Father’s Day Gifts :: Suggestions From a Dad

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    {Father’s Day is in 6 days — have you gotten a little something for the father in your life? If you’re stumped on what to get Dad, guest blogger Jonathan Reggio (husband of contributer Barbara Reggio) has some advice.}

    dads blog

    Sunday, June 15. That is the deadline. Father’s Day 2014.

    If you haven’t gotten anything yet for the father in your life, the good news is it does not take elaborate planning, or even a second mortgage, to find the most awesome Father’s Day gift ever.

    Here are my suggestions, from a man’s point of view, on what Dad might like:

    Hobby Enthusiast

    hobby
    A tie just won’t cut it. Consider something useful for Dad’s favorite hobby instead.

    If the dad in your life has an avid hobby, that can greatly narrow and facilitate the search for an ideal gift. However, just because Dad may love sport fishing does not mean the best gift for him is Big Mouth Billy Bass singing “Don’t Worry Be Happy.”

    The point is that if Dad has a certain niche in his hobby, getting something that only has a very, very vague relation is not going to wow him.

    The best choice can be as simple as an accessory to whatever Dad makes a hobby of, such a golf glove, grilling utensils, or a baseball hat for his favorite team. Small things are important.

    Personally, as a fan of the Star Wars franchise, I can tell you that there is a huge difference between receiving the Blu-Ray Box Set and opening a gift to find a Star Wars-themed tie. (There is your first clue: Do not get a tie.)

    Practical Family Man

    I consider myself a practical family man, and personally I want a new coffee mug with pictures of the family laminated on it, as well as coffee. This gift is number 1 on my list for three reasons:

    1. I broke my last mug that had family photos on it.
    2. I don’t want to use all my wife’s K-Cups. She is the master of Gloria Jean’s Butter Toffee coffee, and no one will usurp her. That is her favorite flavor, and she does not need them disappearing one at a time. I appreciate my own stash.
    3. The concept it is relatively cheap and very practical. I am all about practical. What can I get that is nice to have, somewhat decorative, and still serves an important function?

    Indecisive Dad

    Gift cards allow Dad to buy just what he wants!
    Gift cards allow Dad to buy just what he wants!

    If Dad does not know what he wants, gift cards are a good idea. They are not a faux pas to men. Ever. As far as us men are concerned, they are cash. And what dad does not enjoy the feeling of finding a gift card stuffed in his wallet that he completely forgot he had? It is like winning the lottery.

    Want something more personal than a gift card? There is one universal rule of thumb: Photos work. You can plaster family photographs on anything and Dad will love it (see the aforementioned coffee mug). Chances are that Dad likes to be reminded of his family when he is out of the house. Work: ugh. Family: smiles. Photographs in frames or on knickknacks are nice reminders of home while at the office.

    Just Ask!

    Always remember, it does not hurt to ask Dad for input. There is no shame in asking. In fact, Dad probably has a good idea of what item he would like to receive. And it cuts the guess work out of figuring out the perfect gift. Remember, guys are all about practical, and what better way to honor that characteristic than ask him exactly what he wants?

    No Time to Get Out and Shop?

    I know it can be tough to shop with a toddler in tow (or a child any age for that matter). But with online retail, it is possible to find a relatively inexpensive item without having to physically search an entire store for a day and a half. And an added bonus, you can often have it shipped right to your doorstep at no additional cost.

    Other options provided with online shopping:

    • If the item is in stock locally, the retailer website will most likely offer to reserve the item at the store until you pick it up.
    • If the item is not in stock locally, a good number of retail websites will offer free shipping to the closest store of your choice for you to pick up later. This way, all you have to do is wait for email confirmation that Dad’s gift is ready for pick-up.

    And there you have it. All the information from a dad’s point of view to find the perfect Father’s Day present.

    Just remember: no ties.

    What suggestions do you have for Father’s Day gifts?

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    This was right after we brought Asher home.  Lucie was tickling Asher's toes.Jonathan Reggio is Barbara’s husband of 3 years and father to their children, Lucie and Asher, born 2 years, 3 months apart. Being a father has taught him patience and a fondness for Saturday morning cartoons. He enjoys cooking, contemporary a cappella music and is an avid Star Wars fan.

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    Barbara Reggio
    Barbara Reggio is a wife, mother, and small business owner. She has been married to Jonathan since May 2011, and they are partners in parenting their two children, Lucie (January 2012) and Asher (April 2014). The Reggio family relocated to West Columbia from Long Island, NY in March 2013 when Jonathan accepted a job transfer. She has the best of both worlds working both outside the home at a Customs House Brokerage and running her home based business, Trendy Babywearing. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Maritime Studies from the State University of New York at Maritime College. When she is not working or writing articles for Columbia SC Moms Blog, Barbara enjoys walking at the Riverbanks Zoo with her family, babywearing, reading, singing along to the radio (loudly) in her car, loom knitting, documenting her children's lives with photography, and writing on her personal blog http://www.trendsettermom.com/. Barbara is currently working on her goal of becoming a lifetime member with Weight Watchers.

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