The guys get underwear, ties, socks, and power tools, which look good on paper, but only serve to remind them that there’s work to be done around the house that they haven’t gotten to yet…and someone’s getting impatient.
It gets worse, too. Here are some gifts dads have gotten over the years that still sting…and the gifts that would’ve been more appropriate and useful substitutes.
- An “I Love To Fart” Mug – “I’ve received from my kids hundreds of cliché mugs over the years. They’ve all been regifted, thrown away, or sold at garage sales.” A stainless steel travel mug would’ve been a more useful option.
- Bad/Weird Drawings – Kid art in a frame is sentimental, and they’re all cute memories. That said, having a framed picture of a family vacation spot or moment would be just as meaningful…and I could actually hang it up.
- An Arrest – “My sixth-grade son got arrested on Father’s Day after being ratted out by other kids for a grass fire that happened weeks earlier.” A better gift…don’t do dumb crap that gets you arrested.
- Ties – “I’ve got a massive tie collection, many with ‘Looney Toons’ themes. Enough with the ties.” Almost anything would show a little more thought.
- Chore-Related Gifts – “Lawn care equipment.” Yeah, dad is handy, and the work needs to be done. Here’s an idea…do the work for him! You wouldn’t give mom a vacuum cleaner, would you?
- Wrong School/Team Swag – A little research goes a long way. Don’t make the mistake of buying sports swag and thinking that it’ll be fine if the team is in the same approximate region.
- Naked Anything – “My wife and I went to Europe, and she gave me an apron featuring the statue of David…and she made me wear it at the family barbeque.” Nothing says “come and get it” like serving up hot dogs next to a statue with an exposed dong in front of my kids. Soon after that, “I conveniently lost it.” Try a weekend getaway instead.
- A Gift For You – Just because you’re into it doesn’t mean dad is. “My daughter gave me a tongue-scraper” because she was into that kind of thing at the time. Figure out what he’s into and go that route. It’s really not that hard.
Source: She Knows
Photo: Getty