Great gift items for Dads are many and include ideas for fathers of all backgrounds, personalities and unique gifts that will fit their interests. Dad gives so much of himself during the year to the family, Christmas is the perfect time to give him a gift that he will love but would otherwise not purchase for himself.

When Christmas shopping for a dad, consider all aspects of his interests and try to remember comments he might have made about specific items. Details can be very helpful shopping aids for choosing the perfect gift for Dad. However, if the details are fuzzy or Dad is one of those quiet types, consider the following great gift ideas.

* Sports

If Dad is a sports enthusiast, your options are numerous. Sports apparel from his favorite team is always a good choice as are fun items with the team logo like key chains, bottle openers and mouse pads for his computer. A larger gift might include tickets to a game, or even season passes, plus a DVD with team highlights or the newest team jersey. If he does not already subscribe, consider ordering him a Sports Package from his satellite TV provider.

* Car stuff

There are different types of car-guys. There is the racing and NASCAR fan and then there is the garage-guy that can rebuild anything with a motor. To select a great gift for racing and NASCAR fans visit the online NASCAR store for hundreds of ideas in a wide range of prices. Gifts for your shade tree mechanic can range from a good pair of mechanic's gloves to a case of shop towels, a great gift from the kids. Other ideas include several good car movies including "Bullitt" with Steve McQueen, "Gone in Sixty Seconds" with Nicolas Cage and either the original or remake of "The Italian Job." Don't forget about detailing kits or framed artwork featuring Dad's favorite car.

* Gadgets and electronics

If Dad plays with every gadget on display in each store you visit during the year, he might enjoy a gadget or two to open on Christmas morning. The gadget gift ideas can span a variety of items and prices. The newest GPS system from Garmin or Magellan might please many different dads, and mom might like it too. Several iPod choices make for a great gift for Dad when he heads off to the gym after work or when he is working around the yard on the weekend. The Weber audible meat thermometer is a great gadget gift for under $50. It gives both a visible and audible indication when the meat is done and does it in five different languages.

A new video camcorder might be a great gift for Dad if he is the official recorder of all family events and sports games. Other gadget gifts might include a crank flashlight radio, a wireless weather station or even the New York Times handheld electronic crossword puzzle device. For helpful reviews of great gadgets visit gadget-reviews.com.

* Cool stuff for around the house

Treat Dad to a dorm-sized refrigerator for his garage, workshop or media room. Stock it with his favorite drinks and snacks for the ultimate great gift. If dad is into cooking, make him feel like a celebrity chef with a high tech chef's knife. For the good tips and guides to purchasing a good chef's knife, visit the website of the Reluctant Gourmet. Pair the new knife with the ingredients for a recipe dad has been dying to try or a new cookbook from his favorite celebrity chef.

The HoMedic Therapist Select Shiatsu Back Massager can fit into a favorite chair might be appreciated by dad after a long day at work. This product can be found online at Amazon.com for about $75. Add a season's set of his favorite television show on DVD and he will be the most relaxed dad on the block. Is dad ready to upgrade to Blu-Ray but has been putting it off? Surprise him with a new Blu-Ray player and a few of his favorite movies on Blu-Ray. Complete the gift with a basket of gourmet popcorn.

No matter which Christmas gift you choose for Dad, a great gift will always be the one that was selected with consideration and love.

Learn more about this author, Barb Hopkins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Great Christmas gift ideas for dads?
We want to hear your view. Write now!