Gift Ideas for Dad

With a little thought and planning, your gift to your dad will have him thanking you and giving you a big hug. Here are some gift ideas for dad to help you choose the right present:

The Handyman
Is your dad the handyman type who likes to make things or who is always repairing something around the house? You can get him a tool that he needs. If you aren't that familiar with tools, then you may want to consider a gift certificate to a local hardware or home builder's store. A gift basket filled with needed tools, basics such as nails, a no-spill coffee mug and a magazine to a handyman or woodworking magazine would be great for this type of dad. Or, you could stick with the reading material, and add books for homebuilding projects along with the magazine subscriptions. Your dad might have fun making a bookshelf for his new library.

The Executive
If your dad is a businessman whose days revolve around the corporate world, think about gifts that can increase his productivity or brighten up his office. Pick up personalized versions of standard office equipment, like pens and stationery. You can also print and frame family photos so he can keep the collection at his office up to date.

The Sports Fan
Many times, dads are major-league sports nuts. It may be football, golf or baseball. If he is an armchair sports spectator, give him a gift that represents his favorite teams. You can find everything from clocks to shirts at local sports stores, all with college and national team logos and colors. You could also pick up tailgating gear if he is a regular at sporting events.

If your father is actually an avid participant in a sport, like golf or hockey, consider a yearly membership to wherever he goes to play. New equipment and a book on the subject are all great ideas for the sports-minded dad.

The Chef or Grill Master
Does your dad enjoy cooking? If he cooks or bakes for a living, or if he just enjoys it on his off days, consider purchasing him a new cookbook or other fun cooking item, such as a pasta maker. Interesting items for the dad who loves to cook might include flavored oils, a coffee grinder, a food processor or new measuring utensils. Consider subscribing to a cooking magazine for him or enrolling in a cooking class that you can take together.

The Fitness Buff
For the dad who loves to exercise and work out, a gym membership is a great gift idea. If he already has an existing membership, simply call and pay to have it extended. Purchase one for yourself so you can spend time together, and get healthy in the process. New workout DVDs, weights or workout clothes would also suit a buff dad. Also look into gift certificates to health food stores.

The Book Lover Dad
If your dad enjoys relaxing with a good book, you have endless options. You could get him subscriptions to several of his favorite magazines, purchase the newest thriller or give him a gift certificate to the local book store. Thrift stores and yard sales are wonderful sources for inexpensive used books. Put together a whole box of reading goodies for your dad, and you can keep him busy for weeks. Add a coffee mug, a clip-on lamp, some of his favorite snacks and a blanket to cover up with during the cool months.

Give Your Time
No matter what type of dad you have, a little thought and preparation can make his gift special. It's not the money or how fancy the gift is that is important. One of the best ways to convey this to your dad is by giving him the gift of yourself.

Take your dad out, and spend some time with him over dinner or lunch. A Saturday morning breakfast out is a nice way to start the weekend. Many dads are busy these days between work, family and other commitments, so spending time with him may be what he would like most of all.