Top 10 Father’s Day Gifts

Now that Mother’s Day is behind us, it’s time to celebrate the fathers with father’s day gifts they’ll love. From our dads to our stepfathers, to the father of our children and even to those men who Hallmark thoughtfully says, “You’re like a father to me” men — we will celebrate all of these fathers on Father’s Day.

For more than 100 years, fathers in the US have been honored by their children. The first recorded Father’s Day celebration was in 1910 in Spokane Washington. Sonora Smart Dodd celebrated her father who was a Civil War Veteran, a widower, and a single dad to six kids. It wasn’t until 1972 that Father’s Day became a national holiday when President Nixon signed it into law. I’ve personally been fortunate to have two wonderful fathers shape my life. My biological dad, who sadly past away 2 1/2 years ago, and a stepfather, who has loved and supported me for the last 37 years. Both of these men mean the world to me, as does my husband and the amazing father to our four kids.

With Father’s Day fast approaching, I’m faced with the challenge to pick a gift that expresses my love and appreciation for them. Just as the men in our lives are unique and different, so are the many gift options we can choose from this year. Whether it’s a thoughtful card, a new gadget, a daddy day off, or a handmade gift, I hope these Father’s Day Gift Ideas help you to pick a father’s day gifts they’ll love.

1. Beer, Wine or Whiskey
Whatever is his beverage of choice, set him up to enjoy it, even more, this Father’s Day. For the beer lovers check out this home brewing kit. For the whiskey man, Japanese whiskey is all the rage and what better way to keep his drink cool than with these whiskey stones. Or expand his whiskey knowledge with Dave Broom’s World Atlas of Whiskey. And for the wine-loving fathers, buy him a bottle of wine with a personalized wine label, or some modern wine glasses to enhance the smooth experience.

2. Meat
If you believe in the popular saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” then treat your father to a steak dinner at Tampa’s famous Bern’s Steakhouse. If your dad lives out of town, deliver a steak to his front door through companies like Belcampo Meat Co., Omaha Steaks, and the Rain Crow Ranch, which specializes in grass-fed beef.

3. Health & Fitness
Maybe your dad or husband is on a health kick. Present him with a fitness accessory, the Fitbit, to help him keep track of his daily physical activity, as well as his sleep – or lack thereof.

4. Manly Gift Crates
I love the idea behind Man Crates.  From the video-gaming dad to the hunting dad, to the athletic dad, Man Crates has your manly-man covered. And don’t forget the dad who loves to grill out. These gift bundles are like Christmas-in-a-box delivered to their door!

5. Golf
What is Father’s Day without golf? How about giving your golfer something he doesn’t already have in his golf bag? The Hand Speed Trainer is a new training device that uses weights evenly dispersed on the forearms to improve the speed, power, and performance of the golf swing. He will love the impact this device has on his game. It’s also great for tennis, baseball, football, softball and volleyball players.  What golfer can’t use more golf balls? Personalize them and he’ll not only know how special he is every time he hits the ball, but he’ll also be able to easily find his ball if he shanks it off the tee. And when he gets to the putting green, he can pull out his specially engraved ball marker from his pocket.

6. Gift Cards
Okay, so maybe these are a bit impersonal, but who doesn’t want money to spend at their favorite store? When I surveyed some Facebook friends who are fathers, the iTunes gift card made the top of the list. Does your dad or husband love boating? Give him a West Marine gift card to put to good use this summer. Do you have a honey-do list? Give your handyman a Home Depot gift card and the gift will keep on giving!

7. Grooming Accessories
The Art of Shaving, conveniently located in the International Plaza, offers many classy gifts for fathers.  From grooming and shaving kits to facial soaps and lotions, to state of the art razors, fathers deserve to be pampered.

8. Alone Time
Only you know if your father or husband will enjoy this gift. I think it depends on what season of fatherhood your man is in. Brand new fathers probably want to spend the day with their little bundles of joy. Older fathers with adult kids will most likely love to have lunch or dinner with their adult children and grandchildren. But I bet those dads with several young kids in the house would jump for joy to have a day of alone time in their very own home! How often do these men get time in their own homes to sit and watch shows they want to watch without being asked 100 times for something to eat? So moms, pack up the kids, blow your husband a kiss and give him some peace and quiet this Father’s Day.

9. An Experience
Send your father or husband on an outdoor excursion. A day of golf with his friends, a deep-sea fishing trip, paddleboarding, or maybe even scuba diving lessons. Give him something which taps into his passions and watch how his happy attitude overflows to the family. If your husband is one who wants to spend the day with the kids, pack a picnic lunch and head to the beach or your favorite local park. Give him the gift of family fun and everyone benefits!

10. A Photo Book or Handmade Gift
Take those 1,000 photos on your smartphone, pick your 30 favorites, and make him a Father’s Day album, travel mug, or another accessory. To make it even easier, just download the Simple Prints App and make a photo album right from your phone! Or if you’re looking for a creative kids craft, sit down with your child and have them draw a picture of their daddy. Then write down their answers to fun questions like, “What’s daddy’s favorite drink?” Or, “How old is daddy? What color hair does daddy have? What does daddy like to do?” Your husband will get a kick out of the kids’ answers and will cherish the picture forever.

Father’s Day can be as simple or elaborate as you make it. The purpose isn’t to buy the most expensive gift, but instead to show our fathers how much we appreciate them. Let’s figure out what father’s day gifts they’ll love and give it!