Although getting something for dad has been on your to-do list for weeks, you still haven't been able to cross it off. I know that it's not because you don't care. Dads are just notoriously hard to shop for, and yours is no exception. Press the pause button on panicking though. Below are some last-minute gifts ideas for dad he's sure to love.
Take A Trip Down Memory Lane
Put together a slide show of the best pics of you and dad, plus shots of the whole fam together. Raid mom's albums for favorites, and ask family members to send any gems your way too. Be sure to include young dad, old dad, serious dad, and goofy dad. The latter especially shouldn't be hard to find!
Man the Grill
If you live close by, host a BBQ at your place or at a local park. But don't feel like you have to go nuts preparing. Buy a bunch of burgers and dogs to throw on the grill and make the rest a potluck. I bet Aunt Joanne would be happy to make her famous potato salad! And if you're feeling really pressed for time, there's nothing wrong with ordering a bunch of pizzas, stocking up on beer, and calling it a day.
The Big Picture
It's hard to go wrong with a gift certificate to the movies. In fact, it might be impossible, so this Father's Day invest in one for dad and suggest you go together for some quality bonding time. Or, better yet, insist he takes mom on a date and score points with both your parents.
Make Virtual Plans
No matter the size of your family, big or small, getting them all in the same place at the same time is probably no picnic. But now, thanks to the wonder that is modern technology, you don't have to be in the same place to hang with your family online. If distance is an issue, set up a Skype date for you and your pops, or try a Google Hangout for the whole family. You'll never hear your parents knocking the Internet again!
Of-The-Month Club
One of my favorite last minute gift ideas is a subscription to an of-the-month club. It's an easy way to personalize a gift without having to do too much work, and there are so many good ones to choose from. Some of-the-month clubs tailor-made for dad are beer, jerky, hot sauce, pizza, cigar, and golf ball. If he lives alone and you want to make sure he's eating healthily, at least some of the time, sign him up for a meal-of-the-month club. It'll be kind of like when dad put you on the meal plan in college, but reversed!
Maybe last year you swore this would be the year you'd figure out dad's Father's Day gift well in advance. But, oops, it didn't work out that way. Rather than sulk about it, be glad you came across this list and take action. And, there's always next year!
Dana Holmes is a lifestyle, gift and etiquette expert who acts as Editor in Chief of Gifts.com and the Gift Rap Blog. She has been working in trend forecasting and gift recommendations for the past decade. Dana loves making occasions special with her unique gift ideas, tips and touches. She has been interviewed by the New York Times, Associated Press, Fox & Friends, TODAY in NY and many more.