by Jennifer Blaney
Member since:
January 23, 2006

Q: What Do Men REALLY Want for Fathers Day?

May 12, 2006 06:53 PM EDT (Updated: August 10, 2006 07:49 PM EDT)
views: 46 | rating: 10/10 (4 votes) | comments: 14

Until someone asks a serious question to kick off Ask Jennifer, I'm going to ask a question myself...

I'm stumped on what to get my husband or father for Father's Day.  I know that the news and the magazines and papers will offer tons of gift ideas, but I never know where they are getting their information.  I would like to hear from the Dads out there: What do you REALLY want for Father's Day?  From your kids?  From your wife?

Or maybe even more importantly, what do you usually get or give for Father's Day that failed miserably?  Were you too polite to say so?  Save us from making the same mistakes!

Feel free to offer your answers either as comments, if they are brief, or as articles published to the group, if they are lengthy.  Thanks in advance for your help!  (I'll tell you what I ended up giving AFTER the holiday is over.)

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Comments: 14

Rolf Friedman May 13, 2006, 7:28am EDT
ask your fathers what there real interest are or passions and build on that
Jennifer Blaney May 13, 2006, 9:01am EDT
Okay Dad, what kinds of gifts do you personally appreciate for Father's Day? Did we ever give you anything that really bombed? [For everyone who doesn't know, Rolf is actually MY Dad!]
John S. (arizona) May 13, 2006, 9:44am EDT
It kind of bugs me that it has turned into a husband and wife day by commercialization, instead of children recognizing their parents, but what can I say.
As a father- some little trinket that is personally made by them, or a handy little thing that I keep wanting but have not got around to getting yet. Give me a clay ashtray made in school. ;-)
From my wife, again I don't think it necessary, how about some new seat covers for my old truck. I asked for them at Christmas and didn't get them. I like useful things, save the money on cards and such...
(am I a fuddy duddy?)
Skipster Too May 13, 2006, 1:55pm EDT
All right, I know I'm not a dad, but I thought this might stimulate some ideas:

This year I'm bringing up the tools and stuff to do some air-layering of my dad's gorgeous magnolia tree. It's something he puts off every year and we all (he had 6 kids) want a cutting to grow our own tree and have his memorable magnolia at our own homesteads. It's self-seeking on my part, yet it's something he wants as well, and we'll be doing it together.
Victoria H. May 13, 2006, 10:40pm EDT
My husband says alot of things as we shop through out the year but the main thing that sticks in my mind is when ever he sees something made of wood he says, "I could make that.....If I had the tools" So old school I guess, tools is a handy and effective gift. I remember every year we would have some sort of secret shopping thing at school and we could buy our dads stuff ourself. I always got my dad a little tiny screw driver set. He must have at least 10 in his tool box still from all those fathers days. Ties were never a good idea for my dad he doesnt wear ties he is a mechanic.
bill giltner May 13, 2006, 11:31pm EDT
One of my fav Father's Day gifts was an introductory flying lession that my then wife arranged.
0000-dashiell5-0000 May 13, 2006, 11:35pm EDT
I buy my dad Home Depot gift certificates and he never tires of them. Can't argue with success.

Me, I'd prefer Barnes & Noble gc's... Like father, unlike son.
Cat Givens May 14, 2006, 10:10am EDT
My dad still has many of the fathers' day presents I gave him through the years. Once I made him a tray to fit in his dresser drawer in which he still deposits his keys and wallet at the end of each day. I'll bet it's 40 years old by now, and sturdy as ever.
My husband enjoys a good treat to a buffet resteraunt of his choosing surrounded by kids and grands.
Actually, he appreciates ANY food, so he's easy.
Jennifer Blaney May 14, 2006, 11:27am EDT
Good stuff everybody! John, I agree that Father's Day should mostly be about children honoring their Dads. But as a wife, I want my husband to know how much I appreciate what a great father he is to our son. What is also a little unorthodox is that today, on Mother's Day, I honor my husband again - this time for making me a Mom. It is one of the greatest honors he has given me, besides making me his wife.
WM H. May 14, 2006, 11:39am EDT
Tools and toys can't be beat. The gift card to Home Depot sounds great or how about Academy - fishing tackle.

The best father's day gift I ever got still hangs, framed in my kitchen where I can see it while I cook. It's a drawing my son made with a caption that reads "My Dad is my Hero....He is my best friend." It ranks high among my greatest treasures.
Diana Raabe May 14, 2006, 7:01pm EDT
Good suggestions here, but how about time? Maybe your dad truly enjoys your company enough to appreciate just being with you. I like your dad's idea, too: ask!
Dave Devendorf May 15, 2006, 1:32pm EDT
My best Fathers Day gist is tucked away in a most special place. I have gotten it twice and it tears me up every time. It is a card that my wife made, and it is signed by my children. Neither could write at the time i got the card so for a signature there is a tiny one of a kind handprint. Truth be told all any dad normally wants is a hug a kiss and an I love you
Gisela S. Jun 9, 2006, 12:17am EDT
My husband wants a new golf bag. He's been sure to make that perfectly clear so that nothing else is substituted.

As to my dad, He'll be getting a new scrapbook of the kids and all their antics.
Jennifer Blaney Jul 7, 2006, 12:26pm EDT
Just a late update on what I actually got for my father and my husband this year: We flew across the country to visit w/ my Dad for a week. He spent a lot of time with our toddler, which was what he really wanted. My husband got to pick out the grill of his dreams - a stainless steel monstrosity with five burners!

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