The Great 'Dads: what would you like for Xmas?' Hunt

Kayleighpea

My dad is the same where if he finds anything he wants he buys it himself! Really unhelpful for us! But he now says rather than receiving 'things' he'd rather spend time with us and make some memories. So we tend to go for dinner or experiences (we went to Go Ape for his birthday!) however these aren't usually the cheaper options.This year for xmas we are only doing little presents so I have got him a lap tray which you personalise with your own photos. Approx £12 from various places, I got mine from Amazon (and have bought a few for various family members!). Has the 'memories' aspect but also shows a bit of thought and effort has gone into the gift with the time taken picking out favourite photos etc.

poor_country_girl

I am at a loss what to buy my dad - as with most he buys what he wants or needs before Christmas, and has everything he wants to do with his hobby's i.e. walking gear, video equipment. He has read everything ever written on WWII, watched every DVD and documentary on it, and only likes anything factual to read or watch.
He never wears a tie, likes one style and colour of sock, hates sports and rarely watches TV.
He joined the RSPB because I was in it, but isn't really into bird watching, and has no interest in 'trailing round' old houses etc.
We used to buy him beer and whiskey, but he rarely drinks now. He has no interest in cooking anything fancy, is never getting another pet, subscribes to 2 magazines himself.
In the past we bought him a tank driving day and a balloon ride - which he loved, but wouldn't do again.
He has hundreds of photo's of his children and granchildren, hates clutter, doesn't really eat chocolate as he has type 2 diabetes. He NEVER has any suggestions when asked "what would you like?"
This year I have splashed out £1 for a pair of Christmas washing up gloves for him because I GIVE UP! Plus he is a real martyr when it comes to washing up after Christmas dinner - but won't let anyone help him. :mad:

csreader

(I'm the Dad.) My daughter has moved to Australia - which makes sending presents (in either direction) more difficult. Last time she sent me a small book of photos of the 3 grandchildren, who are growing up rapidly. I was very touched.

Judi_L

Last birthday I got my astronomy-mad Dad the right to name a star. He was initially mocking but soon decided he loved the idea. He tried to think of a clever name but decided anything would eventually sound pompous so, just to the left of Orion's belt, invisible to most home binoculars and telescopes, there is a star named forever "Harold" :-)

steve_uk

Judi_L wrote: »

Last birthday I got my astronomy-mad Dad the right to name a star. He was initially mocking but soon decided he loved the idea. He tried to think of a clever name but decided anything would eventually sound pompous so, just to the left of Orion's belt, invisible to most home binoculars and telescopes, there is a star named forever "Harold" :-)

Judi, that sounded a brilliant idea, as my Dad's into astronomy too (until I Googled it ). From what it says on the International Astronomical Union (IAU) website, it isn't possible to buy the right to name a star. Check out iau.org if you're interested as there's a page dedicated to this issue (see the link for Buying Star Names). I still like the idea though.

Anja

I gave my Dad a "blank cheque" from MoneySavingExpert.com which he could cash anytime that he needed some DIY doing. As he was not well he could get us to help without the embarrassment of asking. He loved it - what else do you get the Man that has everything?

MyMateMartinConvert

Best gift ever for my Dad was a handmade Monopoly. Asked my grandmothers for all of the addresses my Mum and Dad had ever lived at, with Park Lane and Pall Mall being the two homes they'd had as a married couple. The stations were four cars he'd had - Haynes Manual covers as the image for the stations. Pieces to move around the board were to do with Mum and Dad - bobbin, lego brick etc. Chance and Community Chest cards followed the pattern of the original - all money stayed same so the game worked - but the things done linked to M & D. I was shaking when I gave it to my Dad, it had taken hours. He loved it and it had so much more value than any bought gift.

artymum69

Love the Monopoly Idea My Dad moved so often as a child he'd love this...now if only we can remember ALL the places!! :T

natasha8642

XRAT wrote: »

My kids are at Uni, so I miss them lots! For Christmas I'd like a recycled advent calendar with pictures of them inside, not to count down to Christmas, but to count down to the day they come home for next year.
Oh, and a hug would be good!
(Dads don't need expensive gifts, as BigMummaF found out, if there's something we want we go and get it.)

I wish my dad had cared half as much about me as you do about your kids. I hope they realise how fortunate they are.

Cialilerin

I've gone for a photo calender for my husband from the kids - I have actually tried to take special photos every month as I decided back in January that I would do this for him - after a traumatic search last Christmas, then I got my teens to actually choose the exact photos and design the calender itself. Hopefully he'll like it. (From me, I'm buying him a weekend city break for 2 and naturally I have chosen this only for him, but I will also be able to go, so win win!!)