What to buy? A slightly-last-minute Father’s Day gift guide for any guy

Published 2:22 pm Wednesday, June 15, 2016

This year, there are plenty of ways to say "Happy Father's Day." However you choose, please don't say it with slippers.

Face it: Father’s Day is right around the corner and you still haven’t the slightest clue of what to get the dad(s), dad-to-be, or special man in your life. Another tie may seem tempting. Something for the car might be useful…but cliché. Never fear.

Although it can be difficult to find the right present for the occasion, some unique innovations, discounts, shipping deals and thoughtful online retailers have made the Father’s Day gift game a lot easier. This year, ditch the dated go-to’s and check out these gift options well-suited for that particular man (or men) on your list.

1. The Artisan Dad – Does the dad in question have an affinity for all things artisan and authentically made? For the man with an appreciation for high quality ingredients and well-made goods, consider getting him a craft brewing kit that will allow him to be a maker in his free time. Just in case his brew goes bust, his ale goes fail or it just isn’t his thing, you can also grab some quality grooming products or accessories – so refined and authentic, he’ll be sure to appreciate the gesture.

2. The Athletic Dad – Even if it’s been decades since he left his best on the court, the track or the field, there are still many useful gifts you can get the dad who still likes to keep fit. No, we’re not talking a pack of tube socks. If he’s the kind of guy who pounds the pavement or hits the gym regularly, focus on some fitness essentials that could use replacing. A pair of supportive insoles or a slim pair of sweat-and water-resistant headphones can serve as the perfect motivation to keep going during those tough workouts. If you want to go big, consider investing in a fitness tracker that will keep him moving (and monitoring his moves) for miles to come.

3. The Throwback Dad – Shopping for a dad who’s always talking about his glory days? You know, the days before smartphones, Netflix, MP3s and maybe even before you were born. If you find yourself uttering a quiet “yes,” embrace his kinship with the past and snag a Retro Pop Box – a subscription-based time capsule of sorts featuring pop culture picks from your dad’s favorite decade – that will instantly take him back to the days he found himself too cool for school. Think he’d prefer a more meaningful gift? Get creative in the app store and curate a compilation of his favorite self-proclaimed classic music or movie choices for his enjoyment. For a more personal touch, you can also consider a conveniently-discounted photographic reminder from Snapfish, memorializing the man – and the fashions – of yesterday.

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4. The Workaholic Dad – Each of knows a man who works hard to provide for those he loves. The perfect gift theme this year? Relaxation. Get the dad who works hard for the money to take some much-needed time off by gifting him with a massage or even a yoga class at a local studio. No matter where you may live or travel, resources like YogaFinder can help you find and gift the perfect class. If a yoga class or a trip to a spa for some much needed R&R may not fit in his schedule, he can recreate a similar experience at home with the help of The Man Can. Please note: This might quite possibly be the only time it’s a good move to give a man soap as a gift.

5. The Fun Dad – If we all know a dad who’s all work and no play, then we certainly must also know one who’s seemingly all play, right? For the man who brings a little humor to the house and is just one of the kids, take Father’s Day to celebrate his jovial nature. If a humorous graphic tee or gag gift won’t cut it, a trip to an area indoor trampoline park, skating rink, or family-friendly activities center can be fun for not only dad, but the whole family. Thanks to the convenience of technology, you can book reservations for tables, seating and even attractions – just to make things go smoother. If sticking closer to home is more appealing, consider spending the evening streaming the family’s favorite comedies or spend the day outdoors doing what this dad does best – having fun.

6. The Dad-Of-All-Trades – While he can be the hardest to shop for because his interests are so varied, there are still a number of great gifts you can give the guy who’s into a little bit of everything. Shopping for a foodie or budding chef? A food-focused subscription or kitchen tools might be the useful way to go. An avid reader may enjoy an inexpensive set of unique bookmarks that pair utility and creativity or the perfect gift to ensure his vast collection is smartly accounted for. If photography, music and all things media fill his free time, go for an external hard drive to offer Dad the space he needs for all of his digital stuff. Who knows? It could even get him excited about tackling household clutter next. Maybe. We’re not making any promises.

Didn’t find what you were looking for in these gift ideas? Don’t panic. You can find plenty of other great Father’s Day gift ideas here that will allow you to get even the youngest gifters involved to show their love.

With each of these suggestions, we’ve hopefully turned your gift-giving challenge into an easy win. By snagging a cool and useful gift, you’re sure to make the dad in your life – no matter his interests – smile just a little more brightly come Father’s Day.