by Marijane Suttor

Created on: June 03, 2008

"Wow! Isn't this nice! Just what I always wanted: a basket of cherry-pomegranate lotions!" Poor Dad. He doesn't stand a chance. No matter what the gift, he needs to appear like it is the absolute greatest gift ever, because no doubt it will come from his kids or his wife. This is a totally loaded situation and not the time for brutal honesty. So when these bad gifts burst their beautiful wrapping papers, he will need to ooh and ahh as well as act exuberant in the thank you declarations. The best course of action is to refrain from putting Dad in this position by avoiding gifts that are sure losers.

BAD GIFT #1) Anything that requires assembly. The last thing that dad wants to do on Father's Day is put something together such as a grill or a bike. So if a gift requires assembly, see if the store will assemble it for you, even for a small price, if it isn't something the family can do in advance.

BAD GIFT #2) Gifts that start new hobbies. Although it may seem like a good idea to start Dad out on a brand new hobby such as fishing, it is rarely a good idea. If Dad has never fished before, he is likely to be out of his element if he tries to attempt the hobby, or the gift will end up unused. Both are awkward scenarios.

BAD GIFT #3) Gifts that do not fit Dad's personality. If Dad is the outdoor type, perhaps tickets to the opera is not the best idea or if Dad doesn't like to wash his own car, a chamois and wax set is a poor idea. So, always keep his personality in mind.

BAD GIFT #4) Gifts that insult Dad's hygiene acumen. Although Dad may really need a nose hair clipper, this isn't the time to give it as a gift. No man on Father's Day wants to be reminded that everyone can see his nose hairs. Steer away from the razor, nose hair clipper, and extra strength toenail clipper aisle as well as cans of athlete's foot spray and air fresheners for his gym bag.

BAD GIFT #5) Pets. Dad does not want the "Surprise!" gift of another pet. Pets in general as gifts are a bad idea. It is better to pick them out together as a family at another time.

BAD GIFT #6) Any books that have the added tag "For Dummies" such as "Grilling for Dummies", "Computers for Dummies" and so on. You know the drill. The local book store is glutted with how to books with the added tag "For Dummies". It is a backhanded gift with the inferred meaning that Dad just isn't too bright especially on the topic of choice. Instead choose a book with a more positive connotation.

BAD GIFT #7) Anything with "#1 Dad" or other

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