Please, for the love of all that is holy, please no more neckties.
Look, fathers appreciate the effort of picking out our most recent noose, but dads have enough ties. Instead, let’s go with something a little bit more personal. With Christmas just around the corner, I know buying for dad can be a bit daunting, so we fall back on old favorites. It’s just, well, as much as dads love a good quality aftershave, let’s shoot for something a little more personal.
So, if you’re having a hard time figuring out what to buy for dad this year, here are some ideas that can get you started.
The Perfect Gifts for Dad
1. Hobbies: Dads love hobbies and have a long tradition of putting miniature boats into glass bottles. Hobbies are gift giving gold for dad. Its something that lets him know you’ve actually been paying attention to him. Of if dad doesn’t have any hobbies, now is the time to help him rekindle that lost love. For example, if he used to be into D and D, minis and dice are great. Fishing? That’s a great time for lures. Stamp collecting? Alright, I have no idea what stamp collecting gear is out there. But do your research and spend a couple of bucks to give the old man some fun.
2. Tickets: It’s no secret that dad can’t’ get enough of free stuff, and tickets are right up there. Especially for something that he would never buy for himself because he’s busy fixing water heaters or saving for your college fund. And even if you buy those tickets with his own money, he will appreciate the effort. Look not only for tickets to museums and movies, but lesser known places such as a tour of a Victorian home. Dad loves seeing some old-fashioned woodworking. Is dad into whiskey? Give him a tour of a distillery.
3. Plan an adventure: Trust me, the thing that dad wants more than anything is making a memory with you. Plan a whole day (include a nap for the old man) and get going on an adventure. It can be anything from just a morning out at a restaurant he’s never been to before to a road trip. The point is, what dad really wants is to spend time with you. I know that sounds sentimental, but it’s the truth. And if dad doesn’t have to plan that adventure? All the better. I’m secretly hoping that my kids will take me to the world’s largest pair of shoes this year. It’s a thing.
4. Get into self-care: Yes, even dad needs some selfcare. But ignore the bath bombs, and floral scents. If dad has a beard, beard butter and oil are a perfect gift. If he likes the clean-shaven look, go with specialty shaving foam and a nice shaving brush. Next, don’t ignore the value of a good massage. It’s something that he probably won’t buy himself but will appreciate that you did. Give him a chance to pamper those muscles as he carries life along.
5. Fancy Seasoning: As a kid, I used to hate food as gifts. But as a dad, if I don’t get some specialty BBQ seasoning, I’m going to be disappointed. There are enough spice stores that have popped up over the years that they make the perfect stop for dad. No matter what your dad’s tastes are, get him something to spicen up his life. Then use that pun as your dad joke and really impress him.
6. The Christmas Package: Dads put everything together on Christmas morning. In his stocking, give him the small things that make life easier. A pair of small pliers, wire cutters, assorted batteries, duct tape, something to snack on, and then some fancy hot chocolate. He’ll appreciate someone thinking ahead Christmas Morning.
7. Crafts: Every father has an ashtray that their kid once made. Where does it sit? Somewhere he can look at it often, because even though he doesn’t smoke, he likes thinking of you. So, get creative and literally make him anything that reminds him of you. How about crocheting a thermostat cover? He’ll laugh and use it for the rest of his life.
8. Books, entertainment, and quiet: Dad’s life can often be loud and full of chaos. Every day he wakes up trying to bring order to that chaos. So give the old man a break with his favorite movie or book. Start with The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad Manual. I have to say that or my advertising wife gets made. But it’s full of funny stories and advice that any dad can appreciate.
No matter what gift you pick out for the father in life, remember that it’s you that really makes him happy. So, on Christmas morning, before the presets get unwrapped or breakfast is ready, take a moment to just give dad a hug. It’s the best gift of all.
But also, barbecue seasoning is pretty sweet, too.
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The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad: Your Essential Manual for Being an Awesome Full-Time Father
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock