Choosing a gift can be the hidden joy of Father's Day shopping

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Father's Day is Sunday. Don't panic. You've still got six shopping days to choose what to give your dad, husband or the significant man in your life.

If you need help deciding, The Daily Reflector publishes Father's Day gift ideas from advertisers every year. It will be included this year in the newspaper on Wednesday and Friday.

Father's Day shopping always has been a challenge for me. Gifts for the men in my life, from my father to my husband, either work or don't. There's not really a middle ground.

I often have asked them what they would like for Father's Day. Most of the time, the response was something like, "You don't have to do anything, but whatever you get will be fine."

Right. I've been through too many Father's Days to know that's not quite true.

This year, I'm relieved that my daughter and I have already decided how we're going to honor my husband for Father's Day. And, we think it's a winner.

We haven't told my 6-year-old son the plan because we want it to be a surprise for Pearless. And, whatever Nicholas knows, Nicholas tells.

Over the years, I gave my dad all the traditional Father's Day gifts, from clothing, cologne and a nice dinner to hunting, fishing and gardening gear and, in lean years, a card. They're the kind of things that will do if you can't come up with that special something.

I learned that spending a lot of money wasn't the key. It's getting just the right thing — something they may mention more than once or something they want to try or do.

The multi-drawer red tool box I gave my dad was that kind of gift.

I bought the tool box at a store once located on the Greenville Convention Center site. Not only was it a good size for organizing tools but it also conveniently rolled on wheels.

Not long out of college, I was so proud of the purchase because I had a job and could buy it, and I knew it was something my dad would use.

I was right. He was thrilled with it. It wasn't long before all the drawers and other compartments were stuffed with tools. The top drawer eventually couldn't even be closed. That gift was a winner.

Since my father's death almost five years ago, there's been no need to sweat over a gift for him.

I realize now what a privilege it was to try to figure out how to please my dad, to show him how much I loved him.

When I could worry over just the right gift, I was the real winner.