Little Gifts for a Dad

Give Dad a little "just because" gift to show you care.golf balls image by CraterValley Photo from Fotolia.com

Sometimes you want to give someone a small gift as a thank you, for a housewarming or maybe for no occasion at all. Little gifts can still have big meaning, so you want to consider your recipient's hobbies and personality, just as you would with a larger gift. When you are searching for something small to give to a dad, think about what items would help his days run a little smoother and choose something that shows you've been thinking of him.

Grilling Gear

If your dad is the type who is always tending to the barbecue during family gatherings or whose favorite meal is a perfectly seared steak, get a small gift to go with his grill. Utensils such as a burger flipper, kebab sticks or meat thermometer will help him cook up meals just the way he likes them. Or buy some pre-mixed meat "rub" seasonings and a marinade brush for the dad who takes pride in his savory concoctions. You can even find an inexpensive grilling tool belt he can wear to keep all the barbecuing necessities close at hand.

Lots of dads love their cars, so give him a little something to spruce up his vehicle. A cup holder, key chain, steering wheel cover or even an air freshener will let him know you were thinking of him -- and his car. Gifts for his vehicle can be practical, too; such as a new ice scraper, a mini flashlight for the glove compartment, or some wax or a special cloth to preserve the paint job.

For the dad who loves golf, small items such as golf balls, tees or a sun visor will brighten his day. If your dad doesn't golf, consider what games he does play and search for an item to improve his play. Get a nice deck of cards for the cribbage player, a pocket dictionary for the Scrabble player or a new book of crossword puzzles for the wordsmith. Giving a gift related to a hobby is a gesture that shows you care enough to know what his interests are, and you might be able to engage in some quality bonding time by playing a round of golf, a game of cards or completing a puzzle together.