10 Great Gifts for Dad

Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and I know I’m one of the hundreds of people searching for a last-minute gift for my dad. Here’s a list of ten ideas for those of you who, like me, are scrambling to show our fathers—and husbands or partners—that they’re really rad dads.

10. Universal Remote. You know it will come in handy, and you can pitch the ten other remotes he has.

9. New clothes. Dads are usually the least likely to buy their own. Does he need a new suit? A casual outfit for summer barbecues? Clothe your father.

8. Sporting gear. Replace an old golf club or deflated basketball. I might sneak in myself and restock my dad’s tackle box. What a surprise that would be the next time he opens it up!

7. Sporting time. Pay for a round of golf or a trip to the batting cages. Bonus: go with him for company.

6. Let him be a kid again. Take him to a place like Swing Around Fun Town, Six Flags, or another theme park where he can be a kid. If your father likes rollercoasters the way mine does, this should work like a charm.

5. Tell him how great he is. Write him a letter or personalize a card. If he’s about to be a new daddy, tell your partner in a special way—with a candlelight dinner, use a pacifier as his napkin ring; or get that little baby baseball mitt and tell him it won’t be long before you’ll be using it.

4. Give him the day off. Dad does a lot more than people give him credit for (though maybe not as much as Mom!). Do his chores for the week—mow the lawn, take out the trash, or bathe the dog.

3. Make his toy sparkle. You know what I mean—Dad’s car or truck! If he’ll let you touch it, give it a good washing and make it glow like new. (If he won’t let you lay a finger on it, beg—or buy him a bucket of cleaning goods that he’ll love to use on her—I mean, it.)

2. Take your daddy out all night. If he likes hotwings and watching the game, take him to a sports bar. Music fan? There are plenty of summer concerts going on. From the races to bowling to just out to ice cream, a father-daughter or father-son activity will be much appreciated—and remembered.

1. Tell him you love him. This may sound sappy and/or basic, but when was the last time you did? Make it every day while you’re at it.