When we think of father’s, we picture men like our dads. They are respectable men who wear socks with sandals, have a beer can and the remote next to them on the couch, and maybe even have grease or grass stains on their clothes because they are that hands on.
We look up to these men and hope that one day, we can emulate them and do them proud. When that day finally comes around, and you are staring down on your little bean sprout, you feel such pride and joy; you only hope that you can live up to your expectations of what a father should be.
In fact, being a parent today means that you can raise a child and still hold on to qualities that make you, you. How many times have you heard your dear old dad relive stories of his youth, and you wonder where that zest for life he once had is at now. Instead of losing it all together, modern fathers can redefine what it means to be a dad and still partake in the things they enjoy.
When you are choosing a good Father’s Day gift for your not-so-old old man (or the father of your child), you’re going to have to put a little more thought into it. Face it, a neck tie or golf clubs just aren’t going to cut it anymore. Needless to say, it’s not a last minute thing anymore, and it requires much more thought.
Fortunately, here are some gift ideas of what a modern father may enjoy.
1. Awesome Java
Coffee. It is the fuel that keeps him going and it can sometimes be the very thing that keeps him sane. Instead of letting him drink that sludge that’s offered at a convenient store or the local Dunkin’ Donuts, treat your dad to some high-end coffee this Father’s Day. You might be surprised by how much more agreeable he is with a smooth cup of Joe to help set his day off right.
2. Ditch The Thick Wallet
There once was a time when a thick wallet meant you were loaded; however, now a thick wallet is bulky, cumbersome, and for many, it is more trouble than it is worth. How about giving dad’s backside a break with getting him a slim wallet or a think card hold that can hold money and all of his cards. His back will thank you!
3. Treat Him to A Date
You might think that a night out is something only women want for their special day, but you’d be surprised how many dads are anxious to get away from the responsibilities of parenting. You could treat your dad to a guy’s night whether it is a sporting event, a concert, or maybe even a camping or fishing trip. Whatever activity he enjoyed before kids, treat him to it now.
4. Gadgets and Gizmos
Young or old, no man will ever turn down a chance for a new toy. Whether your father is a handy man, a tech-whiz, or they like cool gadgets that doesn’t do anything particularly special, your dad will appreciate the gesture. Some cool ideas include fitness trackers; Bluetooth enabled gadgets that can find keys or whatever else they may be linked to, or maybe an awesome sound system for the house. The options here are limitless.
5. A Close Shave
Shaving isn’t on the top of a guy’s list of favorite activities, but it could be if you surprise him with a good shave. Now we don’t mean you should buy him a new razor and make him do it himself (although you could if you’re short on cash), we are suggesting that you surprise him with a hot shave at the barber shop. Yes, a hot shave isn’t something many men do on a regular basis, if at all, but we guarantee that he’ll feel awesome afterward—it’s just so relaxing!
6. The Grill Master
If your father has dubbed himself the master griller of the house, chances are he might appreciate a new set of grilling tools, a new grill, or anything else that would enhance his status in the family of being king of the grill. Whatever you do, don’t get him one of those cheesy “Kiss The Chef” aprons.
7. Shaken, Not Stirred
There’s something to be said about a man who has a well-stocked liquor cabinet with classy barware to match. If you’re on a budget, you needn’t worry because you can find great barware at affordable prices. If your dad already has an impressive bar set up, you can get an expensive bottle of whiskey or a collection of small accouterments to complement what he already has. Whatever you do, you can count on him being appreciative and even offer a drink!