How to Select a Gift for Your Dad

Dads are notoriously difficult to buy for. Although picking up a traditional shirt or tie is easy, with a little thought, you can give your dad something he'll really love.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gift Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• Briefcases
• Neckties
• Golf Lessons
• Greeting Cards
• Palm Handheld Organizers
• Gift Bags
• Gift Baskets
• Gift Bows
• Small Photo Albums
• Wrapping Paper
• Men's Cordless Razors
• Magazine Subscriptions
• Gift Certificates
• Sporting-event Tickets
• Symphony Tickets
• Theater Tickets
• Writing Pens
• Digital Cameras
• Telephone Calling Cards
• Tissue paper
• Theater tickets

1. Ask your dad what he wants. If he has an idea, you'll save time trying to come up with a gift.

2. Buy him a year's pass to the national or state parks.

3. Consider a once-a-month gift package. Various companies offer fruit, wine, beer, fishing lures, etc. A package will be delivered to your dad every month for as long as you like.

4. Buy a gift membership to a nearby museum or other attraction, or give him tickets to a sporting event, concert or exhibition.

5. Hire a gardener or landscape company to do his yard work for as long as you can afford.

6. Buy tickets to the carwash.

7. Give him a gift basket full of his favorite foods, wines or coffees.

8. Organize the family history or family photos in a book or album.

9. Give him a prepaid phone card so he can call you - or anyone else - for free.

10. Make something. Whether you knit a sweater, make fudge or whip up his favorite cookies, your dad is guaranteed to appreciate your efforts.

Tips & Warnings

• If all else fails, buy a gift certificate. Choose a bookstore, clothing store, golf shop, garden shop, restaurant or music store.
• Try to avoid gag gifts, which are seldom used after the initial fascination wears off.
• Most men like to buy their own aftershave. If you don't know what kind your dad likes, it's better to choose something else.
• If he plays golf, buy a golf magazine subscription, a gift certificate for a round of golf or a series of golf lessons. Consider the same for tennis, lawn bowling, fishing, hunting or whatever your dad enjoys.

[Rlevin]

on 9/28/2007 A lot of guys are big sports fans. I bought my dad a signed ball by his favorite player. I think it was from sportsmemorabilia.com. Since then I've bought stuff from there for my uncles, brother, etc...

on 11/22/2005 Write a poem or story about how you love your dad. That pleases anyone in your family.

on 11/22/2005 Since my youngest brother was killed in the line of duty, Dad(72) wishes to share all time possible with his 7 grandsons to see them grow. Lots of framed pictures of all the guys together, T-shirts with these pictures, sharing time at family lunch, etc.

on 11/22/2005 This is what i do for my dad's birthday, but it would do for father's day as well: My dad is almost blind, so no longer can read. He checks audio books out of the library, so each year I donate the number of dollars he is old to his local library.

on 11/22/2005 How about a gift for dad from his university or college? Whether it's a cap, polo shirt, sweatshirt or jersey, he will appreciate a reminder of the good old college days, especially if that's where he met your mother.