Bad Father's Day Gift Ideas (and Better Ones)

You love your father, and he loves you. And that won't change no matter what you give him for Father's Day. But, let's face it, there are some gifts that your Father would just rather not receive (again). So this Father's Day, throw out the traditional gift ideas and get your father a Father's Day gift that not only says "I love you", but "I hope you really like it". Read on for the top 5 Bad Gift Ideas and a few better alternatives.

Bad Gift Idea #1: A Tie

Unless your father is a tie aficionado, or wears through them faster than the average man, he just doesn't need another tie (novelty or otherwise) to add to his collection. And besides, the Father's Day tie gift says "I just don't know what else to get you". This Father's Day, why not put a little more thought into his gift?

Better Gift Idea: A Pair of Sunglasses

They are just as wearable as a tie, but with just a little bit of thought, you can get your dad a pair that really suits his personality. If your dad is feeling a little less "hip" than he used to, what about a cool pair of aviators? Or polarized lenses that darken when he goes outdoors? Does he have a favorite actor? Buy your dad a pair that looks like his. Check out AnySunglasses.com for a variety of affordable and designer lenses that are sure to make a great Father's Day gift.

Bad Gift Idea #2: A Barbeque Apron

Every summer, in barbecues around the nation, dads pull out their novelty barbecue aprons to see if anyone scored anything other than the traditional "Kiss the Cook" or woman-in-bikini model. Though your dad may be a barbeque genius, one apron is really enough for anyone. This year, why not get him something different?

Better Gift Idea: A Personalized Branding Iron

This year, give your dad a Father's Day gift he'll be excited to show off at the next summer barbecue. Norpro's personal branding iron comes with three rows and interchangeable letters so that your father can brand his meat with any message he likes: "medium", "rare", or "Thanks Kids, I love my Father's Day gift!".

Bad Gift Idea #3: Slippers

Sure, they're comfy and useful but unless they're mink lined, they're not going to be a gift your dad can get really excited about. And, more likely than not, your father already has a tattered old pair that he secretly doesn't want to part with. Or perhaps its just that he has yet to wear out the pair you gave him two years ago. Whatever the case, this year, stay away from slippers.

Better Gift Idea: Net Flix Subscription

If your father is a real homebody, why not consider giving him a NetFlix subscription instead of a pair of slippers? For around $100 bucks a year, NetFlix will deliver movies of your father's choosing in postage paid envelopes. Once he's finished viewing them and returned them, the next movies on his list will show up on his doorstep a few days later. With hundreds of titles to choose from, NetFlix makes a great Father's Day gift.

Bad Gift Idea #4: Coffee Mug

OK, I'll admit that every dad needs at least one World's Best Dad coffee mug. But it should really stop there. If your parents' cupboard largely consists of a mis-matched array of novelty mugs and glasses, its really time to start thinking outside of the box.

Better Gift Idea: Portable Coffee Kit

If your dad gets downright grumpy without his coffee, the Doppio portable coffee-services-for-two kit makes the perfect Father's Day gift. It comes with a compact insulated tan and brown tote that holds two stainless steel mugs, a vacuum sealed stainless steel thermal flask, stainless steel containers for cream or sugar, two washable cotton napkins and two stainless steel spoons. And at $60, it's only a little bit pricier than the mug.

Bad Gift #5: Shaving Kit

Again, a useful gift, but if your dad is anything like mine he's more low maintenance than even the sparse contents of that little black bag. And let's face it, you're only really buying it because you can't think of anything else to buy him.

Better Gift Idea: Day at the Spa

Your dad just thinks a day being pampered and massaged isn't right up his alley. But after a visit to the sauna at the local spa, he's sure to change his mind. This year, why not book him an appointment at your neighborhood male-friendly spa? It will be a Father's Day gift he'll remember forever.