How to Buy a Last-Minute Father's Day Gift

If you're stuck for a Father's Day gift and you don't have a lot of time to get one, resist the temptation to pick up a tie your dad won't wear or a gag gift he'll never use. With only a little effort, you can get Dad something he'll love - even at the last minute.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gift Ribbons
• Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• Men's Clothing (general)
• Father's Day Greeting Cards
• Gift Bags
• Gift Bows
• Wrapping Paper
• Gourmet Foods
• Red Or White Wine
• Mens' Watches
• Gift Certificates
• Sporting-event Tickets
• Tissue paper

1. Try to be thoughtful, even though you're pressed for time to come up with something. Desperation seldom produces meaningful gifts.

2. Think food or drink. Pick up a bottle of wine, a gift basket of Dad's favorite foods or a gourmet treat that he seldom buys for himself. (Getting Mom's input might be good on this one.)

3. Go online. You'll have a plethora of stores at your fingertips and can pay for overnight or even same-day delivery in a pinch. Here the options are almost limitless: sporting goods, clothes, wine, gourmet foods, watches and jewelry, books, movies, etc.

4. Think of a last-minute activity you can do with your dad. Take him to a ball game, out for a round of golf, out to dinner, to a museum or for a scenic airplane or hot-air balloon ride.

5. Consider his hobbies. If he loves tending his rose garden, pick up a unique rosebush at a nursery; if he likes to cook, buy a cookbook; if he plays golf, wrap up a dozen of his favorite balls; if he bowls, how about a new bowling bag?

6. Mow his lawn, wash his car or boat, clean his golf clubs or haul away all that junk he's been meaning to take to the dump. Anything that will make Dad's life easier will be a hit.

7. Take him shopping. Let him pick out something he really wants, then pay for it and take him to lunch.

8. Pay Dad a surprise visit. If you don't live nearby (or even if you do), this could be the best gift you can give him.

Tips & Warnings

• Restaurants are usually jammed on Father's Day. Be sure to make a reservation.
• Avoid buying cologne or aftershave unless you know which brand he wears. He may not be anxious to try a new fragrance - especially if he doesn't like it.
• If you buy something online, make sure it can be easily exchanged or returned in case it doesn't fit or your dad doesn't like it.
• Dads sometimes seem impossible to buy for. Remember that a thoughtful gift from the heart is often more meaningful than a grand gesture.
• Your dad probably doesn't need any more mugs, hats with funny sayings or "World's Greatest Dad" T-shirts.

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[gmonkey]

on 6/11/2009 Personalize it! I got my dad a custom beer tap handle. The shield has a cool hockey design and my Dad's name on it - Jon's Home Brew. My Dad likes hockey and beer so I know he will love this father's day gift. Take a look at www.beertapguy.com He can design anything you want for your Dad. I like personalizing gifts I give to people so they keep it forever. The extra effort from the heart shows that you really thought about the gift and what they mean to you.

[WSW74]

on 6/4/2007 If your dad travels to foreign countries frequently, then get him a downloadable mobile phone translator from www.steape.com. As its sent via text message, its a great and unique last-minute gift that you don't need to post!

on 11/22/2005 Make your dad/husband/grandpa a coupon for something special. You can make a coupon redeemable for cleaning the house, a golf game, a movie, raking the yard, a letter (if he lives far away), etc. You can even make an entire "coupon" book.

on 11/22/2005 There's always a gift certificate - and you can get one at one of his favorite stores on the Web. Dad won't know you waited til the last minute, and men love to shop online.

on 11/22/2005 Though they're not a good substitute for a gift, online greeting cards are handy when you've forgotten to mail a card. It'll serve as a decent supplement to your last-minute gift.