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Is there a dear old dad anywhere in the United States whose closet does not teem with the ghosts of Father's Days past? That battery-operated tie rack? The monogrammed beer can holder? The scores of golf-themed tchotchkes? Make this the year you honor dad without taking up more of his shelf space.
By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times, published June 13, 2002
GOLF LESSONS/GREENS FEES: Chances are, gadgets, books and videos won't improve dad's golf swing or make him putt like a pro. But a lesson (or a few) with a golf pro could do the job. Expect to pay about $35 for a half-hour lesson at a municipal course. His game already is brilliant? Buy him a round at a course he might not normally spring for.
THE BIG FAN: Go beyond tickets to the game. Help Dad immerse himself in the experience with a portable radio and headphones that he can take along to listen to the team's announcers while he watches the game -- or he can to listen to another game. If you've got money to burn, go for a small TV so he can have a personal replay provider.
LAWN CARE/POOL CARE: Some dads really do want a new lawn mower or electric hedge trimmer or pool snake. Many more, we suspect, would rather leave maintenance chores to the pros, especially in the heat of summer. If you can't do these tasks yourself, call a lawn care or pool company and set up a plan to keep your dad's environs neat and tidy.
TIE KIT: What dad wouldn't we proud to wear a tie created just for him by his loving kids? The Ultimate Tie Kit: Everything You Need to Create a Wearable Masterpiece (Running Press, $19.95) comes with a tie, fabric paint and brushes, stencils and an illustrated book with decorating ideas and techniques. Available at bookstores and crafts stores.
HAMMOCK: With the yardwork taken care of, dad will have time to kick back and enjoy the view from a comfy hammock. They're widely available at discount retailers; this one is from the L.L. Bean Web site. Hatteras Hammock, $99-$129 (depending on size), www.llbean.com.
COUPONS: If your heart is full but your wallet is flat, you can still give dad a gift he'll treasure. Youngsters might make dad coupons he can redeem for treats such as an afternoon alone with the TV during football season, getting a kid to take out the garbage without whining, pulling weeds cheerfully, etc.
STARDOM: Theater-loving dads always appreciate tickets to a show, but this year you can go one better. The Asolo Theatre Company in Sarasota is selling seats on the jury in its 2002-03 production of Inherit the Wind. For $100, your dad (or mom -- the deal is open to anyone over age 30) gets to don a costume, take his place in the box on stage and bask in the audience applause . . . all without having to memorize lines. The show runs Nov. 1 through Feb. 22, and both evening and matinee performances are available. For information, call Clare Ward-Jenkins at (941) 351-9010, ext. 4707. FAMILY HISTORY: For families whose ancestors arrived in the United States through Ellis Island, the Web site www.ellisisland.org offers the chance to trace your history and find gifts with special meaning. One of our colleagues used the site to get her dad a copy of the manifest for the ship on which his father arrived from Ireland in 1912.
ULTIMATE REMOTE: Maybe dad has all those remote controls next to his recliner because he doesn't want anybody to know how to turn on the home theater system. Or maybe he's waiting for you to get him this touch-screen remote that controls up to eight audiovisual gadgets. Only the buttons important to each device are shown on the screen at one time, and the backlit screen adjusts contrast automatically so dad won't have to squint at it. Touch-screen remote control, $149.99 at Radio Shack.
GPS: Dads who want to get off the couch and enjoy the great outdoors might appreciate a little guidance. Global positioning systems, which use satellite communication to tell you where you are, are available in a variety of price ranges at electronics and department stores, or online. This one combines an altimeter, continuous logging barometer, digital compass, clock and a GPS receiver into a single waterproof instrument with its own neoprene case. Brunton Multi-Navigation System, $350, www.redenvelope.com.
HOT OFF THE GRILL: If he's a cook (with a sense of humor), get him a chef's hat, apron or jacket, and have it embroidered with his name, nickname, favorite cooking slogan or "Emeril's Understudy." (www.cooking.com has a good selection.) If his specialty is grilling or barbecuing, get him a selection of his favorite sauces or spices, or a gift certificate from a specialty food company, such as the Kansas City Steak Co. (www.kcsteak.com) or Chesapeake Bay Gourmet (www.cbgourmet.com). Fix him up with some good-quality grilling tools.
TOO SEXY FOR HIS SHIRT: If he's got a sense of humor, buy him something from Victoria's Secret Very Sexy for Him line of men's products. The name alone should give him a chuckle -- which is always a good gift.