With all the pressure and chaos, it’s not unusual for some of us to find ourselves in the dog box when it comes to our gift performance over the holiday period. This is particularly true of fathers who can often be relegated to an afterthought. Perhaps that gaudy, knitted reindeer sweater you last-minute purchased for Dad didn’t quite go down as you’d planned? Maybe you just forgot to get him something altogether. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of five outstanding ideas to get you back in the good books in the new year:
Smart Security
The classic dad stereotype is someone who loves their gadgets and technology and loves tinkering with odd jobs around the house. Smart door locks are the perfect combination of both. From keys, and fingerprints, to swipe-cards and smartphones, there’s a smart lock for every type of dad. Whether he’s concerned about improving his home security or just the kind of (grown-up) boy who loves a new toy, these locks will provide hours of entertainment for him as he researches, installs, then tests the locks to his heart’s content.
A Smart(er) Watch
After taking a few years to work out the basic bugs, it’s a great time to jump into the world of smart-watches. The only thing you need to know to make the right choice for your dad here is whether their smartphone is Android or Apple. While it may seem that Android has all of the options, it’s worth noting that many devices under Android’s recently rebranded Wear OS moniker can be used with iPhones as well. After that, it’s just a matter of finding the right face and band combination that speaks to your dad’s style.
A New Skill
Is your dad the kind of person with a bit too much free time on their hands? If so, a new hobby may be just the thing for him. Consider how an acoustic guitar and a voucher for some lessons would go down on Christmas day. Would it be an exciting new adventure or a struggle? If the latter, think of other fun lesson ideas which could be a hit. You can find classes for nearly everything, from cooking to painting, photography, or even web design. If you can think of something you dad can’t do but may like to learn, then this is a great place to start searching.
Bluetooth Speaker
If your dad is a music buff, a Bluetooth speaker is the gift that keeps on giving (until the battery needs a charge). These things serve so many uses, whether it’s for dad rock anthems in the shower; a podcast playing in the backyard, or just something small and easy to take along to the beach. There’s a broad price range across the market, meaning it can be a cheap stocking-stuffer gift idea or a genuine investment, depending on what kind of gift you’re looking for.
Socks & Jocks
When all else fails, the classic choice of socks and underwear is always there as a backup. There’s no reason for this to be a boring pick, though, with plenty of fun novelty options on the market. Rocking some zany dinosaur socks or animal-print undies, your dad is sure to get a kick out of knowing no one else can see his bold fashion moves (unless, of course, he chooses to share that information).
Think outside the box and you might just be able to get yourself back in the good graces in 2019. Consider these helpful options, and hopefully, give you and your dad a little extra sunshine in January!