Dad’s are so hard to shop for! I never know what to get my dad… Another tie? More slippers? Gift cards… again? It is like the same old, same old, every year.

My dad always say’s “Don’t get me anything; save your money.  Just come see your old Pops!” Yeah right dad, I am 27; of course I am getting you something… and I am a little past the age of finger paintings and glued pasta art passing as a suitable gift. (Though that may be a great gag gift one year)!  Here are a few ideas to help make your dad feel important this Father’s Day!

1. Food! Cook him his favorite meal or take him out to dinner at his favorite restaurant. Every dad would love a dinner out with their kids. Show them how much you love him by buying him a nice dinner.  Best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right?

2. Races Anyone? Take him to a race track. Watch the races (Drag, Oval or Motorcross) at Rocky Mountain Raceways, or even better…Rent a Race Car for him to race around in and blow off some steam, or just feel the power!

Source: bing.com

3. Take Flight! Give him a tandem flight or flying lessons. Most men loved airplanes when they were little; help them connect with their inner child again by being free as a bird! They can try out piloting a plane, para-gliding, para-sailing, bungee jumping or even the rides at Lagoon or flying down the slides at the local water park. And it’s all even more fun if you go with him !

Source: bing.com

4. Take him out to the ballgame… buy him some peanuts and crackerjacks, he won’t care if he ever goes back! Get him tickets to see the Salt Lake Bees or REAL Soccer! Most dads love sports so it’s an easy way to make them happy and keep them entertained.

Source: playroanoke.com

5. Make Dad Laugh! Take him to a comedy club.  I recently went to Wise Guys Comedy Club in downtown Salt Lake and it was hilarious.  It was a nice change of pace from going to see a movie.  Or there’s the Desert Start Playhouse in Murray which produces spoofs like: Indiana Bones, Captain American Fork and Wicked-er. You can bond with your dad over drinks, dinner, and some laughs.

What kind of hobbies does your dad have?  I suggest you stick with gift ideas that go with his hobby; the gift will be more sentimental… as well as practical.  My little brother has a different approach to buying gifts. He likes to get people (especially dad),  gifts that he can one day borrow. It is genius really. Why did my brother get all the brains?!!… So, Josh always sticks to getting dad some sort of tool that will be benefitting him shortly after.