You don’t have to buy Dad more stuff this Father’s Day. Chances are, he doesn’t need another tie, mug, or multitool. Instead of giving him something that’ll end up in a drawer, give him an experience or service that’ll make his life a little sharper, smoother, or more enjoyable.
Here are six non-material gifts your old man might actually appreciate — and as a bonus, they’re all things you can grab at the last minute.
1. Professional Car Detailing
When you’re a dad with kids, your car’s interior takes a beating. Everything gets all scuffed up from kids putting their feet everywhere, and the backseat turns into a graveyard of crumbs and half-eaten snacks. One of life’s underrated pleasures is climbing into a freshly detailed car. I treat myself to a professional detail a couple times a year and am an evangelist for its ROI. I use a mobile service, and would recommend you do likewise when gifting the service to Dad; they’ll show up and restore his vehicle to like-new condition right in the driveway.
2. A Professional Massage
Whether your dad works a physically demanding job or spends his days hunched over a desk, he could use a massage to work out his body’s kinks. While a basic Swedish massage can be relaxing, consider getting Dad a gift certificate for a masseuse who specializes in sports massages. A sports massage feels less foo-fooey, and more importantly, it targets real physical issues — loosening tight muscles, increasing mobility, and leaving Dad feeling noticeably better.
3. Knife Sharpening Service
Knife sharpening is one of those to-dos dads tend to perpetually put off, even though getting it done perceptibly enhances your life. So gift Dad a professional knife sharpening service. There are even mobile ones that will come right to your house and sharpen everything from kitchen knives to pocket knives to axes to mower blades right in your driveway. Once the job is done, Dad will find everything from chopping onions to chopping wood more enjoyable.
4. A One-on-One Skill Lesson
Has your dad ever said, “I’ve always wanted to learn ____” but never gotten around to it? Help him finally make it happen with a one-on-one lesson from a pro. Whether it’s a BBQ class with a local pitmaster, a private fly-fishing session, a blacksmithing workshop, a tactical pistol course, or a basic woodworking class, there’s a hands-on experience out there to match just about any interest.
5. A Barbershop Shave
An old-school straight razor shave with all the trimmings is the male grooming equivalent of the pedicure. The hot towel on your face, the warm lather . . . take it from me, the experience is so dang relaxing. And just a unique, memorable experience all around. Buy Dad a gift card for a straight razor shave at a local barbershop, and he’ll leave the chair feeling like a million bucks.
6. Tickets to an Event
Is your dad a baseball fan? A diehard Springsteen guy? Get him tickets to an event that he’ll really enjoy. And then go with him to it. The thing fathers want most is to spend time with their children — even when they’re grown.
Personally, my dream is for my kids to score me backstage passes to a Killers’ concert. A dad can dream . . .
Bonus: Books are material objects, but they’re more experiences than “stuff.” If you’re looking for a great book to gift Dad — especially one who’s into history — check out these nine suggestions.
