Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

He's got enough ties (for some men, one tie is too many). He has all the tools he needs. He already has a subscription to his favorite magazine. So, what can you give your Father or husband that is sure to brighten his day or even create a memory?

We asked several Tucsonans for some gift ideas for Father's Day, and here's what they came up with…

10. The Gift of Technology
If the man in your family wants to sport the latest gadget, think about hooking him up with an iPod nano, MP3 Player, or some other technological device. Doug Johnson said he'd like a new cell phone for Father's Day, but nothing fancy like a Sidekick or Blackberry. "I'd rather not be that accessible," said Johnson, the father of two small children. "Plus, I'd never get anything done if I had a toy like that."

9. Tickets to a Baseball Game
" I would like a family day at the ballpark," said Jeff Garcia, father of four small children. If Dad is a sports nut, surprise him with tickets to a Sidewinders or D-backs game. Be sure to add a pack of sunflower seeds with the tickets!

8. The Gift of Music
Michael Hollar, father of three, suggested a new CD. Or you might consider downloading songs from a music site like www.realplayer.com and burn him a CD of music he loves. On this CD, mix songs you know he enjoys with a couple of songs he doesn't know.

7. Things to Wear
" I'd suggest any attire from his favorite sports team," said Jonathan Brown. "I'd like a new U of A cap and shirt." However, when it comes to gifts of clothing, Scott Turner gives this warning: "Ties and soap on a rope don't really cut it."

6. BBQ Supplies
This is Tucson, and the weather will most likely be perfect on Father's Day. If Dad is planning to barbeque, surprise him with some new utensils. "I'm going to be barbequing all summer long, and new supplies would be perfect," said Brown.

5. The Gift of Scent
Howard Johnson, the father of three grown children, suggests a classic gift: cologne. "I still think cologne is a great gift," said the 88-year-old Johnson. "Most of us men still like to smell good for our ladies."

4. A Homemade Card
Yeah, this is not very original, but this is still one of the most meaningful things you can give Dad. Make a card and have your kids trace their hands, write a small poem using the acrostic D.A.D., or simply say, "Dad, you're the best!" Austin Miller said, "To me, a card is the best Father's Day gift."

3. A Memory Book
A memory book or scrapbook can create a lasting keepsake that Dad will enjoy for years to come. Randy Hinton, father of three children, suggests, "Create a memory book with pictures of you and dad having fun."

2. The Gift of Time
For most Dads, spending time at home with their families is the most precious gift and often hard to come by. "I guess I am a bit simple minded," said Michael Hollar. "I would like to celebrate the day with family and good eats." Paul Kelly agrees. "I love having all my family around me on Father's Day, especially my own father."

1. A Father's Day Question
The number one idea is not a surprise gift, but perhaps the most meaningful. Kevin Price suggests, "The child (or children together) offers dad an important written question prior to Father's Day - a question that prompts dad to respond in writing (and wisdom)." Price suggests the following question: What's the most important thing you've learned in the past year that you would want me to learn, too?

Price believes that a father's meaningful response to a child's question will help the father pass on his life lessons to his children. This could be a Father's Day tradition, and the questions and answers could be kept in a scrapbook or binder that the family can read together every Father's Day. This is definitely a memory maker!

Happy Father’s Day!