‘Don’t get me anything’ What do dads really want for Father’s Day?

Dear old Dad. If you’ve already planned something for that special day for dads, that’s good. If the budget was somewhere around $170, you are right on the money – that’s the national average for Father’s Day spending, according to the National Retail Federation. Well done.

But if you still don’t have any idea of how to show him your appreciation, you know, you could just ask him. Except he might say, “Oh, don’t get me anything” because that’s such a Dad thing to say. But beware: that might be a bluff.

If you haven’t planned anything yet, ignore his protests. Better get him something or do something. There’s still time.

In a survey by YouGov.com in 2021, 19% of dads stated that they were disappointed the family didn’t do enough. Yikes.

Luckily, that survey says that 55% of Americans are going to celebrate dads (which includes fathers, stepfathers, sons, brothers, uncles and husbands) in some way, while the National Retail Federation puts that number much higher, at 76%.

At the top of the list, the most popular gifts are no-brainers. Twenty-eight percent of dads said they would like a card and the same percentage said they would like a special meal or outing with family. Could it be that easy? Yes!

The NRF survey provides some tried-and-true ideas. Tied for third place, all three around 16%, dads said they would like gifts of clothing, tools or something homemade. Farther down the list, don’t overlook hobby items or sporting goods, car toys, electronics, alcohol and certificates for gifts of experience – such as a round of golf, brewery tasting, ballgame or movie. For the grillmaster dad, what about a delux box of steaks? There are oodles of possibilities.

Now, let’s turn to the curmudgeons who don’t want too much attention.

If you have a dad who is an “I don’t need anything” tough nut to crack, how about a basket of his favorite nuts, chips and munchies? Switch on Netflix and spend hours binge-watching and crunching through the snacks together.

Got a Papa with a secret sweet tooth? Replenish his stash of favorite treats, bring him a box of doughnuts or a carton of ice cream, get him a pound of jellybeans – whatever sweets will hit the spot.

Did he actually say “don’t make a fuss”? Wash and detail his car. Use lots of product, soft rags and cotton swabs and get down into the corners. Make it shine inside and out. Watch him shine.

For the “I don’t want anything” Pop, turn the tables a little. Ask him to tell you stories about how he grew up, go through an old photo box together, or have him show you the right way to use a cordless drill.

You get the idea. Gifts are great and Dad is worth the swag, but it really is the thought that counts.