Father’s Day Gift Guide 2018

Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local 
businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion trends and styles.

Dads do so much for our families. Whether it’s working hard or fixing around the house, helping with homework or driving the kids to practice (name the activity / sport), dads do everything they can for our families. They certainly deserve at least one day to be celebrated (though probably several more would do them justice). 
    On Fathers’ Day, we take time out to cheer the special men in our lives. We barbeque, have fun backyard celebrations and spend time doing their favorite things. Each year we try to select a perfect gift that shows them we love them very much and pay attention to the things they like. However, coming up with the perfect gift can be a challenge. If you are one of those in search of the perfect gift for the dad in your life, read on for some ideas that will, hopefully, be your perfect gift. 
    The first thing to decide in choosing your perfect gift is whether you want to get a ‘thing’ or an ‘experience’. Regardless of which you choose, it is important to select something that speaks to what he enjoys. For example, if you are buying a gift for a techie guy, you may want to consider a virtual assistant like Alexa or Echo. From playing music, getting information and controlling your smart home, these devices will provide hours of fun and techie satisfaction. For those with more musical taste, a wireless speaker may be a great choice. There are waterproof choices for the backyard or portable options that pack a great deal of punch to listen to favorite tunes. Sports fans have an array of options. Pick a favorite team and choose a jersey, a hat, a mug, even signed memorabilia. You can choose with or without personalization too. There are no limits to the sports options available except your desired budget. Is he a book lover? There are fantastic new books that have been released or are about to hit the shelves. A small collection of books will provide hours of enjoyment for your bibliophile. If he has a green thumb, get him all he needs for tending his garden – whether veggie or plants – this season. He will have a great time with his gift and your backyard will burst with all of the love and attention.

    Whether your guy prefers a cold beer or a shot of his favorite scotch, you may want to consider some glasses etched with his initials and a six pack or bottle of his favorite brand. Is he very particular about the way he keeps himself? Why not consider a personal groomer or a subscription to a monthly shave club? Subscription services have become incredibly popular over the past few years. Whatever his interest, there are clubs made just for him. Most offer a six-month option, so he can give the club a whirl. There are varying box sizes to fit different budgets, so you can easily choose a custom option that works for you (and him). From sci-fi to superhero, shave club to drinks and snacks, the number of subscription options is growing daily. For those who like the idea of a boxed gift, but do not want to commit to a monthly subscription – or would prefer one large gift box instead of six or twelve smaller gifts, ManCrates.com has you covered. They have gifts for an array of interests (grilling, sports, drinking, DIY project) as well as custom packages you can have made for your man. Pricing depends on the size of the crate you select.
    Perhaps you have decided that a ‘thing’ is not an option. Maybe you want to give your guy a wonderful experience he will remember long into the future. Fortunately for us on Long Island, there are great days of fishing available – both half and full day – on charter boats all along the south shore. Wonderful concert events take place all throughout the year. Consider tickets to a favorite band for a great night out. If not a band, tickets to one of the top comedians on tour will provide great laughs and wonderful memories. If he’s an adventurer, take him ziplining or to one of the region’s go-cart tracks for exhilarating turns and screams. If he’s a movie fiend, put together dinner and passes to the new release he’s been clamoring to see (or the classic film he could see over and over again). Maybe he’s a foodie. If that’s your guy, put together a package of gift cards for a breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. It’s a gift that will go on for weeks until he has dined at the very last one. Does he work hard and take little time for himself? A man’s spa day may be just what the doctor ordered. He can let his mind and body unwind for an afternoon of personalized pampering. He will come back a new man. Sign him up for cooking classes, stay over at a LI castle, spend the day at the horse races, an evening at a jazz club, tickets to a subway series match up – the list of prospective experiences is limited only by the imagination. Have fun with the concept and run with it.
    There is more to Fathers’ Day gift giving than giving a tie. Though, many consider it more difficult to buy for a man than a woman, that is not necessarily the case. There are many ideas from which to choose – by far more than I could fit on these few lines. All it takes is giving some thought to what inspires the dad in your life and a little imagination. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Let your heart guide you. Enjoy the process.