Top 5 Fun Gift Ideas for Dad

Many shoppers find buying gifts for Dad challenging, as fathers are notoriously tight-lipped about their gift expectations. Despite the challenge, a number of companies sell fun, unusual and exciting gifts and presents for Dad that can light up his eyes as he opens the package. From retro toys and new electronics to an unexpected twist on a traditional gift, buyers can give a number of personalized gifts for Dad that he'll surely appreciate.

5 Gifts for Dad:

1. Toy with the idea. Regardless of how mature, experienced or adult a dad may portray himself, he was certainly a kid at one time and undoubtedly once played with children's toys. For a fun, unique gift for Dad that is sure to bring back fond memories, consider giving him a toy from the years of his youth. As a rough estimate, start by researching what toys were popular when your dad was 10 years old, and then search for a corresponding or similar item to find great gifts for Dad. A number of manufacturers have capitalized on this nostalgia by offering new, updated versions of favorite old toys and games, especially as gifts for men. Dad will certainly love the memory, and he may just spend some time playing with his gifts and rediscovering a bit of his youth.

2. Write it down. Dads almost always have a need to write something down or jot notes, and fun, unique writing instruments make great gifts for Dad. Manufacturers offer ink pens in myriad styles and prices, ranging from generic plastic pens that cost less than a dollar to handmade works of art, with prices reaching into the thousands of dollars. Nice birthday gifts for Dad include elegant fountain or ballpoint pens, and smooth rollerball pens also make great gifts for Dad. For truly unique gifts for him that are also fun, consider pens sporting a wacky color or clip.

3. Personal valet. Men carry a number of personal items in their pockets, and Dad would probably enjoy having a permanent home for these items at the end of the day. To catch things like keys, pocket knives and change, personal valets make great gifts for fathers. These tabletop containers are available in a number of colors and styles intended to match almost any decor and are typically available in almost any price range. Desk sets that organize personal items are also nice gifts for men.

4. Electronic gadgets. Almost all dads enjoy poking around on the latest electronic gadget, and manufacturers gladly maintain a flowing supply of new or improved devices. From car-mounted GPS units to handheld radios, and even mobile phones or mobile phone applications, electronics make wonderful presents for Dad. Your father is certain to have fun learning all about his latest gadget and will certainly remember receiving the gift each time he uses it. For personalized gifts for Dad, consider engraving cell phones or MP3 players with his name and a message.

5. Tie up loose ends. Even if your dad doesn't work in a formal office, men's ties make great gifts for fathers. In the modern, relaxed fashion climate, a number of artists and designers have taken certain liberties with tie designs, making them fun birthday gifts for Dad. Some detail ball parks of past years; some offer a fun, modern play on ties of yesteryear; and some even offer printed instructions on tying a tie as part of the tie design. Even if Dad normally wears polo shirts and jeans, ties can still be fun gifts for him and are easy for you to pick up at the last minute.