When Mother's Day comes along, everybody knows it. Those of us who aren't moms go into a panic: what should we do for Mom, what should we get her, how can we show we really appreciate her? It's one of the most important gift-giving holidays of the year. Father's Day, on the other hand, all too often goes overlooked. Sure, you love your dad. But when his special day comes around, you too-often find yourself buying some silly "Dad" gift (a tie, a box of golf tees, some socks), handing it over to him, and going on your merry way. But dads deserve a little more appreciation than that!
This Father's Day, how about we spend a little less time tweaking our internet dating profiles and a little more time searching out that perfect gift for Dad. Want a little help in your search? Read on for my 15 favorite Father's Day gift ideas.
Gadget Gifts
1. iPod or Docking Station. If your Dad's anything like mine, he's really into his music! Upgrade him to a newer, better iPod or pick up a handy transportable docking station he can take along on trips or in his car. Dad's always stocked up, iPod-wise? Look into a personalized moleskin or wood cover for his iPod, or pay to have it engraved with his name.
2. A Kindle. Your dad a big reader? A Kindle is a two-fold gift. On the one hand, it's a gadget (which we all know that all Dad's love). On the other, it's a great way to read his favorite books and even check out the daily paper.
3. Wireless grilling thermometer. Another useful gadget gift. If your father plans to do a lot of grilling this summer, make the whole process easier for him (and a lot more fun) by picking up a wireless meat thermometer. He'll be able to tell when that thick steak is done in seconds.
4. Office seat massager. Unless your mother is a saint, Dad would probably like a few more massages than he actually gets. An in-seat massager to use at home or at work is the perfect solution.
5. Golf simulator. Can't afford or don't think Dad would want a Wii? Pick up a fun golf simulator. It plugs into the TV and helps Dad improve his swing.
Unusual Gifts
6. An experience. Forget a tie... give Dad something he'll really remember. From stock car racing to sky diving to renting a Harley Davidson motorcycle, experience gifts are something that will last forever.
7. A sporting event. If your dad's into sports, splurge on a special sporting event that he'll love. Even if the game itself doesn't take place for months down the road, just having the tickets will be something to get excited about. Especially if you promise to go along with him.
8. A footprint. This is an especially good gift for young fathers. Buy a piece of blank canvas, then dip your child's (or children's) foot into bright paint and press it onto the canvas. Place it in a nice frame to remind him of his kids whenever he looks at it. Plus, it looks cool.
9. A hammock. It seems to me that too few dads actually have access to an outdoor hammock. This is the gift that truly keeps on giving.
10. A piece of Mars. Who knows, one day Mars really may be colonized. Then your father will have a piece of it! These little Mars kits come with a certificate of ownership and a little map showing your dad exactly where his plot of the planet lies.
Inexpensive Homemade Gifts
11. A poem. You don't have to be Walt Whitman to express to your dad how much you appreciate him. Write him a poem, put it on pretty paper, and stick it in a frame. It's not the quality that matters, but the sentiment.
12. A homemade gift basket. This is one of my favorite gifts to give for Father's Day! Practically anything your dad is into can be assembled into a basket: beers of the world, Spanish wine, fishing gear, French cheeses, gardening supplies, you name it.
13. A great meal. If you spend the time and effort preparing it, he'll see how much you care, even if it's the only gift you give him this year.
14. Wash his car. Show your father that you know where his heart truly lies by giving his car the full treatment: wash, vacuum, wax, the works. Really want to make him happy? Change the oil while you're at it.
15. Family photos. This is an obvious choice for a Mother's Day present, but too many people miss it for Father's Day. Dad likes to have keepsakes, too. Print out some great father-kid photos and putting them in a nice frame or photo album to make a gift he'll be sure to cherish forever.
