Stuck for Father's Day Gift Ideas? Unique and Thoughtful Gifts Abound Online

In case it has slipped your mind, FATHER'S DAY is June 15th 2008! That's right around the corner!

Shopping for Father’s Day should be a cinch, since you know better than anyone what makes your Dad unique. The trouble is coming up with ideas for gifts as special as he is! My simple two-step process should solve this little dilemma. Plus, if you use web-resources, you may find some quick decisions and expedited delivery options will put the perfect gift in your hands (and on its way to Dad) in time for June 15th!

First, identify your Dad's unique "Likes"


For the sports fiend...tickets to a beloved sporting event, or to see a favorite team play are always appreciated. If your budget allows, use a ticket broker like StubHub.com to find the best seats you can afford. Also, consider minor league and similar, local sporting events. Tickets to a minor league or training season game can be really inexpensive and just as much fun!

For the food or sugar junkie... Use the web to identify unique gifts he will enjoy. For example, a Dad who loves chocolate, may appreciate personalized M&M’s – you pick the color, the message (hint: try something like “#1 Dad” for Father's Day), quantity and packaging for a unique gift in a variety of price ranges to suit any budget. Also, if Dad happens to be a baseball fan, M&M’s has just introduced a line of Major League Baseball candies in team colors and logos. Does he have a favorite, hard-to-find confection? Dad may appreciate a gift a gift of his favorite childhood sweets. From Atomic Fireballs to “Big Hunk” bars, you can find most any candy at Nostalgic Candy.com. Also, many unique, small businesses deliver their wares nationwide (beware of high delivery fees, though). My husband often waxed poetic about the ice cream sold on campus at his alma mater, Penn State. A quick Google search revealed I could have a pint of his favorite “Creamery” flavor delivered overnight to Florida for a special Father’s Day treat!

Ties , shirts, pens and mugs... classic Father’s Day gifts can be a fine option, but look for new and clever versions specially suited to your Dad. Is Dad left-handed? Big & Tall? A Shorter Man? Online specialty stores may reveal a wealth of creative options for Dad this Father’s Day. Enter your Dad’s special characteristics into your favorite search engine and see what you find. For example, a search on Google.com of “left-handed products” to find dozens of specialty retailers like Left Hand Zone which offer a variety of great products for left-handed Dads, including the usual like mugs and pens, and so much more. Searches for “Big & Tall Men’s Clothes” and ”Short Men’s Clothes” will find you specialty retailers that offer shirts, ties and other classic gifts, except specially proportioned in your Dad’s own hard-to-find size. Solutions.com is another great site, full of unique finds, whatever the hobby or specialized need.

Step 2: Take your TIME and use you imagination
Combine the above ideas with the gift of your time for a sure-fire hit. Is Dad a left-handed golf enthusiast? Find him a left-handed club, glove or other specialized gear. In addition to your gift, offer to spend an hour with him at the driving range. For the baseball lover, offer to spend an afternoon at a Minor League game. Gift-wrap the tickets together with some cool, retro candy like Major League Chew gum! Buy your 5’7 Dad a pair of perfect-fitting, short-inseam sweats at ForTheFit.com, and offer to accompany him on a few morning jogs. You get the idea- be creative! Your unique gift will let Dad know how much you know and respect who he is, and most of all, that you love him and want to spend time with him on Father’s Day. What better gift is there than that?

Good luck shopping and enjoy your Father's Day,

Consuelo Bova,

CEO, ForTheFit.com