Gift Ideas for the Hero in Your Life- Dad!

No matter what your dad likes to do, you can find the perfect gift

Your dad taught you how to throw a softball, ride a bike or, if you’re older, change your first flat tire. He gave you that pep talk when you were feeling low, and he also taught you the difference between right and wrong when you were feeling confused. He fixed broken toys with a special glue and broken hearts with a special hug. Dads are our first heroes and Father’s Day gives us the chance to give them the thanks they deserve.

Dad Loves the Links

Your dad loves playing golf. If he could have his way, he’d live on the golf course and play a round or two every day. He taught you how to hold a club when putting, and how to hold your temper when the ball was hit out of bounds. Give this dad a gift certificate to your local driving range so that he can sharpen up his swing for the upcoming season. A sleeve of good golf balls would also be a welcomed gift.

Father Nature

Who said that mothers had the lock on nature? Some dads feel happiest when taking hikes and going camping. Give this dad a guide to your state’s parks. Add an I.O.U. for a day of family hiking or weekend of camping with him to complete the gift.

Spicy Dad

Some dads can’t get it hot enough. When the chile competition comes to town, his first reaction is “bring it on.” He scoffs when friends tell him about their recent spicy dinner. If this describes your dad, he will love a gift basket of spicy foods and sauces. You can include hot sauces, spicy snacks, and peppery spices. Promise him you’ll try his next spicy dish, even if you need to keep a glass of cold milk close at hand.

Fish Story

In good times and in bad your dad can be found at his nearest fishing hole. He always has stories of his biggest catch and even more stories about the ones that got away. This dad would love a gift box filled with fishing accessories such as a guide book to local fishing spots, a table of the tides, and an assortment of new lures to replace the ones that mysteriously disappeared.

He’ll Take Manhattan, Atlanta, or Chicago

Your dad is really a city kind of guy. He loves walking down city streets, taking in the local sights, and patronizing the arts. Your dad would love a membership to your city’s art museum. This will give him the chance to keep up with the latest exhibits as well as an excuse to visit the city more often.

Hats off to the Chef

More dads than ever before are trying their hand at cooking for the family. Some are sticking with the grill, while others are taking on indoor cooking projects too. Inspire your culinary dad in his future cooking projects. Give him a new cookbook for the type of recipes he enjoys preparing, whether it’s on the grill or in the kitchen. If your budget allows, add some new cooking tools such as, a grill set or measuring spoons.

Play Ball

If your dad is one of the original boys of summer, and if he tries to catch every broadcast game of his hometown baseball team, give him that team’s yearbook. That way he can learn the stats of all the players and be the all-star himself around the water cooler. A glossy picture or poster of his favorite player may also “score” for you.

He's a Traveling Man

Unfortunately, you never see your dad except on weekends. He spends his very long weekdays in airports traveling to meetings. He has an mp3 player to amuse himself with music, but what would really entertain him is an iTunes gift card to purchase movies or audiobooks to help endure those tedious hours on the plane.

Vroom, Vroom

Your dad’s a bit of a motor head. He talks about plugs and gaskets as if everyone understands the language. As a car maintenance do-it-your-selfer, this dad will appreciate a gift of top quality car wax or car wash accessories. In addition, if dad has a dream car on his life list, give him a model of that car to make his dreams that much more tangible. And if you know of a Father’s Day car show in your area, don’t even ask, just take him to it. What more could a dad want then to have a willing companion at one of these events?