Gift Ideas for Dads

"Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope" ~Bill Cosby

Dads can be notoriously hard to buy gifts for. Perhaps this is because they tend not to go in for all the accessories and fripperies we might associate with women. There are not the same variety of options for men. Most of them don't for example, wear make-up, headbands, barettes, flowery silk scarves or ankle bracelets.True you can always fall back on socks, ties and underwear but that's a bit unimaginative isn't it?

A thoughtful gift is so much more meaningful than a generic, convenient one; it signifies how well you know them and that you've really considered what that person is about.

Of course not all Dads are alike but they can, for the purposes of gift-giving be roughly divided onto a type based on their interests and personality. Here are some suggestions for buying gifts for Dad online, acording to type:

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.” -Sigmund Freud

A sports-mad Dad may enjoy either watching sport or playing it..or both. In fact a real sports -mad Dad will like just about anything to do with sport, including reading about it. This category of Dad is perhaps the easiest to buy for, as chances are they'll love anything involving sports. Of course there's two types of sports dad - those who play and those who watch, so keep this in mind when searching for a gift. The suggestions below would suit either type.

"If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal."--John Lennon

Musical dads are into melodies. They might play an instrument, enjoy dancing or just appreciate a tune through listening. Depending on their age and musical tastes they could be into anything from Bing Crosby to Nirvana, but how about something that is universally popular?

Who doesn't love the Beatles? How about a gift set of Beatles hits? Or a ukulele or a tin whistle..easy to play and heaps of fun. Or for a really cool Dad (or a dad who would like to be cool)... a set of bongos.

While an intellectual Dad might not smoke a pipe and sit by the fireside these days, he will enjoy stretching his mind. he likes to think and that usually involves exploring ideas...either his own or the ideas of others.

An intellectual Dad will enjoy presents that stimulate the mind and get those brain cells cranking. It could be a book, a puzzle, a microscope or a philosophical proposition; intellectual Dad's like to think. They are rational rather than emotional and often enjoy debate and discussion, using reason to win the argument.

"The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of the opinions of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible."

Bertrand Russell

“Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad.” -Anne Geddes

Does your Dad like to climb a mountain, take trips to Antarctica....navigate solo around the world? Perhaps he only dreams of these things, but adventurous Dads have that spirit of wanting to get out and about and explore the outside world.

Not one to stay at home and watch TV 24/7 the adventurous Dad probably enjoys camping, trips away and ripping yarns about other people's adventures. An active Dad is always on the go but will sometimes take time to relax and enjoy a good adventure book.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” -David O. McKay

Ah, a candleight dinner, a soothing walk along the beach in the moonlight..this is the stuff of romance. The romantic Dad is often a charming dreamer...maybe even an idealist. He likes to keep himself nice and be proud of his appearance - a silk tie or a mens skin or hair care product might be just the thing. Or perhaps a classic old movie or a boxed set of romantic music?

A romantic Dad is sensitive to another's needs and will go the extra mile for his woman but mood and atmosphere are very important to him. Satin sheets... a soft light...romantic music...the right ambiance.

"A father carries pictures where his money used to be." ~Author Unknown

For business Dads efficiency is the key. They are busy people and anything that will help make the wheels go around smoothly will be appreciated.

That doesn't mean business Dads don't have a fun side too, and chances are they'd enjoy a stylish or quirky excutive toy as well. All work and no play makes businesss Dad a dull guy!

One final thought...business Dad's often work just a little too hard for their own good and a gift that will help him relax has the added bonus of being good for him . It may be something he would not think to buy for himeself - like a gift certificate for a massage or an aroma therapy kit or even a footbath.

There's always this: