Buying a gift for a father-in-law at times can feel like a challenge. If you are left with one giant question mark every time you see his name on your list, the following ideas will help you in your quest for a great gift.
For the Gamer – Does your father-in-law like to game? Mine recently purchased an X-Box and he really enjoyed the game we purchased for him – the Tiger Woods golf game. I also enjoy this game as it is easy to pick up the rules and controls, yet it is challenging. It can be purchased for several different gaming systems, including a PC.
A good board game is great for the social gamer who likes to get together with friends, or who just enjoys a quiet game with his wife or a grandchild. Games like Scrabble, Stratego, and Risk make for a great winter indoor activity. Settler’s of Catan is the favorite game in my house. I would say that this game is geared for older children and adults. This game of strategy requires players to plan, build, and maintain their settlements. Robbers and specialty cards come into play, so plenty of foresight and a little bit of politics are involved as well. You can look at the stellar reviews and buy these games on Amazon, or your local gaming store or retailer.
For the Manly-Man – The father-in-law who is into outdoorsy items would enjoy a Leatherman. Actually, any guy I know would enjoy this gift. A Leatherman is a multi-tool that can include several tools that pull out, such as a straight knife, a screw driver, scissors, a wire cutter, etc. You can find a Leatherman for fewer than twenty five bucks, or you can purchase a really fancy one for a hundred dollars. Any man would appreciate the versatility and portability of it, and well, the manliness.
Sentimental Gifts – If you are looking for a great way to incorporate your kids into the gift for your father-in-law, consider a custom coffee mug, mouse pad, or family album featuring family shots. Getting a few pre-holiday pictures of him playing with the kids would be ideal. You can go to Walgreens, Shutterfly, or the other many online picture retailers and create your own work of art for him. One year I decided to do an entire album for my father-in-law and I included his other grandchildren as well. It was very well received and appreciated.
Old Stand-By – It’s a time-tested and approved gift: the wallet. If your father-in-law has a tattered and worn wallet, he may be one of those men who never seem to notice that the card flaps are coming loose, and it’s full of receipts dating back ten years. Do him a favor and purchase him a crisp, new wallet. If you’re the type who likes to do your shopping online, but worry about returns, I recommend Zappos. I don’t know a more forgiving policy, with an entire 365 days to figure out if it’s right or not.
Hopefully the following ideas have inspired a productive shopping trip for your father-in-law.
