subject: Gifts That Show He's The Daddy! [print this page] When it comes to buying gifts for dad, there is more choice on the market than ever before. But despite an ever-expanding range of unusual and original gift ideas, how many of us are guilty of taking the lazy option when it comes to buying presents for the old man? Socks, ties, slippers and CDs all continue to top the best selling gifts list in the run up to Christmas and also sell unfeasibly well as birthday gifts for dad. With so many other options available, why do we sons and daughters continue to plump for such lame options when buying gifts for daddy dearest? Quite frankly, there's no excuse. Today we have the opportunity to choose from such original gift ideas as flying lessons and hot air balloons, so quite why the old faithfuls continue to sell by the bucket load is somewhat perplexing. Whether it's down to habit or just plain laziness, the fact is that a great number of us are taking the easy option in the gift buying stakes.
If you are looking for gifts for dad that will really make an impact, it's time to forget the one-size-fits-all approach to gift buying and get a little more personal. Whether he's 40 or 80, your dad is not just a father, but an individual with interests and personality traits that make him the person he is. When it comes to buying gifts, therefore, savvy sons and daughters would be wise to put some thought into the kind of gift that would really appeal to dad's interests and personality traits.
Whether he's a football nut, an extreme sports enthusiast, a bookworm or a frustrated chef, look for gifts that will show you have really put some thought into the type of person he is. Even if his interests are largely centred around the pub there is likely to be a gift out there with his name on it - quite literally, if you opt for personalised gifts. For example, if your dad is happier down the pub than scaling mountains, why not get him a humorous drinking-related gift such as a giant beer glass - yep, it's now possible to buy beer glasses capable of holding an impressive two pints - and have it personalised with his name and a short message. If he's on good terms with his local landlord, he might even be able to keep his 'double pint glass' behind the bar and just ask them to 'fill her up' when he's feeling particularly thirsty!
For dads with a taste for adrenaline, you can indulge that adventurous streak with a white-knuckle gift such as a day's flying lesson, or the opportunity to take a tandem skydive. Other thrills and spills that can be packaged up with a gift certificate and handed over as 'experience days' to mark major birthdays or other special occasions include high-speed trips around some of the UK's best known race courses, 4x4 driving and learning to pilot a helicopter. Gentler options that will still create memories to last a lifetime include hot air balloon rides and helicopter trips over London (with someone else in the pilot's seat this time...)
When it comes to buying gifts for dad, it's the personal touch that makes all the difference. Whether you want to splash out big bucks on a grand gesture to mark a landmark occasion in his life or can only afford a token gift to show your appreciation, look for presents that will show how well you know him and how much you appreciate him. It's now possible to have everything from football themed calendars to golf clubs inscribed with his name and a personal message and this is a simple, cost effective way to transform a gift from so-so to superb. By giving your gift a personal touch, you will be creating something that will be treasured forever as a thoughtful gift from his beloved son or daughter. If the budget is tight, how about getting together with brothers, sisters or other family members to chip in on a gift that you know he will appreciate. Get your heads together, think about those eccentricities, off-beat interests and personality quirks that make your father the great dad he is and plan your gift accordingly. Maybe he really does have a hankering for yet another novelty tie, but chances are you and your family can come up with something a little more original this year!
