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Home > Blogs > Adventures in Motherhood > Archives > 2009 > June > 17 > Entry
Father’s Day: What’s on your gift list?
The annual Father’s Day Dilemma:
A new grill? Another tie? A day of peace and quiet? (That last one was a joke.)
What do you plan to get for the man in your kid’s life? Conversely, what do you dads really want?
I reach into my mommy blog e-mail bag and pull out a sampling of suggestions from marketing mavens. In their own words:
— Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and you know just as well as I do that while dad may smile and say thanks for every tie or new polo shirt he gets, those gifts are outdated. … Perfect for every dad, the RealRyder ABF8 is the first non-stationary spin/training bike that mimics an outdoor ride by tilting, turning and twisting while you ride, adding a whole new dynamic to indoor fitness and winter training. Only $1,995. (This one won’t work for us. Hubby would rather take a real bike for a real ride with his real kids. For free.)
— SKIL, Lowe’s and Worlds of Discovery Theme Parks have partnered to create a Father’s Day parent-child project contest for the chance to win an all-expenses paid family vacation and other exciting prizes. Outdoor projects are available for parents to do with their children, starting at age 4. Simply build the project together and submit in-action photos or videos along with your entry form on the contest Web site! (My Hubby would definitely NOT enjoy a pressure-filled afternoon featuring power tools and ramped-up kids — especially with me taking video. That’s just not his idea of fun.)
— “Being Dad” DVD — $29.99: “Being Dad” features dozens of new dads from all over the country who share the thoughts, fears, concerns and joys they experienced from the first time they heard, “Honey, I’m pregnant!” through the first time they held their newborn child. It’s an invaluable tool to better understand one’s mate and what she’s going through during pregnancy so they can be supportive and prepared as they face everything from morning sickness, cravings and mood swings to finances, sex … and what NOT to say to your spouse. (Something tells me this DVD wouldn’t be high on Hubby’s list either. Maybe if the testimonials were interspersed with historical Super Bowl highlights?)
— Every dad has a man cave at home — the place you most likely will find him when he wants to relax. This Father’s Day, Walmart is offering savings for every dad’s man cave whether it’s the game room, living room, home office, garage and backyard. Walmart’s Father’s Day savings (available in-stores through June 20) include a $128 Magnavox Blu-ray Disc player, select Blu-ray movies two-for-$20, new video game bundles, and handy tools. (We’re getting warmer. This is the closest thing to real gifts for a real dad that I’ve seen, and the “man cave” hook really reeled me in.)
So … for my own man, this is what I did:
(SPOILER ALERT!! Attention, Hubby: Stop reading here!)
I mean it, TB: STOP READING!
First I sought the expert advice of my Facebook friends, and I did get one workable suggestion: a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey (thanks, Jordan). Hubby is crazy about the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions — read it and weep, Red Wings fans! But instead of a jersey, which he wouldn’t wear too often except for the occasional trip to the sports bar, I found a polo shirt online at SportStation.com with an embroidered Penguins logo, $42.50. Perfect for the casual summer dress code at his new job. (And yes, I ignored the “polos are an outdated gift” snear from the makers of the RealRyder ABF8. Snobs ;).
To carry the “Yay! You’re Employed Again!” theme further, I found him a leather business card holder at the aforementioned Walmart for the bargain-basement price of $3.97.
I also added a shoeshine kit from my favorite store, the Dollar Tree. And guess how much it cost? That’s right, $1.
One last prize, found at CafePress.com: a $4 sticker bearing the snarky phrase “Runs With Scissors” — very apropos because in his new role with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, he’s the one who gets to schlep the “Big Scissors” to ribbon-cuttings. I love theme shopping! :)
What are you getting for the dad in your life? Any dads out there want to share their wish lists?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Great deals, Helpful tips
Comments
By JohnMac
June 29, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this
Bummer, I was hoping to interview the people from RealRyder in my Podcast for fathers day. indoorcycleinstructor.com
By Andrea
June 19, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
Sam is getting his dad a Minnesota State Parks’ pass and a field guide on rocks. I just hope we can find the tent.
By Jean
June 17, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
My dad’s bday is always close to or on Father’s Day, so it’s a double whammy! He’s SO hard to buy for, but this year I think I scored! The Glenn Miller Orchestra is putting on a concert very close to where he lives, so he’s getting tickets for that - something he will very much enjoy. Now I have to start thinking about Christmas presents for him…