Christmas Gift Ideas for Dad – Beyond the Usual Socks

Christmas Gift Ideas for Dad – Beyond the Usual Socks

Posted by Alex Turner, December 10, 2019
Co-author: Emily Davis

“Dads are most ordinary men, turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.” – Pam Brown

Ah, good old Dad. Whether he’s our biological Dad, Stepdad, foster Dad, or even the uncle or friend who stepped in, Dads can play an essential role in our lives. But when it comes time for Christmas, Dad can be one of the hardest people to buy for! “I don’t need anything,” he’ll say. “But a trip to Hawaii would be nice!”

So, forget about wrapping up yet another pack of socks and undies for Dad. We can’t promise to fund a trip to Hawaii, but here are our hot tips for fantastic gift ideas for Dad this Christmas:

Pricey Gift Ideas for Dad

For the active Dad, a fitness tracker is always a solid option. Consider the Fitbit Ionic ($378 from Harvey Norman) or the Apple Watch (starting from $649 from PB Tech).

For the adventurous or techie Dad, a GoPro Hero is the perfect gift. At $364 from The Warehouse, it’s a great way for Dad to capture his adventures.

If your Dad loves new experiences, why not gift him something thrilling? Try the Introductory Stunt Driving Course ($200 from Red Balloon) for a ride of his life!

Affordable Gift Ideas for Dad

If Dad’s a coffee lover, consider the LEGO Compatible Brick Mug ($14.95 from NotSocks) or the Star Wars: Original Stormtrooper Vacuum Flask ($52 from Mighty Ape).

For Dads with young kids, the Darth Vader And Son book by Jeffrey Brown is a hilarious and heartwarming read ($20 from Book Depository).

And for Dads with newborns, a simple, practical gift like a pack of earplugs ($7 from The Warehouse) will surely be appreciated.

Homemade Gift Ideas for Dad

• Punching Bag: Craft a DIY punching bag for Dad using materials like an old duffel bag (check out this tutorial on LiveStrong.com) or PVC pipes covered in carpet (here’s a tutorial on WikiHow).
  
• Coffee Cozy: Not enough funds for a fancy coffee mug? Create a DIY coffee cup holder ("coffee cozy") using felt and a button. You can find a tutorial on Practically Functional.
  
• Handmade T-shirt: For a quick homemade gift, let the kids design a T-shirt with Sharpies. Add some masking tape to create stylish patterns (learn how on SmallFriendly.com).
  

World-Changing Gift Ideas for Dad

If Dad already has everything, or if his Christmas wish list includes something extravagant like “a cruise to Hawaii,” consider giving him a gift that makes a real difference in the world.

One option is the Gift for Life catalogue by Tearfund New Zealand. All proceeds go to life-changing projects, like a community vegetable garden ($250), farmer training ($25), or even something as simple as a chicken ($15). It’s the perfect way to gift something meaningful and impactful this holiday season.

How to Pay for Christmas Gifts for Dad

When shopping for Christmas gifts for Dad, avoid going into credit card debt and experiencing the dreaded New Year debt hangover. Use your everyday transaction account so you know your budget, leaving enough for your usual weekly expenses and avoiding interest charges on gift purchases.

If you don’t yet have an outstanding value transaction account with your bank, use a tool like Canstar’s comparison tool to find the best account for your needs. If you’re opting for a credit card, make sure it works for you by looking for one that offers rewards or cashback.

If you’re after plants as gifts for Dad, check out GiftTree NZ, GiftTree US, or GiftTree AU for a wide range of unique plant options and gift baskets. Whether you’re looking for potted plants, bonsais, or luxurious plant arrangements, GiftTree has something for every Dad this Christmas.

For Canadian customers, visit GiftTree Canada for the perfect gift that brings nature’s beauty right to Dad’s door.