By Adam Bieranowski
If you’re like me, when asked what you want for Father’s Day, you usually say something like, “You don’t have to get me anything.” Truth be told, everyone likes receiving gifts, no matter how old you are. However, most dads are used to putting themselves after their spouse and kids when it comes to things that they need. In most cases, it means that when it comes to the things you need or want, you just learn to do without. That’s why Father’s Day is so important! It is the one day that allows you to put the dad in your life first and get some of those things checked off his wish list. So here are some ideas that may help you make Father’s Day extra special this year!
Tools
I know this is the old standby. Cliché even. However, this is one that never disappoints. Most dads, especially in their early years of fatherhood, will have a never-ending list of tools they want or need. And tools are expensive! This is why they are typically at the bottom of the priority list unless you are in a line of work that requires tools or have a weekend project 52 weeks of the year. And if the dad in your life doesn’t have a long list of tools that he wants, there are always the cool, random project tools that you see infomercials for. You know the ones I’m talking about, the all-in-one screwdrivers that get those hard-to-reach areas. Even if dad doesn’t express interest directly, no dad will turn his nose up at something that will help put those kids’ toys together easier!
Electronics
When men are boys, we always want the newest video game system or electronic toy. When we grow up, those desires for the latest and coolest tech don’t change, they just get more expensive. Whether it be the newest phone, tablet, or, yes … even video game, men still want their cool toys! So then, what better for a Father’s Day gift than the newest and coolest electronics? Luckily, the advertising departments of these big tech companies know that dads are their target market and typically release the newest versions of things right around holidays like Father’s Day.
Cooking & Grilling Tools
This may be a more specific gift, depending on how much time he spends in the kitchen, but most dads these days like to cook. And just like tools, they want the cool stuff. I’m going to include outdoor grill accessories in this category as well. There are many options, depending on what type of griller he is. If he is a charcoal man, a charcoal starter is always a great idea! If he already has all the accessories, I’m sure if you take a look, he could probably use a new grill brush, scraper, tongs, or spatula. Those things get a lot of wear and tear working in those firey conditions!
Don’t forget about the kitchen too! In the winter months, Dad still likes to be the grill master but doesn’t necessarily want to brave the snow and cold. There are some great options for the indoor grill master as well. I recently bought a griddle attachment for my stove that turns the whole range into a flattop grill. This is great for burgers, cheesesteaks, fried rice, etc. It’s a great gift to bring out any dad’s inner fry cook!
An Experience
This is a very commonly overlooked gift. If the dad in your life isn’t into cooking or tools, I bet he has a hobby or sport that he is passionate about. This is where you can get REALLY creative and blow Dad away with something he would never expect. What about a signed jersey from his favorite athlete? Or maybe he builds models and loves Star Wars or Harry Potter! Whatever his passion, there are always cool collectibles that will show Dad how well you know him! Personally, I love building Legos with my daughter. I also love vintage video game systems. When Lego came out with the 80’s Nintendo Lego set with the moving Mario on the TV screen, I just about lost my mind!
Collectors’ Items
This is a very commonly overlooked gift. If the dad in your life isn’t into cooking or tools, I bet he has a hobby or sport that he is passionate about. This is where you can get REALLY creative and blow Dad away with something he would never expect. What about a signed jersey from his favorite athlete? Or maybe he builds models and loves Star Wars or Harry Potter! Whatever his passion, there are always cool collectibles that will show Dad how well you know him! Personally, I love building Legos with my daughter. I also love vintage video game systems. When Lego came out with the 80’s Nintendo Lego set with the moving Mario on the TV screen, I just about lost my mind!
Clothes
If there is anything Dad will deprive himself of, it’s clothes. In fact, most guys will hold onto the same wardrobe for decades. I know I still have some shirts and hoodies from college, and I’m in my 40s! Aside from the obvious, the issue with this is that Dad isn’t staying with the times here. He’s most likely a couple of decades behind. Part of this is because many guys don’t like shopping for clothes. The other part is that it isn’t a necessary expense when the clothes in his closet still fit fine. If you pay attention to what he likes, you can take the guilt and lack of style out of Dad’s life by picking up some attire that fits his likes and is more current.
Don’t forget about the kitchen too! In the winter months, Dad still likes to be the grill master but doesn’t necessarily want to brave the snow and cold. There are some great options for the indoor grill master as well. I recently bought a griddle attachment for my stove that turns the whole range into a flattop grill. This is great for burgers, cheesesteaks, fried rice, etc. It’s a great gift to bring out any dad’s inner fry cook!
Gift Cards
Now I know gift cards aren’t the preferred gift for Dad. Most people feel they aren’t personal enough. However, I think it depends on the gift card. As I mentioned previously, dads tend to put off purchases for themselves because there is usually something else that needs to be bought, and they feel bad spending money on themselves. Although most dads love getting personalized gifts from the ones they love most, I believe that most dads would also love to be able to buy what they want guilt-free. A gift card to his favorite store to buy clothes, for example, gives Dad a free pass to go spoil himself for a change. It doesn’t have to be clothes either. If your dad is into any of the gifts I’ve already listed, but you’re not sure the exact thing to get him, a gift card to the place where he can get what he wants when he wants it, with a personalized note in the card telling him to spoil himself, is a great way to make Dad feel like it really is his day!
Homemade Gifts
After my first son was born, I spent the next 10 years making homemade gifts for my wife on Mother’s Day. Most of them came out pretty darn good, too, thanks to Pinterest! However, it was about that same time when my wife realized the kids had never made something homemade for me in those same 10 years. In all fairness, she was focusing more on getting some of those wish-list items for me that I’ve been talking about. However, I never realized how much those homemade gifts really meant to my wife until I got one of my own. No matter who you are, having someone take the time to create something from scratch for you creates a WOW feeling like no other! I should know. One of my favorites is a painting my kids made using old Thomas the Train cars. Not only was it so much fun for them to make, but seeing the time and effort they put into it brought me to tears. I will hold onto every gift my kids made for me until the day I die, and I can’t wait until I start getting them from my grandkids!
Whatever you choose to get Dad on Father’s Day, just know that he really does appreciate it. As often as he may say, “You don’t have to get me anything,” he most likely will love any gift because guys tend not to get many gifts once they’ve entered adulthood. And truth be told, most of us are just big kids that love getting new toys. The toys just get bigger and more useful as we get older. Overall, we’re easy to please, so don’t overthink it. Guys are pretty transparent, and if you pay a little attention, you shouldn’t have any issue finding that perfect gift this Father’s Day!
Adam Bieranowski is the author of Bertie and Owl – Bertie Loves Summer, and Bertie and Owl – Bertie Makes a Friend.