by Lisa Maclean

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: November 30, 2010

There are few gifts you can get Dad that he will not like. Dads are just like that; they are usually pretty content with what they have, except for the big ticket items that they have to get themselves. There are some things though that you should probably try to avoid just because Dad's either get a whole lot of them or they just really don't need or use them.

For instance, most Dads I know aren't all that excited about getting clothes; clothes of any kind. Things like socks, ties, handkerchiefs, belts, these are things that Dad will get for himself when he thinks he needs them. Even shirts and sweaters are tending to the "Don't Get Them" side.

If you insist on getting Dad something to wear you may consider a novelty item. Perhaps a T-Shirt with a clever saying on it, or his favorite band emblazoned on the front, or anything that sounds or looks like your Dad. Or socks with toes, or slippers that look like an animal Dad likes, or a cap with a tail. Dad's are goofy that way too, they like the wierd and clever.

Another area to avoid would be reading material. Things like books, magazine subscriptions, newspapers and so on. Dad usually has precious little free time as it is; what he does have he doesn't want cluttered up with reading. He would much rather sit down and watch a good football game or an old movie. No reading material.

Anything that looks like work is just a reminder to Dad that he has to get something done. He may be able to use that new rake but he doesn't want someone to get him one; that only takes away that one last excuse for not raking, "I don't have a good rake." You would think Dad's would like tools but the more he has the more he is capable of doing and there goes that precious free time again. Try to stay away from work eliciting items.

Booze of any kind is a big taboo. Don't let Dad think that you think he is a boozer. Maybe he is, so be it, but don't tell him he is. He already knows it. He will support his habit just fine, believe me. Let him pick out his own medicine and let him choose it when he really wants it; don't support his vice.

Don't think this leaves any thing to get? Wrong! There is always food items, outdoor fun items, DVDs, die cast cars (all Dad's are car nuts, even if you don't know it). There are many things to choose from without having to get Dad something that someone else has already gotten him time and time again. A little planning will go a long way.

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