Memorable Father's Day Gift
Forget The "Perfect Gift." Focus on a Once-In-A-Lifetime Present.
May 19, 2008
Since all dads are different, there is no "perfect Father’s Day gift" for all of them, and based on observations made over several decades, few fathers seem to expect perfect gifts, which may be why Mother's Day is a much bigger celebration than Father's Day.
Even in this era of equality in marriage, most dads like to consider themselves the traditional head of the family, the family breadwinner. They consider their role to be givers, rather than receivers.
Sure, they want to be remembered and loved by their children on Father's Day. But their expectations are relatively low. That’s probably why the dreaded necktie has been able to become such a traditional Father’s Day gift.
Memorable Father's Day Gifts Require Love and ResearchBecause the Father's Day expectations are low, the rewards of coming up with a once-in-a-lifetime gift are memorable. They require thought, love, research, planning and sometimes scheming, but they're worth it.
Since some of the following gifts are relatively expensive, they may also require cost-sharing among family members. That can be an added benefit because few things make fathers happier than family members working together. Cost-sharing also removes sibling competition.
Ideas to Inspire A Memorable Gift
With those considerations in mind, here are a few ideas that might inspire a memorable gift. The suggestions are based on the premise that he has grown kids and is probably, but not necessarily, a sports fan. Strive for a surprise.
- A family picnic, with a Plan B in case of bad weather.
- An exotic hunting or fishing trip.
- Travel tickets to visit his out-of-town grandchildren
- A boat. Luckily they come in a lot of different sizes and prices.
- Hunting or fishing equipment.
- A collection of books by his favorite author.
- A tool he would enjoy but wouldn’t buy for himself because of the cost.
- His favorite team’s best souvenir jacket.
- A new computer, if he’s into that world.
- An exotic vacation for him and his wife.
- A family painting or photograph. An artist may be able to do the portrait from a photograph. Or give him a card saying arrangements have been made for a family painting or photo.
- A new digital television. Many families will need one or more as the analogs become obsolete in February 2009.
- New golf clubs, tennis racket or other equipment for the sport he plays. If all else fails, a gift certificate to his favorite store
- Visit him. This is especially appreciated if he lives in a different city. Bring the grandchildren, spouse or significant other, assuming Dad will like her or him.
- Travel and tickets, for two, to a favorite sport’s event, such as:
-The 2008 U.S. Open tennis tournament August 25-September 7 in Flushing, N.Y.
-The 2008 World Series in October.
-A college bowl game. The national title game will be at Miami, FL January 8, 2009.
-The 2009 Super Bowl in Tampa, FL February 1.
-The 2009 Final Four basketball tournament at Detroit, Michigan
-The 2009 National Basketball Association playoffs in the spring.
-The 2009 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA, April 9-12.
-The 2009 Kentucky Derby in Lexington May 2.
-The 2009 Indianapolis 500 racing championship May 24
-Tickets for two to see his favorite team or a conference championship game. Even better, take him to see that team.
He will remember any of these for years to come.
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