by Alden Smith
We don't simply buy Dad socks and ties for Father's Day any longer - there is a vast amount of things that today's Dad would love to have. Today's Dad is interested in technology and all the gadgets that make his life easier. Here, we will look at a list of things to make Father's Day a happy one.
Tech Gadgets
Anything tech often sits well with Dad. Here is a list, with links and prices:
- Help dad build his man cave with a 50 inch Panasonic TH50PX80U Plasma TV with Built in hdtv/qam tuners. With 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, game mode and 4096 shades of gradation, it is ideal for any Super Bowl party going. This flat panel TV sells for $1599 at ABC Warehouse. Visit them online at http://www.abcwarehouse.com/default.asp. ABC also sells an under-cabinet mount allowing 220 degrees of rotation for $129.
- If dad travels a lot, get him a Bluetooth headset to make communication easier. Top of the line Samsung WEP410 wireless cell phone headset works for 70 hours on standby and up to 4 hours talk time. Bluetooth technology is a safety conscious solution for hands free operation while driving. Pick up the Samsung Bluetooth headset at Tigerdirect.com for $39.99.
- When dad travels, give him the security of reliable navigation. The Garmin nüvi 660 GPS features built-in base maps, voice prompts and Bluetooth compatibility. Integrated GTM 20 receiver enables traffic updates and suggests alternate routes. Turn-by-turn, voice-prompted navigation allows the unit to audibly announce the name of upcoming streets to allow hands free driving. Priced at $349.99, the unit is only available online at Best Buy. Visit http://www.bestbuy.com/ for details.
Unique Gifts
Dad isn't all about hunting and fishing and football games. Very often a sentimental gift works very well. A search of the web finds these items:
- Dear Dad Poem© Personalized Photo Frame. From Personalization Mall.com, this truly unique item can be personalized by the giver to express exactly how they feel and think. Laser etched on glass, you input title, sentiments or poem, and add your own name. Overall frame measures 11" x 8" and holds a 4" x 6" photo. Made from heavy glass, it features a beveled edge and is accented with golden brass frame trim. Priced at $35.05, it ships in 1 to 2 days. Visit http://www.personalizationmall.com for more information.
- To bring out the romantic in Dad, consider the Riviera Duet Wine and Cheese Tote. This handsome wine and cheese tote is made from 600D polyester canvas. It comes with a stainless steel waiter-style corkscrew, hardwood cutting board, and a stainless steel cheese knife with wooden handle. It is personalized with name or monogram embroidered on the flap. Fully insulated, it can be had for $39.95, once again at Personalization Mall.com. Ships in 1 to 2 days.
- If dad is a beer lover, consider buying him a Microbrew Beer Bucket Gift Basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets.com. It comes complete with a galvanized bucket to hold ice, 6 different microbrew beers, and a mixture of mixed nuts, pretzels, peanuts, and beef jerky.
Surprising Facts
Research for this article took me to Interactive Dad.com. The site conducted a survey of what dad would REALLY like for Father's Day. The site, a free online web site for fathers, reports that dad definitely doesn't want a necktie or socks for Father's Day. What is important to dad is spending time with family on this special day. Eating out with family was preferred by 36% of those polled - 25% of dads say a tie is about the worst gift they could receive. The poll also reveals that only 13% want something electronic. Eight percent want time alone to do what they want, and 6% would prefer a gift that's sports related.
What Dad DOESN'T Want
The bottom spot in the survey poll was taken by underwear, followed closely by a tie. Surprisingly, 14-percent voted power tools as their least favorite Father's Day gift. Twenty one percent said cologne or aftershave, 16% said underwear, and 15% said socks were the least wanted. And almost 30% of dads said a tie would be their least favorite gift. Glenn Lawrence, InteractiveDad.com editor, said "Everyone expects men to probe to find the perfect gift for Mother's Day yet when it comes to men most people assume sports, electronics and ties are the winning gifts." The Interactive Dad site feels that this survey should open a lot of eyes to what a man really would like from his family on Father's Day. Visit this site at http://www.interactivedadmagazine.com/ to find out more about what a man does and doesn't want this Father's Day. Dad will thank you, and you will get a lot of points giving him what he REALLY wants.
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our "
I always struggle when it comes to buying my Dad a gift. I wanted to get him something that was very unique and would mean something to him down the road. I came across this site, http://www.bean-bag-chairs.ca which offers hand-crafted leather bean bag chairs from an artisan in Brazil. I thought this would be an awesome gift because not only will my Dad love it, but I am also helping this artisan in Brazil who doesn't have the means to feature his product. When my Dad got the chair, he fell in love with it and of course now I am his favorite daughter. I defiantly recommend getting this chair for Dad, for the next father's day or just a gift in general to get somebody.