While family time is the best gift that you can give to your dad on Father's Day, it might feel a little awkward to show up at your parents' house empty-handed. Here are just five gifts that will complement your love and affection for your old man.
Wearable technology was worth almost $20 billion last year, and this number is expected to double in the next decade. From armbands that can monitor blood glucose levels to shoes that can detect steps, calories and heel strikes, there are many ways to make dad's life a little easier with digital devices. If he's still a bit uneasy around technology, try starting small with something like a smart watch. He can play around with its functions and features while still retaining the comfortable, familiar feeling of an everyday accessory.
Anyone can buy their father a straight razor, but a luxury shaving kit costs a little more and will make a stronger impression. Imagine the look on his face when he opens a thin black box and finds a double-edged, gold-plated steel razor inside. Nestle it among sharpeners and polishers to take care of his maintenance needs, and throw in some top-of-the-line shaving products to give him a luxury experience from lather to rinse. These specialty products might include things like pre-shave oils, aftershave fragrances, soothing skin balms or 100 percent pure badger hair brushes.
Save your father from the dreaded "plumber's crack" whenever he does repairs around the house. Not only will he appreciate the gift of a full belt and not just a novelty buckle, but you can also make his days a lot more convenient when you buy a belt suited to his particular lifestyle. For example, if he's an avid hunter or outdoorsman, you might look for a military webbing belt that can withstand thousands of pounds of pressure before breaking. If he travels frequently for work, a metal-free, airport friendly belt can save him time during customs. If he's tinkerer in the garage, maybe he'd like a tool belt with hoops and pockets to carry his essentials. It would also be a good idea to make sure that it has an adjustable belt buckle.
There are many myths about pickpocketing that your dad might still believe if he's the old-fashioned type. Fortunately, you can circumvent his stubbornness by getting him a safer, more secure wallet. Some have anti-theft features like RFID blockers that will stop tech-savvy scammers from lifting electronic credit card data; others have locks, clasps and zippers that are designed to slow down thieves looking for a quick payday. You might also browse charging wallets with USB ports if your dad is the type that always needs more power for his devices.
You might think of kitchen appliances as more of a Mother's Day gift, but there are plenty of products that dad can enjoy too. If he's a caffeine junkie, get him a high-tech coffeemaker that offers things like automated timers and programmable menus for perfect temperature control. If he's a health nut, invest in a blender or food processor with motorized technology that will whip up all of his favorite smoothies. You can even surprise him with an indoor grill and complementary package of meat rubs and barbecue sauces. If you get lucky, he might cook for you before Father's Day comes to an end.
These are just a few potential gifts to take Father's Day to the next level. Try not to worry excessively about your gift-giving skills, however, since the day is ultimately about love. Presenting him with a cool toy will be nice, but what really matters is that your father knows how much you care about him.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter from San Francisco, California. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.