Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Dad

Our fathers are very important people. They give of their time, heart, and resources to provide us shelter, food, clothing, and a happy future. Christmas is one time during the year we get to show our gratitude. A little thought will provide Dad with a memorable gift, however, wait until the last minute and your gift may become the stuff of infamy. I have searched the web and put together "The Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Dad."

#10 Tools

For many years, tools have been a Christmas staple. That is why they are number ten. While, they can be a very thoughtful and appropriate gift, this easily can become the gift that gathers dust. Planning will make the difference between a great gift and one that gathers dust. First, know what your father works on. Tools appropriate for woodworkers are not the same as car mechanics. Second, know what he already has. Extra socket sets can be very useful, but two belt sanders or drill presses are not necessary.

#9 Sports Memorabilia

Face it, Dads love sports, memorabilia is always a hit, however, you do not have to break the bank. My father likes Jeff Gordon, a quick search on EBay produced over 5 thousand items ranging from $10 on up. Similar results are available for basketball, golf, football, or any sport you like.

#8 Gift Cards

Gift cards are a perennial favorite, especially for the man who has everything. There is no need for braving long lines, crowded checkouts, and freezing. Many websites offer gift cards online, however, success depends upon the execution. A gift card anonymously delivered in the mail says "I did not have time to shop" or "this was a last minute gift." Take the time for personalization. Many websites allow you to personalize and print greeting cards with Dad's name. This does not take much time and shows that you put some thought into the gift.

#7 Electronics

Electronics are another great hit with men. Woman, do not feel left out. I realize that you also enjoy electronics. Right now, I am talking about Dad. IPODs are by far the hottest electronic gift. This year Apple raised the bar with the IPOD touch. Dad can scroll through his music and even surf the net (with a Wi-Fi connection) with just his finger. While a little pricey, this gift is sure to please even the most hard to buy for Dad.

#6 Magazine/Newspaper Subscriptions

Subscriptions are gifts that keep on giving. No matter what Dad is into to, there is a magazine about it. Magazine subscriptions are not very pricey, usually under $50. Yet, Dad will be reminded of you with each new issue. I would not recommend buying more than one year. First, it takes away next year's Christmas gift. Second, there is the law of diminishing returns. The first year will bring enjoyment but after awhile it will be expected and taken for granted.

#5 Sports Subscriptions

While this gift goes along with the sports theme, it deserved mentioning by itself. Many Cable and Satellite providers offer extra sports packages. Purchasing such a package will allow Dad to view almost every game of his favorite sport. Imagine Dad sitting in his easy chair, beer in-hand as he switches between five different football games. This may be mom's nightmare and hard on the "honey do" list, it is a sports fans dream.

#4 "... Of the month" Clubs

Many clubs will ship items once a month. Many offer very useful items such as coffee, steaks, tea, books, etc. Purchasing Dad a club membership will deliver useful items each month; however, make sure that they are items Dad already uses. Purchasing a steak of the month membership for a vegetarian would not be very useful. Also, put the membership in your name. That way Dad does not have to worry with mail and unwanted calls hounding him to renew the membership.

#3 Add to Dad's Collection

Many Dads' collect stuff from hats, scarves, pocketknives, guns, etc. You could purchase another item for his collection. However, first make sure that he is still collecting the items and has not moved them to a box in the garage. That would take a thoughtful gift and make it into just more junk.

#2 Gift Baskets

Gift Baskets are one of the most under-utilized gifts. Many people think of pre-made fruit, cheese or meat assortments put into a wicker baskets. These are not very manly; however, any gift will make a great gift basket. Here are two ideas to get you started.

Tools Gift Basket

Choose an assortment of hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, or sockets. You could check with dad and see which ones he often breaks, loses, or needed sizes. Arrange these tools in a small toolbox to make a great gift basket.

Sports Gift Basket

Gather small items from Dad's favorite sport. For instance, we will use racing. Our Dad likes Jeff Gordon. We could purchase a Jeff Gordon racecar from Wal-Mart, a picture from the sports store, and a T-Shirt. Show casing these items inside a Jeff Gordon labeled trash can turns these items into a gift basket. Dad can display the items and use the trash can at the office.

#1 Your Time

Many of us live very hectic lives. We do not get to spend as much time with our parents as we would like. Offer to help Dad clean the garage, rake the leaves, or just have a cup of coffee with him. You can make this gift fun by asking your kids to create a coupon book. Dad can redeem each coupon for a different activity with you. Dad will receive more time with his kids and a great handmade item by the grandchildren.

These are just some Christmas gifts available for Dads. There are many more possibilities. However, do not forget the keys to great gifts. First, put some thought into it. Do not just purchase any item at the last minute. Second, avoid the classic bad gifts (i.e. light up ties, reindeer ears, red noses, etc.). Lastly, personalize the gift either with a card or by arranging the items as a gift basket. Above all, have fun do not spend so much time buying gifts that you become a Scrooge.