with a pasta machine (way expensive, though) or merely feed into his pasta interest with this book. It’s from a master chef, calling up recipes from journeys across Italy. He’ll be singing “O’ solo mio!” in no time.
If your dad’s into gardening, he probably already has every little shovel and trimmer and edger he could find. But chances are he has nothing like this weeding knife. Sturdy stainless steel, with serrated and non-serrated edges, it’s versatile for digging, trimming, weeding. The wooden handle makes him look like a pro. Good for camping, too, if he’s into that.
About camping, or hiking, a very simple gift to think about that most dads wouldn’t get for themselves is a pair of “Darn Tough Socks.” These won’t wear out for quite a while and provide the comfort guys need when they’re out and about over rugged terrain, or even just biking/hiking around the neighborhood. Helps protect the Achilles, too.
Let’s say your dad is just a great guy with no particular interests or hobbies (probably too busy raising you and your siblings to have any extra time, huh?). Here are a couple of male type things to consider. How about a shoehorn made from a real antler horn? Abbeyhorn has been making them for over 275 years. Or maybe, since you’ve moved out, your dad finally has time to pick up his old guitar and start strumming again. These special guitar picks (made from real cattle horns) might give him the encouragement to keep jamming. You can even get personalized ones here.
A few last ideas that might fit his personality, and your budget, might be a gift that would acknowledge his favorite city or hometown/birthplace. Every city probably has something comparable to this selection of city-specific items like the Chicago Tribune does. Do some research, and you’re bound to find something with his town’s name on it. And since everyone’s talking about drones lately, why not give your dad his very own smartphone-controlled paper airplane ($60)?
And now for the really BIG spender son or daughter, why not give your dad a personalized message from a famous person you know he really likes. Cameo has a ton of suggestions, ranging in price from less than $100 to over $1000. I for one always liked the comedian Jeff Garlin from Curb Your Enthusiasm, and for less than $150 my kids could get me a personalized video message from Jeff to me. (Hint, hint.) Check it out here.
Of course, you could always book a 4-trip plan with GO Airport Shuttle for the next time dad comes to visit your place providing safe, sure, convenient transportation for him, from your old home to your new home. Check out the possibilities here, and have a great Father’s Day!