Everyone’s dad is unique, but almost all dads can somehow be classified into one or more traditional dad archetypes. The type of dad you have often helps shape your own image and interests as you grow up. Even if you and your dad aren’t carbon copies of each other, you at least learn to accept and admire your dad for who he is inside. When it comes to choosing a gift for your dad’s birthday, Father’s Day, or Christmas, you can get a lot of ideas based on what type of dad you have. Their interests tell you a lot about what types of presents they will find useful, clever, or endearing.
#1. The Sporty Dad
Sporty dads are the ones that get up early to go for a run, play basketball with the boys, join the company softball league, and workout in the garage. Or maybe they just love to watch other people play sports on TV while they shout at the screen and drink beer. Either way, they love a good game and enjoy being physically active. Here are some great gift ideas for sporty dads:
- A baseball cap, t-shirt, or jersey featuring their favorite sports team
- A new set of weights or other workout equipment
- Sneakers for running, playing, or working out
- Hoodies–sporty dads love a good hoodie
- Tickets to a game, when we’re doing such things again
#2. The Techie Dad
Is your dad basically the IT help desk for the entire extended family? If you have a computer-savvy dad who loves to have all the latest gizmos and gadgets, then you have a techie dad. Techie dads are great because they can set up your laptop, and keep the WIFI flowing smoothly. It’s easy to overspend on a techie dad because electronics can get pricey, but we have some ideas for you that won’t cost a fortune. Here are a few gift ideas that are perfect for techie dads:
- A wireless charger for his phone
- Cordless headphones
- A comfortable office (or gaming) chair
- A computerized voice assistant like the Amazon Echo Dot
- A camera doorbell such as Ring or Arlo
#3. The Fashionable Dad
Is your dad a trend-setter? Does he care about his looks a little more than that average dad? A fashion-loving dad can be fun to shop for. You can get him a new pair of kicks, a nice bomber jacket, or some aviators. Dress socks can be a great choice for the fashion-forward dad that won’t break the bank the way a pair of dress shoes or a new suit would. No Cold Feet has a ton of options, along with customizable gift sets for occasions like birthdays and Father’s Day.
#4. The Foodie Dad
Some dads just can’t stay out of the kitchen. If your dad loves to cook, or just loves to eat, then one of these foodie gifts might be the key to his heart. A foodie is someone that loves and appreciates good food, often at a fancy restaurant but sometimes also as a home chef. A foodie dad might be found in the backyard grilling, marinating chicken in the kitchen, or chowing down al fresco style at his favorite eatery. Here are some great foodie gifts that your dad will cherish:
- A really good non-stick fry pan
- A gift card to a brand new restaurant
- A pack of spices and marinades
- A subscription box to a meal prep club like Hello Fresh
- A really sharp chef’s knife
#5. The Woodsy Dad
Some dads love to rough it and enjoy things like camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and just being outdoors in general. Car camping might be their things. If you have a woodsy dad, then your gift ideas are endless. There are so many niche markets that cater to outdoorsmen these days. Camping is more trendy than ever right now due to travel restrictions and orders to stay around only your own family. You can still safely go on a camping or RV trip with the family and still be social distancing. Here are some fun gift ideas for a woodsy dad:
- A new tent for camping
- Campfire tools and recipes
- A good hunting knife
- A new fishing reel or tackle box
- Hunting jackets, heavy socks, or a hunting cap–basically anything with camo
#6. The Geeky Dad
Does your dad have a fandom or two that he is totally obsessed over? Maybe it’s Star Wars, a true dad classic. Some dads prefer Marvel superheroes or DC comics. No matter what your dad’s geeking out over these days, there’s a gift idea hidden in there somewhere. Fortunately, it’s now totally cool to be labelled a geek, and geeking out over something simply means you love it and are willing to spend money on it. No matter what his fandom is, you can be sure there are plenty of apparel, toys, and decor choices that you can get him as a gift. Even grown men like toys like lightsabers, Lego sets, and action figures featuring their favorite movies and TV show characters.
#7. The Sentimental Dad
Men aren’t known for being overly sappy but something takes over when a dude becomes a dad. They can be easily triggered by sentimental gifts that make them think of the love they have for their partners and children. A fun game can be seeing which sibling can make dad get teary-eyed when he opens their gift. Here are some heart-string tugging gift ideas for a sentimental dad:
- Framed photos of the family or the family pet
- A home video compilation of his kids
- A printed blanket or t-shirt with his favorite photo of you
- A heartfelt card with a long handwritten message
- Anything DIY or handmade from his children, even if they’re all grown up now
This year, think outside the gift box and give dad a gift that perfectly suits his personality and personal interests. Many of these gifts can fit into a tight budget, making them perfect for any occasion such as a birthday, Father’s Day, Christmas, or for no other reason than that you love him.
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