What To Get Dad For Christmas

Do you know what is on your father's secret wish list? Most men have several gifts they would like for Christmas. Following are just a few possibilities.

Spring Training

A top item on many men's lists would be a trip to baseball spring training camp. They might like to go with some friends who are fans of the same team and play ball, watch games and socialize with the professional players.

Along the same lines, how about a trip to a baseball or football camp for adults? These camps are usually hosted by former professional players, and they allow your dad to get in shape and hone his athletic skills while fulfilling his dream of playing with a pro.

Hunting Or Fishing Trip

A hunting trip or a fishing cruise would be on the wish list for many men. Maybe your dad's dream is to hunt in the wilds of Alaska, or to go deep-sea fishing for a trophy like marlin or swordfish. A guided tour for a hunting party, or a professional fisherman to give tips and help catching the "big ones" could be wonderful gifts for a father.

New Outdoor Gear

If the great outdoors is beckoning to him, your father's wish list might include a new fishing boat, new gear, or a new camping trailer. Strapped for cash? How about a new tent, camp stove, and lanterns? A new sleeping bag guaranteed to keep him warm on his coldest nights out in the woods might end up being his favorite Christmas gift of all.

A Golf Excursion

How about a golf outing to one of the many golf resorts in temperate climates? If your father enjoys golf, leaving behind the snow and winter conditions for a golfing excursion in a warm climate could be his dream-come-true. Can't send him on a trip? How about personalized tees and golf balls, a new putter, or a new golf bag? If you live in a warm climate already, you could buy him a golfing pass to one of the local golf courses.

Classic Cars

One famous father received a "dream gift" from his loving family. It was his first car, fully restored and in pristine condition. Your dad's wish might be an accessory for the car he has, or one he is rebuilding. If your dad is a collector (or would like to be), you can gift him with one or more detailed miniature reproductions of the earliest classic automobiles. Is your dad a "do-it-yourselfer"? If so, he might enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of assembling a miniature reproduction of one of the beautiful classic vehicles of yore.

Handyman

For a more practical gift, your dad may have things he'd rather do than home repairs. If so, he might love to have a handyman come to his home and complete all those little "honey do" list items that have been nagging him for months. The gift of a professional to come in and repair those dripping faucets, hang a new screen door, replace the old showerhead, and fix the leak under the sink might make him feel like a free man. Clearing up the list could give your father some extra time to spend with his children, just to relax, or maybe read a book he has been wanting to get to.

Home Team Season Tickets

Of course, no father's "wish list" would be complete without season tickets to his favorite team. That has to be a big one on most dads' lists. Imagine the thrill of rooting for his team at all the home games in one of the best seats in the house.

The Gift Of Free Time

Some fathers' wish lists no doubt would include a little free time to spend with the family. Fathers are often away at work for long hours, and their contribution can too often be taken for granted. Like all of us, a dad needs to know he's appreciated.

An ingenious way of appreciating your dad is with "love coupons." A gift that can be made on any home computer, or handmade by any member of the family, "love coupons" are the Christmas gift that "keep on giving." Here are some coupon ideas for dads: "I will take out the trash for the week," "I will mow the grass this week," "I will wash the car and clean it out," "I will fix you a hearty, special breakfast," or "One free weekend pass to do whatever you want."

All Sorts Of Gifts

If your dad loves working in his yard or garden, give him a gift certificate to one of the garden catalogs, or a premium-quality tool like a pruner, or a gardening rocker seat with tool pockets. If he works in an office, a desktop fountain could create a peaceful, more serene atmosphere for him to work in. If he's a weather enthusiast or just wants to know what kind of weather to dress for today, he might appreciate an indoor/outdoor thermometer. A gift certificate to the local video store is a never-miss Christmas gift, as is a gift certificate to a sporting goods store. He might love a gift basket of favorite foods, like smoked salmon, olives, special cheeses, salami and other gourmet goodies for him to enjoy while watching his favorite football games.

There are undoubtedly more items on your own dad's private wish list. What do you think his wishes might be?