Before you know it, the holiday season will be upon us. Hopefully that thought brings you joy, but you might also have some anxiety around the idea of gift-giving, especially if there are people in your life who are difficult to buy for… And let’s be honest, is there anyone quite as difficult as Dad?
As you prep for the holidays (and hopefully start shopping early, to catch deals + avoid supply chain issues) don’t stress. We’re here to help you find the perfect gift for Dad with a few handy tips and some specialized gift ideas that will be perfect for the world’s best father — AKA yours!
WHAT MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR DAD?
“The best gift for your dad is one that’s really personal to him,” explains Daniel Adams, CEO of online marketplace Cosier. “It doesn’t have to cost a lot but it should reflect his personality, likes or any special memories you share.”
GIFT-GIVING TIPS
Some people are naturals at selecting the most personalized, perfect gifts out there… The rest of us may be able to use a few pointers. Luckily, Sadie Higgins, Founder and CEO of Gleam, an app that helps curate gift lists for your loved ones based on their interests, has a few tips for those of us who aren’t as naturally skilled at gift-giving.
The most important thing? “Listen,” Higgins says. “That’s the number one way to gift something special for someone.” Next time you’re spending quality time with Dad, pay special attention to anything he says he wants, like a new golf club or a new barbecue set.
This is easiest, of course, if you spend time with Dad throughout the year. Adams agrees and adds, “Pay attention when you’re talking to him, you never know what might slip out – start a list in your phone of present ideas.”
Higgins also goes on to advise, “What are their interests? What do they already have? Did they secretly want to be a rockstar when they grew up? Get them a personalized record with their picture on it or have a song written for them. Knowing who a person truly is will help you be the best gift-giver out there.”
Now that you have some tips on gift giving, let’s explore some unique gift ideas for your dad this holiday season.
MASTERCLASS SUBSCRIPTION
Does Dad love learning? Consider purchasing a MasterClass membership for him so he can learn about anything from business to food to interior design and so much more. Adams notes, “There’s something for everyone and he can learn at his own pace, in his own time, from some of the world’s leading experts.”
Masterclass.com, from $15 per month
NEW YORK TIMES CUSTOM BASEBALL BOOK
If your dad is a baseball fan, then he will love this book of New York Times clippings all about his favorite team. You choose which team the book will be about, and Uncommon Goods will fill it with news stories about the team over the years.
Uncommongoods.com, $72-$112
MINI HAMMER MULTI-TOOL
For the handyman dads out there, it’s hard to top this mini hammer that’s also a multi-tool. With this compact gift, you’re giving dad 12 tools, all in one highly convenient package. As an added bonus, you can choose from nine printed sayings, including “Best Dad Ever.”
Amazon.com, $36.99
COMPLETE OUTDOOR GRILL KIT
Masters of the grill need their own tools too. This 19-piece grilling set contains everything Dad needs to be the star of your next backyard barbecue. And he can travel with it, thanks to the aluminum carrying case that keeps everything stylishly at hand.
Amazon.com, $69.99
PERSONALIZED WHISKEY DECANTER SET
This personalized whiskey decanter set is perfect for the dad who enjoys savoring a quality glass of whiskey or scotch at the end of a long day. Choose from a decanter only or a decanter with four whiskey glasses. There’s even an option to upgrade to Premium, which adds in slate coasters and whiskey chilling stones for the perfect sip, every time.
Etsy.com, from $69.99
PERSONALIZED WALL ART
For the dad who has everything, this personalized wall art is the way to go. You select your size and frame, then provide a digital photo that gets transformed into a beautiful watercolor style print. You’ll even get to proof it before it’s made so you know it’ll be perfect.
Etsy.com, from $22.50
BUYING FOR DAD AT THE HOLIDAYS
With these gift-giving tips and specialty gift ideas, the holiday season won’t be stressful. Your dad will notice that you put some time into learning what he loves and finding him a wonderful gift. And you can relax and enjoy the holiday season, knowing you’ve nailed the perfect gift for Dad this year.
More Holiday Shopping Tips:
- 6 Tips for Navigating the Holidays if You Took a Financial Hit This Year
- Here’s How Much of Your Income You Should Really Be Spending on the Holidays
- How to Save Money During the Holidays
