ALT-12 Fathers Day Gift Ideas
The best Father's Day gift is one that comes in several parts, like a gift basket; the kind that makes Dad dig deep in the bag awaiting the next surprise. I mean, compare this to unwrapping a gift that has only one component: it's a hit or miss. He either likes it and is happy, or appreciates the thought, and we all know what that means.
First, before we compile the parts of the gift, let us classify them into the following categories: those that provide immediate satisfaction, short term satisfaction, long term satisfaction, and those that possess a sentimental value.
Immediate Satisfaction
A close friend of mine once told me that when giving a gift, you must include something that provides immediate, temporary delight. In layman's terms: something you can eat. Now this depends on your dad: Is there a specific chocolate that he likes, is he a cheese connoisseur, or are there any special cookies that he favors? In other words, give him something that he can savor at the moment. It doesn't have to be gourmet. Maybe he likes dried fruit or chocolate covered raisins, or maybe just plain old peanuts. Appease the hunger. Spread the satisfaction.
Short Term Satisfaction
The second item in your basket should be something that lasts for a short while. This could be a wide range of items: cologne, coffee beans, tea, reservations at a spa, a one year subscription to a magazine he likes, or tickets to a game. This list is certainly not comprehensive. Go ahead and add to it. The idea is to get dad something that can be used. A good way to figure out what exactly Dad needs is to do the following: Listen to Dad's complaints for a week and then try to find something that will ease them. If he is forgetful, get him a nice notepad (he probably doesn't have one), or if his disorganized, get him a calendar. If he's losing hair, get him a re-growth system (unless he's the kind of person who would take offense to this). Dads are busy men. Men like to be busy. So give Dad something that will keep him busied.
Long Term Satisfaction
This is the heart of the basket, so think hard about it. An object that provides long term satisfaction possesses three qualities: it is not exhausted, it is always in possession, and it serves a purpose. A good example is a watch. A watch, if properly maintained, will not be used up. It is always on the wrist or in the pocket, and it serves an important purpose: telling time. So how do we find out what Dad needs? Think of his occupation and what he uses to pursue it. Now is there anything that needs replacement, is there something missing, or has something new been invented that Dad really needs? Is he always standing? Sitting? Driving? Outside? Reading? Writing? Fixing? Buying/selling? What does Dad do, and how can you make this easier?
Sentimental Value
OK, this is the cute part of the basket, the inside joke, the "Daddy, I love you" part. It shouldn't be expensive and it can be homemade. Think of a time when Dad slipped up or make a foolish mistake. Remind him of it with a token of the memory; by now it should be a laughing matter. The token can be in the form of a picture, an item, a video, or anything case specific. End his day happily with a nice, big laugh.
In Summary
Satisfy Dad with something that can be consumed on the spot. Then enrich him with something amazing but limited, something that can be exhausted with use. But you don't want him to forget the thought, so add something that is lasting and purposeful. Finally, top off your gift by adding something that personalizes it. Think of it as the signature component. And there you go! You now have a gift that only YOU can give Dad. And if you do a good enough job, you shouldn't have to put a "To/From" card on it.
