Last weekend, I was listening to Steve Wright on Radio 2, and as usual he was talking about some ‘research’ or tips he’d found on the web. According to the article he was reading (I think it was from MSN – most of them seem to be), Father’s Day is simple = get your dad a tie, a belt, an iPad case or some socks and he’ll know how much he’ll love you.
Well, I’m here to dish out some truth, on behalf of fathers everywhere. Considering most dads spend half their lives in an office, wishing they were spending more time with their little ones, buying them a tie or a belt is a depressing reminder of this. It’s basically saying “Thanks for working to support me – now put on this tie and head back there!”. Don’t even get me started on gadget accessories – if Dad wanted a monogrammed iPad pointer, he’d probably have bought one by now.
So, what DO Dad’s want, if ties and belts are off the list? Well, because I’m all about solutions not problems, here’s some top tips for what you can get your father this Father’s Day:
1. Get him something you know he likes
Whilst chocolate or booze might SEEM like an uninspired gift, you can almost guarantee dad will like it – especially if you put some thought in and buy him his FAVOURITE food or booze. Nice chocolates, some good wine or spirits or even a naughty packet of his favourite snack will go down a treat with dad. No need to go far either – just ask Mum (or one of his friends) what he likes, and head down to your local supermarket!
2. Get him something you can do together
Why not take Dad out for a meal, or a few drinks away from the hussle and bustle of his daily life? Contrary to popular belief, your dad almost certainly enjoys your company, so getting him something you can do together will probably make his day. Wine tastings are something I always enjoy, and you can usually source one through your local wine merchant or wine club.
3. Get him an experience
There are loads of websites that offer ‘red letter day’ experiences which you can use as gifts. I found myself lusting over a track day I found on BuyAGift recently (though I’d probably find myself driving like a Sunday driver!), and some of their cruise/dining experience look like they could be fun too.
4. Make him something
Obviously this one is especially good for the younger children, but there’s no reason you can’t create something for your dad at any age. A CD (or an MP3 player full) of his favourite music is easy to create but shows how much time you’ve invested in it. What about a picture, or a nice framed print of one of his favourite photos? We personally use sites like PhotoBox to get high-quality prints, but you can get prints made at pretty much any highstreet photography shop these days.
5. Buy him something completely different
One of the most disappointing things about a tie or a belt is how… normal they are. Most of us have plenty of ties and belts as it is, and if we wanted to get more we’d probably do so ourselves! Why not treat dad to something he’s never tried before? A new book you think he might like, some music he’s never listened to, or a trip somewhere he’s never been. Dad will definitely appreciate the thought, and you never know – you might find a new thing you have in common!
Well, there you have it – 5 suggestions for some Father’s Day gifts that dad might actually love.
Just whatever you do – don’t get him a tie!