Gift Ideas for Dad

If you’ve heard giving practical gifts is a no-no, scratch that advice. When it comes to dads, functional gifts that show appreciation and awareness of personal interests may actually be your best bet on Father’s Day.

Consider the hobbies and activities that your dad treasures most, then look for ways you can turn those pastimes into gifts that he can put to good use.

Sports celebration

No matter his favorite team, you can find countless ways to please an avid sports fan. Obvious options like T-shirts and baseball caps are always winners, but you can find plenty of creative and useful ways to celebrate dad’s favorite team, too. Practical ideas to help trick out his car include new floor mats, headrest covers and even valve stem covers. You could also go more whimsical with stainless steel knives or salt and pepper shakers bearing his team’s logo. You can find team stores online.

If he plays a sport (or wants to take up one), consider giving him gear to boost his game. For example, help your dad improve his golf score and complete rounds faster with a rangefinder. The many options available include Leupold’s GX-1i3, GX-2i3 and GX-5i3 rangefinders (leupold.com/golf).

Feed his cravings 

For the at-home chef, functional gift ideas are nearly endless. Try narrowing down the options by choosing his favorite cuisine. If Mexican cuisine is his thing, look for less common but highly useful items like taco holders or condiment dishes to hold a serving of freshly made salsa. If he likes Italian food, consider giving him gourmet olive oils or a good cheese grater, with a big slice of fresh parmesan for grating.

Or go a more experimental route with a custom kit that lets dad make his own beer or wine at home. There are also DIY kits for hot sauce, cheese, sausage and jerky.

Add a tool to his belt

If your dad is handy, you may think he’s got every tool and gadget imaginable. The truth is, most handymen will agree you can never have too many tools. Think about the projects he tackles most often. The items he uses for these may be worn and in need of replacing. If there’s a task he struggles to complete, consult with an expert at your local hardware store to determine whether there are devices that could help make the task easier.

Artistic interests

When the arts are more up his alley, make it easier for him to appreciate the genre he loves best. A reading lamp or monogrammed bookmark is perfect for the bookworm, while a visit to a performance may be just the ticket for a dad who enjoys experiencing the arts live.