Father’s Day is still a few months off, but it’s never too early to think about what you’d like to do for your dad. Time tends to move pretty quickly during the summer; even though the days are longer, we tend to be enjoying ourselves a little bit more, and that has a way of making the days fly by. That means Father’s Day will probably be here before you know it, and it’s a good idea to go ahead and start the planning process!
In a lot of families, Father’s Day tends to be a pretty casual holiday. If you live with or near your dad, you might catch a ballgame together or have a cookout. If you’re more remote, a nice card and a gift will suffice. But whatever the case, this is always a nice opportunity to get something thoughtful for the man who helped bring you into the world.
Forget about the clichés like new ties or grilling accessories, often deemed suitable for any regular American dad. Consider instead your dad’s actual interests, and what you might be able to find that caters to them.
To help get you started, these are just a few Father’s Day gift ideas for specific types of guys out there. We’re betting your father falls into at least one of these categories.
For The Sports Nut
There are all kinds of fun things to do for a dad who loves his sports. As mentioned, if possible you can even attend a ballgame together on Father’s Day. But if that isn’t an option, there are plenty of other things you might consider. You could track down some fun memorabilia from your dad’s favorite team; you could secure tickets for a game in the future; or you could even try to get your dad hooked on a new way of enjoying sports.
For instance, a head start on the coming fantasy football season through a subscription to premium analysis or even a starting fund on a daily fantasy site can be a great gift for a dad. A lot of people in previous generations, after all, still haven’t realized the wonders of fantasy sports!
For The Travel Lover
If your dad’s chief passion is travel, you may have a hard time thinking of a perfect gift that doesn’t break the bank. Naturally, if you have money to spare, a trip abroad would be a spectacular present.
But if you want to keep things a little tamer (and less expensive), there are still lots of great possibilities. New travel bags are always appreciated, as are small kits you can find stocked with items like travel journals, new wallets, etc. A travel book to a region you know he’s interested in checking out is also a thoughtful gift.
And if you want to do something a little more unique, think about the fact that some of the new VR headsets actually work with applications that simulate travel through 3D exposure to foreign environments! That’s a nice idea particularly if your dad also happens to be a tech nerd.
For The Tech Enthusiast
Gift giving can actually be kind of difficult. A lot of tech products simply seem too expensive for the average Father’s Day. For instance, an iPad or a smartwatch might be a little bit above your typical price range. That said, there are plenty of more casual workarounds. Something as simple as a decorative computer accessory can be just right if you and your family tend to exchange smaller presents, and a digital subscription of some kind can come in any amount you choose.
This is a particularly convenient idea, as it’s an easy way to help your dad get the most out of his devices. It could be a gift card to Audible, a subscription to Spotify, or even something as versatile as some Amazon or iTunes credits.
For The Foodie
As mentioned, grill accessories tend to be popular Father’s Day gifts, and that might be just the thing if your dad loves cooking outdoors. But there are other options for foodie dads as well. In fact, these days you can actually think about buying food itself as a gift, and not just in a one-off trip to a favorite restaurant!
Fine foods can be ordered from a huge variety of shops online, such that you can find anything from an Alaskan seafood sampler to a gourmet charcuterie platter and have it delivered fresh in a matter of days.
And if these options don’t do it for you, you may also want to take a look at subscription cooking packages. There are several competitors out there, and they all deliver fresh ingredients and inventive recipes on a regular basis.
For The Dad On A Health Kick
There’s certainly a difference between being a foodie and being on a health kick, and if your dad falls more closely into the latter category, you might want to find a thoughtful way to support the effort. The right cookbook could help a dad to cut some calories and carbs without skipping meals; the right exercise headphones can encourage someone to do more cardio; the right nutritional supplements can even help someone to get in marathon shape!
There are all kinds of ways to assist in a health and nutrition initiative, and though they’re not always the flashiest gifts they can be among the most appreciated.
These are just a few ideas to help get you thinking while you still have a few months to figure out the perfect gift. But as stated, most dads will probably fall under at least one of these categories, which could mean you’re already on the right track. Best of luck, and enjoy the special day with your dad.
