Dad’s birthday is nearing, and your ideas for a birthday gift are running out. Fret not, it’s happened to everyone at one point, and this article will provide you with three solutions. 

You want this gift to be special! Perhaps your dad has hit a big milestone, or you simply need to make up for the previous years’ worth of gifts that you left to the last minute. So, how do you find that perfect present? The following three options are all a sure-fire way to put a big smile on your dad’s face. Buying something he needs is never overrated; the same way providing him with a mini vacation as opposed to an item is a very memorable gift. Lastly, you can never go wrong with going to a nice and luxurious dinner.

Buying something he needs

A practical gift can go a long way. These are the gifts that your dad will most likely not buy himself, but he will always use such as an umbrella, a luggage tag and so on. Practical gifts may not be as spontaneous, but he will thank you for making his life easier with this type of present – don’t underestimate their importance.

Opting for an experience

Aside from the practical, taking your dad out for an event is much more memorable than purchasing a single item. Consider this a mini vacation, and although this is for your dad, even you will enjoy the stress-free and relaxing day or days you have planned. The biggest question you have to answer is what this activity or experience will be. If your dad enjoys sports, you could always get him tickets to a game. However, you aren’t thinking big enough if you really want to surprise him with an amazing experience.  

To be memorable, you must think of an activity that is out of the ordinary. If the timing is right, taking your dad out on a boat tour to go whale watching is the sort of big gift experience that he will always remember. You will need to choose the best location, and the best time and place to watch gray whales from December-late April, so look up whale watching in San Diego to get inspired. Think big, and neither of you will ever forget this birthday celebration. Another factor to consider is to ensure the activity is relaxing and peaceful (everyday life can sometimes be stressful, after all).

A Customized Gift

Many custom gifts are sure to touch the heart of dads. A simple mug with "best dad ever" print would mean so much to him. You can also have in printed over a cap, or custom t-shirts from Dallas a shirt or as a dedication message on a cake you baked yourself.

If you want to surprise your dad with a gift he wouldn't expect, try gifting a custom bobblehead, which have grown in popularity in recent years, and many have become collectors’ times. Bobblehead dolls are miniature figures and you can order one without breaking the bank! All you need to do is send a picture of your dad to the manufacturer and choose a body where they will attach the head (like your dad's favorite superhero).

Another great gift idea would be personalized or customized phone cases. You can choose a family photo, a photo of yourself and your dad, or other photos that will warm his heart each time he looks at the back of his phone. If you prefer something more subtle, you can have a ready-made design personalized instead.

Going out to a restaurant

Food is fuel, so you might as well make it exceptional food! Your dad will love being treated to a night out at the restaurant. Remember to choose a restaurant that is classy, delicious, has his favorite food options but is also healthy (you want to make sure that he lives a long healthy life). The day is all about your dad, and it’s a great opportunity to show him much you appreciate him.

You want to make your dad’s birthday as special as possible, and an unexpected surprise is one of the best ways to achieve this! Just remember, the thought you put behind it and you spending quality time with your dad are the most important parts of the birthday celebration. That is why the mini vacation or fun activity will make him incredibly happy, as he gets to spend time with his family and create new memories.