Ten Unique Gifts for Father’s Day

I’ve received, and given, some horrible Father’s Day gifts over the years, to include ties, socks, soap (yes, soap), a hammer, mulch, and a bottle of whiskey (despite the fact that my dad does not drink hard liquor.  I saw it sitting in his basement last year, covered in dust).  Well, don’t be that person.  You know, the one who puts neither thought, time, nor effort into their Father’s Day gift giving decision making process.

After all, think of everything dear ‘ole dad has done for you.  Taught you how to ride a bike and change the oil in a car, told you to rub dirt in a sports-related injury and to then “take a lap,” protected you from less-than-stellar date choices, showed you how to roll the tooth paste tube up from the bottom so as to waste none, and passed on how to save those little shards of bar soap rather than throwing them away and then getting a new bar, as any sane person would. And then how to press several of those shards together to make a “new, full-sized bar” (yes, my dad actually did, and still does, that).

Below is a list of ten uniquely awesome Father’s Day gift ideas and where to find them online.  One is certainly made for your dad.  I’ve opened the door to a happy dad this Father’s Day, now it’s up to you to walk through it.

1. Meteorite Pen – Well, the entire pen isn’t made out of a meteorite, but a small fragment of one is suspended in its cap. That 4.5 billion-year-old fragment is from the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteorite that landed in Russia.  Perfect for the space lover or fan of The Martian, but aren’t we all?  See it here: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/meteorite-pen 
2. Scratch the World Travel Map – For the dad that loves to travel and has “forgotten” all the places he’s been. This wall map permits its owner to “scratch off” all the countries he’s visited over the course of his life.  That number is probably more than he realizes.  View and purchase it here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/475931494/scratch-the-world-scratch-off-places-you
3. Sports Stadium Blueprints – Just about every dad loves sports in some form or another, whether its baseball, football, soccer or golf…just ask Judge Smails. This site offers framed blueprints of your dad’s favorite sports venue, from Wrigley Field to Fenway Park to Ebbets Field to Heinz Field to the Ocean Links Golf Course.  Shop here: https://ballparkblueprints.com/
4. “What I Love About Dad” Book – This little fill-in-the-blank book is for all those who seek to express thanks to their dad, but don’t quite know how…primarily sons. Each page offers you an incomplete sentence such as “I’m glad I got your ________________.” or “I love that you taught me to appreciate ______________.”  Learn more here: https://www.francescas.com/product/what-i-love-about-dad-book.do
5. Toggle Switch Plate – Perfect for your dad’s man cave, den, or library…wait, who the hell has a library? Anyway, this mechanical switch plate simply replaces your dad’s boring switch plate with a toggle switch made of decorative plywood with contrasting colors.  It reminds me of something from a 19^th century laboratory.  Check it out here: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/toggle-switch-plate
6. Mega-Dad Personalized Comic Book – Whose dad isn’t a superhero? This gift allows you to create a superhero story that stars your dad, you and others within your family.  Your dad might not possess the powers of Superman, but this comic book will sure make him feel like a Superdad.  Superize your dad here: https://www.simplypersonalized.com/product/mega-dad-personalized-comic-book/
7. Evolution of the Bicycle Poster – This infographic poster reveals how the bicycle has evolved over the years, from its beginnings in the 19^th century to the sleek machines, BMX, and mountain bikes of today. Great for the dad who rides.  Learn about this wonderful machine here: https://www.popchartlab.com/products/the-evolution-of-bicycles
8. Equation Geek Watch – We’re not calling your dad a geek just because he loves math…well, maybe we are. This unique watch replaces the boring numbers 1-12 with different equations that, when solved, equal the boring numbers 1-12.  It also comes with a cheat sheet for the not so geeky.  Solve the equations here: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/equation-geek-watch
9. My Life Story So Far – This thoughtful gift allows your dad to write his own life story so that you and your children will have something very personal after he’s gone. Divided into nine sections, such as “The Early Years,” “Family Roots,” and “Love & Marriage,” this book offers your dad various prompts to get him started.  Explore it here:  https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/my-life-story-so-far
10. Beeropoly — It’s amazing how many Father’s Day gifts revolve around alcohol. You’d think we were all drunks.  Those gift sites out there must be on to something.  That being so, here’s this list’s contribution to the cause, a drinking board game that includes rap battles and dance-offs.  Contemplate purchasing it here:  https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/beeropoly

There you go, ten gift options for the father or father-figure in your life.  At least one should be  perfect for your dad.  However, the best gift he could receive from you is a long hug and an “I love you.”  Just sayin’.