In years past, I really went all out for Father’s Day on the greeting card front. Getting two cards for each dad on my list — one from my children and then one from either me or my husband when it came to his father. With the passing of my own father last year, the card list has significantly decreased for 2025.

This Father’s Day, I’ve picked up three cards, one for my FIL, my husband, and my stepdad — done! As for gift giving, it’s always a chore with the men of our families trying to find a balance between practical items versus sentimental or more meaningful gifts. Some years, I’m more successful than others, but in general, here are a few approaches to Father’s Day gift-giving you may find helpful.

First, the Amazon Wish List! If you have a family account or the dad(s) in your life have their own, ask them to make their lists public or just invite you to view them. Get ready for some random items that may or may not be suitable as gifts.

There could be things here they really want but are hesitant to “add to cart,” items they are merely curious about and won’t really want as a gift, and then there are hands-down practical purchases that they may eventually get for themselves that you’re saving them from the trouble of ordering. Of course, Amazon also has semi-curated gift guides to browse if your father figures are not shopping regularly online. Gift guides, in general, are usually set up to search by interest, such as electronics, car gear, grilling, grooming, etc.

You can, of course, straight-up ask the men that you celebrate Father’s Day with what they might like, and they might have an actual answer! My husband has asked for 16x25x1 anti-allergy air filters for the furnace from Filtrete. Do I find this semi-infuriating? Sure, but hey, I got a direct answer to a direct question, so I’m taking the win.

If the fathers you are honoring give you the runaround or the classic “I don’t need anything” when asked about a preferred gift, then ask around them. Ask your mom, MIL, aunt, grandma, or maybe even co-workers what the guy(s) have been talking about or saying they need.

Also, pay attention to what they are complaining about. If the lawnmower keeps conking out on them, or their car mats have seen better days, then chip in for a replacement.

Be prepared. They’ll probably complain about that too and/or admonish you for spending too much, but in the end, they’ll then have a chance to find something new to complain about, potentially for Christmas gift-giving.

Next up, experiences. In addition to the air filters this year, we are going to Knoebel’s and then the Great Wolf Lodge for Father’s Day weekend. Does my husband consider this a treat for him as well as the kiddos? I’m not sure, but that’s what we’re going with. Overall, though, experiences make double-duty gifts since they’ll hopefully enjoy it and get to spend time with people they care about.

This time of year, baseball tickets come to my mind for the sports lover. Concerts, movies, even planning road trips for out-of-town events, are great ways to show you care.

Another aspect of an experience could be a “treat yourself” type of day. Are they on a special diet they’d be OK taking a break from? Do they really love a particular brand of cookies or beer or barbeque you can gift them? Maybe just give them an afternoon to themselves with snacks and all-access to the remote (aka the gift of peace and quiet).

Like experiences, another thoughtful gift option is the classic chore coupon book. Have the kids craft up some coupons or IOUs to gift future to-dos, like cleaning out the garage, pulling weeds, and washing the car. Or do fun coupons like bike rides, games of catch, building a Lego set, or some other type of model kit.

Customized gifts for dads of younger kids are fun and can really catch the vibes of parenting little ones. My social media feeds are slamming me with all sorts of Bluey-related dad gifts, from “Girl Dad” T-shirts to personalized “Best Dad Ever” beer glasses, all with Bluey imagery from the popular Disney+ show. You can also get graphic/funny t-shirts from TeePublic or Etsy with kids’ names and some very eye-roll-worthy “Dad Jokes” texts.

Lastly, gift cards. The good old standby. It may seem like a cop-out, but sometimes gift cards are the most helpful of Father’s Day gifts, especially for the indecisive dad. You can get a general Visa gift card or try to pick something a bit more personal. Gift cards to favorite stores or online brands are the most obvious, or sign Dad up for a subscription of sorts like an ESPN+ package or a mustard of the month club.

All in all, you want to show the father figure(s) in your life that you care. Even if they are pains in the butt and not easy to shop for, hopefully, you’ll be able to honor them this Father’s Day.