Your dad has been there since the get go: to hone your skills as a budding athlete, with baseball catches that went on until nightfall, to encourage your passions, by video taping recitals and plays. He’s also kept your mind sharp with all the help he gave you with your homework. There’s one day of the year where you can give a little something back to your old man, and that’s Father’s Day. But as we all know, dads aren’t so easy to shop for; these fellas are notoriously reticent on the topic of what they “want.” After all, be it an extra couple of bucks of allowance or the keys to the car on a Friday night, it’s a dad’s job to give. Luckily, we’ve done our research, and there are a lot of gifts out there that pops everywhere will enjoy. So read on, and give a little back to the guy that gave a lot.
Hobby Related Gifts
Remember what activities he likes to do on his own whether it has to do with sports, science and technology, audio/visual, travel, fine arts, cuisine, etc. You can buy him something to complement a collection he is working on: for example, a set of new US quarters, a vintage Rolling Stones T-shirt, or an early edition of Spiderman comics. Another option is getting him equipment that is related to a particular theme that he enjoys, such as photography. Get him a new tripod, camera case, or some cool filters. Even if he doesn’t like gadgets and he was never one to take photos, you might surprise him with an easy-to-use camera. Some guys love grilling–get them a hot sauce gift basket or a grill light.
The audiophile loves fancy headphones.
Guide books for a place he wants to visit are good, but plane tickets are even better.
Give the gourmet chef/griller new kitchen knives or grilling utensils.
GPS devices are a must have for the hiker, cyclist, or skier.
Get him in shape for Kasparov with a new chess set. Then play a game together.
Outdoor Related Gifts
When you think of your father, what things that come to mind? If your dad likes to BBQ and takes a lot of pride in his yard, then the below suggestions may be just right for him. These gadgets will not only make life easier for dad, but they may put a smile on his face as well. Help him take care of his lawn and outdoor patio with these items.
Black & Decker 2.25 HP Electric Lawn Edger
This awesome appliance allows you to cut your lawn with precision. Easy assembly and handling delivers a neat lawn free of overgrowth in no time.
Hampton Bay Amazon Teak Double Rocker
This large rocker is perfect for an outdoor patio or porch. It fits two people comfortably and best of all, Amazon Teak wood is resistant to parasites and rot.
MrBBQ 30 Pc. Stainless Steel BBQ Tool Set
With this 30 piece BBQ set, you’ll never have to leave your grill again! Carving knives, a basting brush and even a bottle opener have you prepared for every grill situation–and it all comes in a handy aluminum carrying case!
Toro Rake and Vac
This acts as an all-in-one: leaf blower, leave shredder and vacuum. It features speeds and is great for cleaning up sidewalks and heavy clean up jobs on outdoor yards, reducing 8 bags of leaves to just 1.
Weber Q 100 Liquid Propane Portable Gas Grill
This portable cast-iron grill features a removable catch pan and is incredibly powerful for its size.
Dream Come True
Tap into his youth and help revive his old hobbies. Whether he used to collect, play sports, jam with a band, or even take part in chess club, bring him back to the old days. You can even offer a way to achieve a dream he never got to live. You can do this by offering him classes or a weekend getaway to a place that specializes in that arena. You can also pull out the junk from the attic, whatever it is that is long forgotten, and clean it up, tune it, and send it his way. Maybe it will help inspire him to get back into his old groove.
Did he always want to learn to play the guitar? Get him lessons or the guitar itself. Or if he has a pile of records lying around, get him a new turntable to play them on.
Did he ever dream of becoming a race car driver? Try a racing session with a popular sports car company, or rent him an exotic ride for a day.
Does he want to get into golf? Buy him some green time, lessons with a pro, or a hand held version of the real thing.
Even Dads like to be pampered some times. Why not get him a Skin Care Kit to help refresh him?
Shave kits are a great gift for men who take pride in the art of shaving.
Nostalgic Gifts
Find a gift that reminds him of time you both spent together. This can be as simple as a framed photo or special picture album from a trip or activity. Another option that is less a purchased gift and more of an activity gift is to relive one of the things you both used to do together (assuming that he’s in good health). For example, pack up the rods and reels and head to the old fishing hole. Plan a scuba diving trip, skiing trip, or a trip to the lake where you used to go boating.
Personalize it
You can rejuvenate some of those old gift ideas by simply adding a touch of engraving, embroidering or embossing. It can turn an ordinary gift into something quite special. It also shows that you have put time and thought into your gift. From personalized bathrobes with “Dad” on the lapel to jewelry with his initials engraved on the inside, it won’t matter if he already has one, your gift will be one-of-a-kind and totally memorable.
More Options
A few more last minute ideas.
Does your dad have a favorite movie he watches all the time? Why not get it for him on DVD?
Most men could always use a new watch, whether it be for sports,fun, or work wear.
Don’t underestimate how useful a gift certificate can be, whether it’s to his favorite restaurant or the local coffee shop.
Lots of men like to wear cologne when dressing up for an occasion or daily when getting ready for work. Find out his favorite scent and keep him stocked.
Pick up a book for your dad about his favorite sport or a novel by his favorite author- he’ll be sure to appreciate it.
Related Guides
Gifts for Mr. Gadget
Gifts for Nerds
Gifts for Sports Fanatics
Gifts for Stylish Guys
Gifts for Movie Buffs
Gifts for Travel Enthusiasts