Gifts for Dad | How to Give Thoughtful, Creative, Memorable Gifts

Is your dad hard to shop for? Learn how to choose gifts for dad that will create memories and make him smile.

Jump to:

• Spend Time with Dad
• Share Memories
• Give Practical Gifts
• Donate to a Cause He Supports

 

Spend Time with Dad

The best gifts for Dad are ones that involve spending more time together.

Give the Gift of You

The best and most meaningful thing you can give your dad is the gift of you.

• Visit him. Spend time with him.
• Send a handwritten letter. If you can’t be there in person, send him a nice handwritten letter. It doesn’t have to be long, just thoughtful and appreciative. He’ll like it even more if you include a few pictures and update him on your life.
• Give him a long phone call. Touch base and see what he’s doing for fun. Ask about his day and the weather. Ask about the family news.

For the active father, plan an activity

Organize a time to blow off some steam together. You can even include the rest of the family. Consider taking dad for a:

• Long nature walk
• Family bike ride (if you can get all the bikes fixed up in time)
• Game of basketball in the front driveway

For the more active dad, sign up for a 5K or 10K race together. This is a great gift because you can spend time training together, as well as cheer each other on when race day comes.

Dinner with Dad

Dads love food! Plan his favorite meal and dessert, and serve it with the whole family.

For a thoughtful touch, set out a paper placemat. Before Dad gets there, have everyone sign it and add a special message. He'll be reminded of your thoughts through the whole meal.

Progressive Dinner with Dad

Here’s a fun twist on a dinner party for Dad. In a progressive dinner, you eat each course at a different house!

It’s a special treat for Dad because he gets to spend time with everyone. Plus, it splits up the cost of the party. This is perfect for Father's Day because you can include other dads who live close by.

Here’s how:

Get together with 3 or 4 friends or relatives who live close by. Plan a meal where each person prepares 1 course. Tip: prepare something that keeps easily.

On the day of the party, everyone meets at the first house, eats, and moves on to the next house – spending about 45 minutes to an hour at each house.

This works best when everyone lives in the same neighborhood, condo complex, or apartment building. That way, you can walk between places and digest! If you must drive between locations, designate drivers at the beginning of the evening.

Event Tickets

Especially if you attend the event with him, event tickets are a wonderful gift for Dad. Pick something you both have in common and would enjoy. This could include:

• Music Concerts
• Musical / Theater Production
• Sports Events
• Car / Boat / Motorcycle Shows
• Comedy Shows

And don’t forget the events happening every day, like:

• Movies
• Museums
• Brewery Tours

 

Share Memories

The best gifts are the ones that make memories. These tips will help you pick a great gift for Dad that connects with his sentimental side.

Give Photos and Shared Memories

Here’s a great free gift that will touch Dad’s heart.

Bring out some old, funny photos of Dad, Mom, and the family. Pass them around and ask your dad to share the stories that go along with each photo.

The memories will make him laugh and smile, and may even bring a tear to his eye. You’ll also get to bond with your dad by listening to his stories.

To dress up this gift:

• organize old pictures into a photo album
• scan and add the pictures to a thumb drive or digital photo frame
• make a fun photo collage
• frame and wrap the pictures

Take a new photo!

Don’t forget to add to his collection of memories. Take plenty of pictures to remember the day. This is a great gift during the holidays, since more family is often together.

Or, consider getting a photo professionally taken.

Gift from His College

Is he proud of his college? Did he meet your mother there?

Go ahead – let him reminisce about his college years! College gifts for Dad are a great choice. Give him a college:

• cap
• golf towel
• mug
• polo shirt
• beer cozy
• decoration

Give Practical Gifts

Dad will appreciate gifts he can use that won't clutter up the house. It saves him money and time, and he’ll think of you when he uses them.

Great practical gifts for Dad include:

• Carwash
• Gas card
• Oil change
• Lawn treatment
• New wallet
• Round of golf, golf lessons, bucket of balls at driving range
• Round at batting cages
• Replace an old tool, wheelbarrow, etc.
• Fishing license

Donate to a Cause He Supports

Instead of scrambling around for another gadget or necktie, give Dad a gift that helps others.

If you make a donation to a cause he supports, it shows that you care about his values. He’ll also find comfort in your good-hearted gesture (he raised you well!).

Particularly in these hard economic times, gifts that help others make every penny count.

More Gift Ideas for Dad

Don't forget - your dad is "one of the guys" too! Check out these great gift ideas for men.

Also, take advantage of our interactive community. Read our gift reviews for feedback on more gifts for Dad.

Or, search through our gift questions and answers for more gift tips and help. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please post a new question!