by Nathan Higgins

Created on: June 13, 2008

Nothing says "I had absolutely no idea what to give you" more than a bad gift, and these gifts abound each and every Father's Day. From the clich to the creative dud, here is my top ten list of the absolute worst Father's Day gifts ever.

10. Gift cards

Giving Dad a gift card is like giving him cash but telling him where he has to spend it. At its most basic level, a gift card says, "Dad, I wanted to give you something, but I had absolutely no idea what to give you. Here's my spending limit; go find something special yourself."

9. Wallets

Dad may actually enjoy receiving this very practical gift, especially if he considers some of the possible alternatives. What gives wallets an advantage over other gifts is that they spend most of their useful lives hidden away in pockets; having to use an "unusual" wallet should not bring Dad too much embarrassment.

While wallets can be a fairly generic, "safely givable" gift, the frequency with which they appear when it comes time to "give something to Dad" (as well as the yawning excitement with which most dads receive wallets) might be reason enough for a giver to consider giving Dad something else.

8. Grooming Kits

The professional grooming kit is another one of those generic gifts that makes its way into shopping carts as time closes in on Father's Day celebrations. When it comes down to it, nothing says, "Dad, you mean the world to me," in quite the same way as a set of toe-nail clippers and a pair of tweezers.

7. Neckties

Amid reports that necktie usage is declining, people are still buying ties for dear old Dad. One estimate from a few years back placed sales related to Father's Day at nearly ten million ties! Over-gifted, under-used, and often outside of Dad's fashion comfort zone, a necktie is one gift with which Dad may prefer not to be strangled, and on the off-chance that Dad is a "tie-wearing guy," he may actually prefer to select his own apparel.

6. Fragrances for Men

While "perfumed toilet water" ranks as a highly popular Father's Day gift, it also carries a high potential for being poured "down the toilet". Dads typically have their own ideas about how they wants to be perceived in the world, and their personal preferences may not match the aroma given off by the latest perfumer's product whether of the cheap or the highly expensive variety. Those who want to give a Dad "an aromatic gift that lingers" may wish to let Dad in on the secret and take him along on the shopping adventure, allowing Dad to make his own selections.

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