Dads love gifts.  Actually, maybe I should modify that slightly -- Dad's love good gifts.  Yes, it is the thought that counts and the fact that you are thinking about buying Dad a gift for one reason or another is wonderful.  Dad will be happy to get a gift, but he will be ecstatic to get a really great gift.  So, how do you find a great gift for Dad?  I'm so glad you asked!

First, Dads are all different, so it is hard to generalize and say exactly what the "generic Dad" will love.  

What we can do is look at 6 tips that can make a gift the perfect Dad gift:

1. High Tech Is Good, But Bleeding Edge is Too Much
I am not revealing any deep secrets of manhood when I say that guys tend to love high tech gadgets.  Guys without kids have time to install the latest drivers, scour support groups and can live on that cutting, shall we say "bleeding edge" of technology. 
Dads on the other hand still love all those gadgets they played with before the kids came, they just have much less time now.  So when shopping for Dad, high tech is good, but try to avoid untested, brand new technology that might have Dad pulling what little hair he has left out.

2. Impractical is Good
Dads spend most of their days making practical decisions.  Do they take out the trash first or fix that door that won't stop squeaking?  There is nothing wrong with being a responsible and practical parent, but when it comes time to get Dad a gift reward him with something impractical.
A perfect gift is one that Dad would not think to get for himself, maybe because it is impractical and he would feel guilty spending money on something he didn't need.  Notice I said "need" -- this is a gift, so it is fine to get something Dad "wants" even if he doesn't need it.  Dad may need a new shirt, but he wants the remote controlled helicopter.

3. Make Dad Feel Young Again
Did you know that even though I am a Dad of a 7- and 9-year-old and have been married for 16 years, I am really only 20 years old?  Don't be to surprised, because I am in fact lying.  Yes, I am 43 years old -- but when it comes to getting a gift the last thing I want to be reminded of is my age. 
Dad's want a gift that makes them feel like they are still young and hip -- as we picture ourselves in our mind.  No, you don't have to run out and get Dad a Corvette (but I am sure he would not complain), but you want to find a gift that appeals to his fun and younger self image.  A gadget, a tool or device that the younger crowd is using will make Dad feel younger and that is an awesome gift in its own right.

4. Dads Are Big Kids -- Get Him a Toy
As a Dad I think I am completely qualified to tell you this -- You know the difference between Dads and kids?  Dads have slightly less meltdowns!  We are still kids at heart and love to play. 
You really can't go wrong with getting Dad a toy.  There are puzzles, board games, card games, RC vehicles, games for smartphones, video games, sports games -- just pick the type of game that fits Dad's personality and watch him play like a kid.

5. Reward Dad's Curiosity
Maybe Dad has mentioned in passing that he wished he knew how to dance.  Perhaps Dad talks about how fun it would be to scuba dive.  Dads are curious creatures and rewarding that curiosity makes a great gift. 
Get Dad dance lessons.  Find a scuba class that Dad can take.  The key is to find a gift that meets Dad's interests and curiosity.

6. Make a Gift That Shows Dad You Love Him
We have saved the best for last.  As much as Dad's love impractical toys and gifts that make them feel young and reward their curiosity, they are suckers for being loved!  Make Dad a gift, that shows you are thinking about him and appreciate him and you will have the perfect gift for Dad.

That is it for now, in future articles we will go over some specific gift ideas for different types of Dads.  

Let me know what you think makes the perfect gift for Dad!