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Selecting the Right Gifts for Dad |
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By William Mathis
Has your hunt for father's day gifts ever collapsed into feelings of resignation that dad will just have to make do with one of the tried and true items from previous years? Does finding the right gift for dad seem to take too much time and effort?
Selecting just the right gift is an important way to say you care, and its not so difficult as it might appear.
Some people give up before they really get started considering what to buy, because historically their efforts have been frustrating. So dad gets a shirt, a tie, socks, or maybe a book, because they're the obvious choices and he hasn't complained about those gifts in the past.
But it's the rare dad that will even hint that the gift is not needed or desired. Most will make something of a fuss over the
gift and express copious amounts of gratitude. But did he really want another shirt? Maybe. And maybe he even liked the style and color. Or maybe he is resigned to getting the same range of items for father's day, year after year. Low expectations can temper disappointment.
So who will break the cycle of dull, predictable repetition? Looks like it will have to be you! And if you're ready to do so, please realize that you're not taking on a giant challenge. In reality, gift buying for dad has never been easier. Online shopping is safe and secure, fast, and there are enough options to suit any need, interest or taste.
And in those three words -- need, interest, taste -- lies the key to your choice, along with the always-relevant term, budget. Get those four concepts aligned and you can't go wrong. Three out of four wouldn't be awful either, so long as taste is included in the mix.
DAD'S NEEDS
So let's be clear: if a shirt is the right gift for dad, then a shirt it should be. But before making any decision, consider
these points. First, unless dad relies on you to stock his wardrobe, then clothing should be only one of many options in the equation. Second, if you bought clothing more often than not in the previous few years it could be time for a change.
So spend a few minutes reflecting on your purchase history. Have you fallen into a rut? Have you been too predictable?
Then consider his range of needs. If you don't have the knowledge to do that, get some help from other family members or friends. If he has no needs, then you will have to go with these other three concepts.
DAD'S INTERESTS
What does dad do with his time, and what does he say he would like to do? Has he talked about learning to fly fish or roller blade? Or does he stick to tried and true activities? All dads have at least one special interest, even if it's just watching every sports event that appears on TV. And if that's the case, selecting from an array of items from his favorite team is a sure way to please him.
Here's a critical point about interests. Never, ever project yours on to him. Doing so can lead to big problems. For example, if he hasn't directly expressed a desire for a pet, buying him one is a substantial risk. Again, if you're uncertain about what new interests he might have, get some help from others. If you have siblings, through a discussion about options you might decide to present dad with a joint gift this year -- a good way to extend buying power for something that he wouldn't otherwise get.
DAD'S TASTES
Even though you may think he should learn to appreciate the finer things in life like opera, or he should learn to cook deluxe desserts, gift buying for dad is not about "should." It's not about you, except as a way to show your love and respect. So stick with his tastes in music, books, clothing -- whatever. If he has never worn purple, don't bother buying it just because it's the color flavor of the year.
YOUR BUDGET
Finally, factor all these issues into how much you want to spend. In this case, tradition might be your best guide.
If you have been buying modest gifts, showing extravagance now might be unsettling and embarrassing for dad. However, if your financial situation has improved after years of pinching pennies, then he will likely accept that your more valuable gift simply reflects your desire to share your change in status with him.
In your price range you will find plenty of options, though the more flexibility you have financially the greater the selection. Spending big bucks isn't necessarily the answer, however.
Your gift should simply feel right. If it reflects needs, interests and taste, the gift will tell him that you cared enough to consider who he really is. Most dads won't be concerned about the dollar value.
Most of all, your dad is likely to care whether you are able to spend time with him in person or, if you live at a distance,
via phone. That's a need and an interest you should address first and foremost. The gift you buy is just a token in comparison to what you can give of yourself.
William Mathis is the owner of http://www.best-mens-gifts.com,which offers a quick and handy guide to choosing gifts for men, whatever the occasion.
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Posted: Tuesday 10th May 2005, 12:20 AM
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Gift Ideas for a 50th Wedding Anniversary |
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by: Louise Goodman
The big 50. The fiftieth wedding anniversary is an important, yet seldom reached milestone in any couple's relationship. Unlike other anniversaries, this one is such a 'biggie' that other people can feel free to celebrate it too (with the happy couple's consent, of course). Traditionally, this is the 'golden wedding', and if you are into flowers, the violet is the main theme. Typically, the kids will want to take the celebrating parents out for a nice meal, but gifts too can be given. Remember that it is not the value of the gift that is important, it is the thought that went into it!
So what to give? Depending on budget, how about one of the following:-
* A photo of the couple in a gilt (gold) frame.
* Get a painting done from a photo of the couple - these are not as expensive as you might think. you can even do a version yourself by scanning a photo into your PC and then using the 'Art' filters in your paint package to turn it into a work of art.
* If you have more than one photo, you could create a scrapbook of them for your folks, bound up in silk ribbon.
* Nice wines or gift baskets containing the things they love (especially if they are on a diet - today is not a day for being strict with yourself!)
* If money is no object, how about a weekend break? You can get some nice 'getaway' cruises of city breaks quite cheaply nowadays. Just make sure they can still travel!
* Do they have major hobbies? Bird spotting? How about some new lightweight binoculars? Golf? How about some new clubs or a set of top of the range balls?
* If they are fans of a charity, see if you can make a donation in their name. It is possible to sponsor rare animals these days, and the WWF will happily send you details if you ask.
* AVOID trying to help them directly in a financial sense, the chances are that no matter how much they would like money, they would prefer to keep their dignity more.
* AVOID 'gift certificates'. This implies that you know they have interests, but can't be bothered to do anything about them.
* AVOID trying to 'muscle in' on their big day. You might think it will show love to try and organize everything, cook the food personally etc, but believe you me, at this age, they need their space, and will appreciate straight gifts or restaurant treats far a more. Never outstay your welcome - they don't have as much stamina as they used to!
Louise Goodman is a new addition to the writing team at www.sorrydarling.com the web's finest source for free gifts and free gift ideas.
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Posted: Friday 6th May 2005, 7:55 AM
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Host and Hostess gifts made easy |
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(NC)
As the holidays draw near, many people will be receiving invitations from family, friends and neighbours to get together for some holiday cheer. Proper etiquette is to bring a little something for the host or hostess. The holiday gift team at Canadian Tire has a few suggestions on how to pick a special something for the gracious host.
Often people bring a bottle of wine. Why not complement it with wine charms, festive swizzle sticks or a wine topper? All are decorative and functional.
Figure out how your host or hostess likes to spend their time. For example, if they entertain often, get something they can use when preparing or serving food and drinks. Canadian Tire carries a line-up of stainless steel bar accessories like bottle openers, drink shakers and ice buckets, as well as serving dishes and platters.
Find out your host's favourite scent and pick up a candle, candle centrepiece, or scented oil in their favourite scent.
Bring along a decorative picture frame, photo album or photo box for the host to store holiday season memories.
Think about your host's hobbies when shopping and stop by a store like Canadian Tire that has pre-wrapped gift baskets and themed gifts for the cook, do-it-yourselfer, automotive, golf or hockey enthusiast.
- News Canada
Circulated by Article Emporium
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Posted: Thursday 5th May 2005, 12:47 AM
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Dress Your Gifts to Impress |
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(ARA)
Impress friends and family this holiday season by ditching the wrapping paper for a more personalized gift presentation. Creative packaging can heighten suspense and make gift exchanges more memorable and meaningful. The gifting experts at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM suggest the following wrapping ideas that are guaranteed to dazzle all those on your gift list!
Make reusable gift bags from silk, taffeta, burlap, chintz or another fabric; or from dishtowels, doilies or pillow cases. These are great for wrapping odd-shaped or un-boxed items in a hurry.
Use colorful shoelaces, artificial rope pearls, leather strips, vinyl cording, jump ropes, strips of netting, paper twist, raffia, hemp rope, twine or yarn as creative alternatives to ribbon when tying a package.
Mislead shakers and squeezers by adding marbles, bells, weights or padding to your package before wrapping it.
Design your own gift-wrapping paper by splatter-painting, rag-rolling, sponging or stenciling sheets or rolls of plain-colored paper.
Use sheet music to wrap concert tickets or other small gifts for the music lover.
Hide a small gift in a huge bouquet of flowers, a jar of penny candy, a bucket of marbles, a box of chocolates or a bag of popcorn.
Visit 1800flowers.com on the Web for unique gift ideas and more holiday fun.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Posted: Wednesday 4th May 2005, 4:08 AM
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Gift Ideas Archives
Selecting the Right Gifts for Dad
Gift Ideas for a 50th Wedding Anniversary
Host and Hostess gifts made easy
Dress Your Gifts to Impress
Hot Gift: Satellite Radio
Gifts for Christenings or New Babys
Bridesmaids Gifts
Romantic Gifts will Enhance Your Love Life
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