A New Way To Bond With Dad With These Gift Ideas {Father's Day Gift Guide}

You might think that encouraging closer relationships between fathers and their children is a relatively new concept, for it was a mere decade ago that a man picking up his kids from school or strolling in the park with a newborn strapped to his chest raised eyebrows.

But according to the Library of Congress, in 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day for that very reason, and “to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.”

Fifteen years earlier, in 1909, the idea of a Father’s Day was first launched by Sonora Smart Dodd in Spokane, Washington. Although the holiday gained popularity over the years, it stayed a single-state tradition until 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the law making it a national holiday. And it’s been celebrated ever since.

Sleepletics, the online retailer gaining converts every day for its Celliant Performance Sheets, determined by the FDA to be a general wellness product – reminds us that bonding with Dad is an ever-changing, life-long process. And gift-giving on Father’s Day is a great way to do it IF you keep his interests in mind.

Following are a variety of gift ideas geared to Dads interested in many things, and ideas as to how they might help you bond with him whatever your relationship, wife, mother, daughter, son.

Sporty Dads

Be it cheering a football team on TV, some tranquil fly fishing, or a leisurely walk in the park, Dad knows his favorite sport can get between him, and you and the kids. Let him know it’s OK with something that adds enjoyment to the sport.  From a FANCHEST box of items endorsed by NFL teams to a fun hat embellished with fishing lures to a book of poems by naturalist Henry David Thoreau, he’ll definitely appreciate the sentiment, as well as the gift itself. He might even start including the family on this side of his life.

As for the dad who sweats up a storm Saturday mornings, running, biking or playing soccer, a set of Sleepletic’s Celliant Performance Sheets would be especially apt.  They combine premium long-staple cotton and Celliant mineral-infused yarns that recycle the body’s natural heat back as therapeutic infrared light. This increases blood flow to the muscles and improves local circulation for better sleep and faster recovery from physical activity.  Receiving these sheets – available in chalk, blue, tan and light grey – Dad will know the family cares for his well-being and loves him very much.

Style-Savvy Dads

Come Father’s Day, and the heat and humidity that accompanies it, even the most fashionable Dads can look a bit ragged around the edges.  But good news, there are dozens of items that not only will spiff up his wardrobe, but that he’ll find comfortable wearing, too.

Think about leather sandals, a welcome change from sneakers and as appropriate with tailored slacks as shorts and jeans; or board shorts, great for any casual environment, from grocery shopping to a barbecue.

But the end-all-be-all might be the perfect white shirt. Available in wrinkle-free cotton, with this in Dad’s closet he’s ready to go anywhere looking style-savvy, pairing it with jeans, dress pants, shorts or even a sarong for days at the beach. UNTUCKit offers many styles.

Foodie Fathers

A fun twist on traditional Mother’s Day flowers is the Salami Bouquet from Olympia Provisions composed of selections from Spain, France, and Italy and one hinting of Greece. Slice some into an omelet for a special Father’s Day breakfast so he can get an idea as to the delicious delights that await him.

For Dads who enjoy prepping meals for the family, you can’t go wrong with such thoughtful items as biodegradable food wrappers, air (not oil) fryers, sushi roll makers or such unique gifts as the three-in-one avocado pitter-splitter-slicer. Tools these days keep healthy eating and our changing food choices in mind, a good thing for all of us.

New Dads

Dads of newborns and toddlers, matching Papa Bear and Baby Bear T-shirts available on Etsy will definitely put a smile on his face.  Or consider a snuggie that looks more manly than the pastel or floral one Mom carries – patterned with toy cars, in grey, pearl or black.

And for the man with a sense of humor who also wants the best for his little one, there are such unusual accessories as teethers hand-carved of 100 percent maple that resemble brass knuckles. Billed as antimicrobial and self-healing, which means no bacteria and no splinters, they’ll certainly give an amusingly tough edge to both your guys, big and small … making bonding all the more fun.

The Not-So-Techie Dad

If your Dad likens anything technological to torture, your Father’s Day gift to him can be a truly bonding experience. Sign him up for one-on-one, face-to-face lessons. A range of institutions – libraries, churches, computer stores, and schools – offers a gamut of classes.  If you encourage his progress and help him practice his newfound skills, you’ll soon have one incredibly grateful Dad who’ll enjoy being part of the 21st century and with whom you’ll feel closer than ever before.

All Dads

Young or old, first-time Dad or Grandad, world traveler or armchair voyager, contemplative or boisterous, whatever kind of Dad you have, a set of Celliant Performance Sheets will be happily received. Everyone loves, and needs, a good night’s sleep, and combined with the tactile feeling of luxury these sheets possess and the health benefits they provide the body, these might likely be the high point of Father’s Day this year for both Dad and you.

Disclosure: I only recommend products or services I use or would use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Your opinions may vary from my opinions. You can also go here and read my PR Polices.