by Karyn B Jules

Created on: June 10, 2008   Last Updated: April 17, 2009

Is there really such a thing as an inherently "bad" Father's Day gift? Every dad is different, and what might be considered a poor choice of gift for some will be just right for others. It is the amount of thought and care that has gone into choosing dad's gift that determines whether or not it will be well received and appreciated.

Most people would say that giving dad socks on his special day is not very thoughtful. This may be true if your dad already has a drawer full of perfectly good socks, but what if he doesn't? Not all dads have someone to keep their sock supply replenished, and not all dads who live alone are particularly great shoppers, especially when it comes to buying clothing. If your dad falls into this category, you might have noticed each time you visit that his feet are barely covered by the threadbare slivers of fabric he refers to as socks. You might then be inclined to buy him a whole new set for Father's Day. Imagine how much more cosy he will feel on those cold mornings when he can snuggle his feet into a nice thick pair of warm socks. Socks are not always a bad gift.

Your dad's circumstances can, and usually do, influence what will be a great, or not so great Father's Day gift. If he's happily married, or living with a significant other, then he probably won't need or appreciate such gifts as bedding, bathroom ware, and those other little necessities because they are already taken care of. On the other hand, if dad is responsible for taking care of himself and his home, he may not be quite so well organised when it comes to these types of items. A plush towel set could be just the thing for this dad. Even if he doesn't realise it straight away, the next time dad hops out of the shower and his towel actually dries him adequately and his fingers don't get caught in holes, he will know that you had his comfort in mind when you chose that particular gift.

As Father's Day approaches, advertising will be centred around expensive "must have" items to buy for dad, but are they all really that perfect as gifts? Does dad really need a new watch that's waterproof down to 200 feet and tells him the time in 50 different locations around the world? If he's a jet setting scuba diver then yes, he'd probably love it. If he has an irrational fear of water and thinks that Thailand is that little booth in the middle of the menswear department, then the watch is definitely a bad idea.

Gifts, items, objects, things, are not "bad" in themselves. Even the smallest, most unassuming gift can bring much pleasure and fulfillment to the recipient if it is given with the right intention. So don't be put off by the fact that the gift you have in mind for your dad might be considered inadequate by others. You know your dad better than they do, and if you really feel that he will value the gift, and the thought behind it, then that can't possibly be bad.

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