Let’s face it, dads are tough to shop for. Each one is different. Not every dad wants a toolkit or a new lawn mower. So, when shopping for the perfect gift, it is important to keep in mind what type of dad you have. Is he a bookworm? A do-it-yourselfer? An adventurer? We’ve put together a little guide to help you shop based on your dad’s “type.”
The Bookworm
Bookworms are both easy and tough to shop for. You don’t want to purchase a book they already have but you also don’t want to make the mistake of buying a book they will hate. Sleuthing is key with this dad type. Check out his bookcase and scope out which author or genre he reads the most. Research best sellers and read hundreds of reviews to figure out which book (that he doesn’t already own) he might like. Want something a bit more creative? Write a story of a memory you share with you and your dad. It doesn’t have to be long or perfectly written, the fact that you remembered this special time will make this the best book he’s ever read.
The Outdoorsman
When shopping for the outdoorsy type, it can be easy to be distracted by the millions of outdoor activities provided by sporty stores. Keep it simple, and get him a nice tent. Make sure it is one that is easy to set up, but still has enough space to fit your dad. If he already has a tent, or is more of an RV type, take him camping. Bonding on a camping trip is a tale as old as time. And at the end of the day, all he really wants is a little quality time with his kid(s).
The Do-It-Yourselfer
This type of dad can be difficult to shop for. Similar to the bookworm, these guys usually prefer to get the things they can make on their own. Specific tastes and specific needs call for special consideration when picking out this gift. If you don’t know what kind of project your dad is currently working on then a simple toolkit (I know we said dad’s might now want this) could work. If you don’t want to get a whole toolkit, then go through your dad’s current tool box and snap a pic. Bring it to your local hardware store and find out which tools he is missing. Wanting something more? Find out which project he has yet to finish and get all of the supplies he needs to complete it.
The Foodie
If your dad is a foodie this could be one of the more fun gift ideas we’ve thought of. Mainly because you also get to take part in the deliciousness of this gift. You can keep it simple – take your dad out to lunch/dinner – or make it a bit more complicated. Go to each of your dad’s favorite restaurants and order his favorite foods to go. Pack them up along with some good drinks (we suggest Bai) and bring your dad on a picnic lunch.
If All Else Fails…
Get him a gift card! This is simple but dads can be picky, so sometimes a gift card is the easiest way to get your dad the gift he has been searching for – by making him buy it himself. At the end of the day, all he wants is to spend time with you. No matter what you decide to get him as a gift, make sure you are present. Spending time with you is the best gift he can receive.
TL;DR? Click on infographic below for a quick & easy version of our gift guide!
