Top Ten Father's Day Gift Ideas

When it comes to Hallmark holidays, Mother’s Day is perceived to be the big one. By the time Father’s Day comes around a month or so later, all of our gift-giving creativity has been drained away and poor Dad usually ends up with some tube socks and a 6-pack of beer.

Thankfully Dads usually aren’t ones to complain; they accept their gifts graciously and hold out hope that you get them something a little better for their birthday. But this year why not make Father’s Day extra special for Dad, to show him that you really care?

We’re here to help you do just that. Today we are bringing you our top ten creative gift ideas for Father’s Day 2011. To bring you this unique list, we asked a lot of people about their favorite Father’s Day gift experiences, and this is a selection of what we felt were the best of them. So remember these ideas are tried and trusted, so they can’t fail to impress (we hope)!

TEN – Personalize something… anything!

Ever notice how Dad still uses that same “Best Dad in the Entire Universe!” mug every morning, the one you got him when you were, like, ten? Dads are more sentimental than you think, and if you give your Dad something personalized this Father’s Day – whether it’s a mug, a pair of slippers or gym bag – he’s sure to cherish it. Check out Zazzle.com for a great way to customize almost anything you can think of.

NINE – Gadgets

Most of our Dads are no spring chickens, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate the wonders of technology. Your Dad will more than likely appreciate a gadget just as much as you do. Today’s technology is so user-friendly that anyone can get into the latest gadgets. Among the top tech offerings out their right now are the iPhone, the Amazon Kindle and of course the iPad, all of which come highly recommended by everyone we spoke to. The downside is that they are more than a little expensive, and for that reason gadgets only make it to no.9 on our list.

EIGHT – Smelly stuff

Lotions, creams and perfumes are sometimes considered to be the reserve of the female of the species, but Dads can appreciate a good scent too (although you mightn’t always think so). There are some great fragrances out there for men these days. Of those recommended to us we like D&G 11 La Force and Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani the best.

SEVEN – Take a day trip

Many of us remember taking trips with our families when we were younger – to the museum, to a sports game, to the zoo. Well, guess what? You weren’t the only one that enjoyed those trips and you certainly aren’t the only one that remembers them. Most Dads love to get out and about with their kids, even when they’re as old as you! Some great suggestions for day trips we received were the Museum of Natural History and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. You could also take your dad to see his favorite sports team play, or go to see an event in your area – it’s summer time so there should be plenty of air shows and boating regattas taking place around the country!

SIX – Gift cards (seriously)

People often turn their noses up at the idea of giving a gift card as… well, a gift. Of course you could say that it shows you haven’t put much thought into things, but from what we’re hearing Dad will appreciate a gift card more than you think. The great thing about gift cards is that they force you to spend money on yourself at one of your favorite stores. Your Dad may never think to go into Best Buy and buy himself a new video camera, or visit Brooks Brothers and pick up a new shirt, but if you buy him a gift card for that one store he loves, he’ll have to treat himself! This is also a great opportunity to make use of Groupons and other such deals, so you can send your Dad on a spending spree for less!

FIVE – Dinner and a movie

One of the most unique and simple ideas we’ve heard, we think dinner and a movie is also one of the best. Who doesn’t like dinner and a movie? This one is especially good if you live away from home, because there’s no better place to catch up with Dad than over a hearty meal. Then on to the movies, where you can catch the latest blockbuster, or perhaps your theater plays a classic movie or two from time to time. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s your Dad’s favorite food, not yours, and a movie you’ll both enjoy!

FOUR – Concert tickets

You mightn’t be the biggest fan of your Dad’s music, but he is (obviously). With so many bands from the sixties, seventies and eighties reforming and going on tour –  Rush, Motley Crue, The Police, Guns N’ Roses and the Rolling Stones (who’ve never stopped rocking) to name a few – this is the perfect time to give your Dad some concert tickets. And if you  enjoy the same music as your Dad, even better because you can go along and rock out with him! Check out LiveNation to find out about upcoming concerts in your area.

THREE – Food!

This one always goes down a treat, quite literally. When giving a gift of food you have plenty of room for creativity, which allows you to tailor the perfect gift for your Dad. If you don’t know it already, find out what his favorite food is – a quality steak is usually a good bet. You can choose to make a basket for him with his favorite culinary delight as the center piece, or simply buy all the ingredients for a great meal and cook him a top-notch Father’s Day dinner he’ll never forget!

TWO – Feed his vices (just a little)

We’re not suggesting you do anything too crazy here, but let’s face it, many of us like the occasional drink. And it’s tough being a Dad, so don’t begrudge him a drink on Father’s Day! We’ve already made fun of the 6-pack of beer as a gift idea, but if your Dad likes beer then get him beer! Just choose something good. A nice specialty brew like Blue Point’s famous Toasted Lager will go down a treat. For something a little stronger, and if your Dad likes a good whiskey, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Jameson, Ireland’s finest. And if Dad wants to get a little tipsy while still maintaining his class and composure, this is the perfect chance to buy him a nice bottle of fine wine.

Drinking isn’t the only vice out there, a fact we’re sure you’re very aware of. Though many of us may not understand the pleasure that comes with it, a lot of the people we spoke to seemed to have Dads that enjoyed a good cigar. We’ve been told that Dominican and Nicaraguan cigars are the next best thing to Cubans, so those are a good bet. Just make sure that when Father’s Day is over, he puts them away again until next year!

ONE – Help him with a hobby

This has to be the number one for us. Dads can be very passionate about their hobbies, whether its golf, fishing, cycling or any number of other activities. This gift idea is great because it’s flexible and allows you to be creative. You can buy him equipment for his hobby, such as golf clubs, fishing gear or specialized tools. Or you can simply take him out for the day and participate in his hobby with him. This will be more meaningful to him than mere material items (though they’re good too if you can afford both!) and it is a great way to get your Dad out and about again if he hasn’t had the chance to enjoy his hobby for a while. This was by far the most popular Father’s Day gift suggestion, so helping Dad with a hobby tops our list for Father’s Day 2011!

Image Credit: Bigoo.ws

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