How to Put Together a Father's Day Gift Basket

When it comes to getting Dad a gift, many people grab a tie or a bottle of cologne or after-shave lotion, and consider their gift buying done. That's fine, if Dad happens to wear ties each day and likes to splash on some after-shave before leaving the house. The problem is, many men don't wear ties unless threatened with bodily harm, and most of them already have a half dozen bottles of after-shave stored up from birthdays and Father's Day last year. If you really want to give Dad something he will actually use, consider putting together a Father's Day basket.

All you need to get started is some type of container, a basket bag, a bow, and some idea of what Dad likes. Get creative with the container, by using a plastic or metal pail. He can always find a use for one of those around the house later. A small toolbox is another option, since a small one is always great for keeping a few tools in the trunk of the car. If all else fails, pick up a sturdy wicker basket at a thrift store and spray paint it any color that you know Dad likes.

For the filler, draw your cues from Dad's likes and dislikes. If he is a gardener, fill it full of trowels, hand pruners, two and four prong cultivators, and weeding forks. For a golfing dad, load up on his favorite make and model of golf balls, some tees and ball markers, and a small towel and brush he can use to quickly clean his clubs between holes. Couch-potato dads will appreciate a basket filled with their favorite snacks, along with stuff like a new universal remote, a good quality insulated cup (big enough to hold plenty of beer or soda), or a new pair of slippers.

When you have the basket filled, slide it into a basket bag and seal it with some ribbon and a bow. You can get basket bags for very little money from many discount retailers, including dollar stores. The bags come in many different colors, ranging from clear to dark reds and blues. Choose one that either shows off all the good stuff you've put in the basket, or one that happens to be Dad's favorite color.

While it takes a little more effort to put this type of gift together, it'll be worth it when you see your father's eyes light up at all the loot. Best of all, the whole basket may cost less than a bottle of cologne or a good quality tie. You get the satisfaction of knowing Dad is happy, and that you've not added to the collection of useless stuff he has stuck in the back of the closet.