What to Buy as a Gift for your Retired Father
Father’s Day is an oft-forgotten celebration, especially when compared to Mother’s Day. That is partially because children tend to remember their mothers as the nurturer when they were growing up, but it is also partly because it is much easier to buy gifts for mothers. There is a much less wide-ranging choice of gifts for dads of any age. Retired dads can pose even more of a problem, because they probably already have everything that they need. However, there are a few ideas that, if given in the right spirit, can prove to be both beneficial to and welcomed by retired dads all over the world.
Brain training games
It is widely believed that brain training games are effective at improvingcognitive abilityin the elderly. Whether you class your retired dad as elderly or not is a moot point; anything he can do to keep his brain in shape has to be a plus. There is a number of brain training games on the market, particularly in the form of computer games, but if your dad is a technophobe, there are plenty of other options, such as crossword puzzles, board games, Sudoku and quizzes, and they can be very easy on the wallet. If he is competitive, challenge him to a game or two as encouragement.
Internet access
The majority of people these days seem to be able to use a computer and have their own at home. However, if your dad is retired, he may still be part of the generation who have managed without computers for most of their life and see no reason to change now. Buying him a laptop may not be welcomed initially, but once you have taught him the basics, there are plenty of things that he can access online to occupy him. If he already has a computer, but no Internet connection, you and your siblings may want to consider paying for a year’s worth of Internet access and/or computer lessons.
Something for the garden
It may seem clichéd, but many people look forward to being able to get to grips with the garden once they are retired. If your dad has already started gardening, look to see if there is anything that would be of benefit and that he is missing. Aweed twisteror puller may be useful, particularly if mobility is becoming an issue, because it allows users to pull weeds out by the roots without having to get down on their hands and knees. Provided you know what your dad likes, plants are always a good option too and come in a variety of price ranges.
Exercise accessories
Just as the brain needs to be trained, the body needs to be exercised. Retired men, even those who used to keep fit and healthy while at work, may be tempted to spend their days doing less than energetic activities. If your dad is one of these, something to encourage him to exercise would be a good idea. Choose something that you know interests him; for example, if he used to cycle regularly, buy him some cycling clothes and accessories to encourage him to get back into cycling. Alternatively, a year’s subscription to theNational Trust, or the equivalent, may encourage him to get out and about without being quite so obvious.
A trip away
Now that he has time on his hands, your father may appreciate a trip away, either with you and your siblings, or with his wife/the partner of his choice. Trips don’t need to be expensive; if you are short of cash, somewhere relatively local, booked well in advance, will probably be very reasonable, especially if just for a night or two. On the other hand, if you have money to spare and know there is somewhere he would really love to go, then get together with your siblings and treat him to a really special trip. It doesn’t matter if he can afford to go anywhere he wants; the point is that you are giving him a gift that will provide him with long-term memories of your thoughtfulness.
You know your father best and will know if something aimed at stimulating his brain or body will cause offence. However, if you are tactful and choose carefully, you should be able to find something that is useful and that your father will appreciate for many months to come – no matter how tight your budget is.
