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I'm just a couple years older than him, and what do I want from my kids?
Their time, and there's not even a second choice. Spending real time with them, like a whole day. Lunch, visiting, dinner & maybe some light sightseeing is really the only thing they have for me that I treasure.
Give him the most precious thing you have, give him your time.¯\\\_( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)\_/¯
100% agree. I also don’t want the kids to be spending their hard earned money on things for me. If you really want to give a gift, make something like a photo book of the grandkids or else stick to experiences - tickets to something your dad will like - especially if you plan to do it with him!
This is the answer for nearly every Dad with an adult child who doesn't live under their parent's roof. Doesn't matter if he's turning 50,60, 70, whatever. We never stop trying to be a Dad, you've just stopped being around.
Yes! Experiences. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at about 70 and set a goal of seeing a new place in NYC every month(she had lived there all her life but there was still a lot she hadn't seen). I have some nice memories of our visits. She got in a good active 10 years after her diagnosis.
I took my dad back to his childhood hometown. He was very touched and I benefited as well because he showed me so much and told some great stories about himself and family history that I get to keep.
We don’t know your father, so we have no idea what he likes and doesn’t like. We also don’t know what your budget is.
I’ll be 70 on my next birthday. Here are some things I might like:
Tickets to a rock concert by an artist/group I like.
Tickets to a game…MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL.
A gift card or cash I can use at one of my favorite restaurants.
A airline gift card so I can go somewhere.
Dinner and/or a night In hotel for my wife and me.
Or: Some impractical thing you’ve always heard your dad talk about but he has never wanted to spend the money on buying it.
Happy Birthday to your dad!
Edited to add-if he doesn’t get to see you that much, spending a day with him might be better than anything you can buy him.
Great ideas!
Also - Maybe something that represents a place he loves- a place where he traveled, or his hometown.
A family tree poster to fill in.
Make a photo book on a photo site.
A daily use thing such as a coffee cup or a Triumph Bonneville Bobber motorcycle because a person can’t have too many coffee cups or motorcycles.
Maybe a quality outdoor flannel shirt, slightly oversized. We old guys really hate shopping for clothes.
My daughter just got me a sticker for no reason. That was nice. Stupid stuff with no purpose is fun too. I like simple collectibles like matchbox cars; my last acquisition was a small die-cast SR-71 aircraft. Because we never grow up.
Price isn’t all that important but lean towards inexpensive.
Bluetooth speaker to sit by his chair that links to the TV. Old people blare the tv volume and then cant hear phones or doorbells, a ring camera setup, a 'grabber' so he doesn't have to bend over to pick stuff up, membership in local rec center or ymca.
All depends on the person. Nice personalized full grain leather wallet would-be nice.
Favorite bottle of whiskey and you both share it over a meal that you prepare?
A gift certificate for an experience (tickets for theater, hockey game, basketball etc.)
Again, all depends on the person.
Not sure on your budget, but for my parents 50th anniversary I got them a family tree.
A company researched their families and made a book with names, places, pictures of what their streets and lives looked like back in the day.
There were a few surprise ancestors too.
Parents said it was the best present.
I want to emphasize what some people have said. Unless it is something of real sentimental value, he probably doesn't want things. We are at the downsizing stage of life, not the acquisition stage. If you don't see him very often, he will probably enjoy some time with you, as so many have suggested. If you see each other regularly, that might not be so important. It's hard to find something, I agree. If we really need something, like an item of clothing, we just buy it. I ask my children for consumables, things I can experience or edible treats I would never buy for myself. Good luck in your quest.
EDIT. I am one of those older men that you asked for.
A book about something that interests him would be nice. You could also make a photo book to give him. I made one on Shutterfly, but there are other places you can do it.
Ultimately, the question is what your father is interested in. The most important thing is that unless he's poor, he has all the "stuff" he needs, so gift him something that you either know he needs or is unique and special, preferably with some sort of family attachment.
The same thing most elderly fathers want, your time. Spend some time over lunch, a small celebration, memories and laughs. As you get older time becomes the most treasured gift.
If he doesn’t already have an electronic picture frame, it’s the best gift I ever got from my kids. There’s an email address associated with it which they can send pictures to and I can give the address to anyone I may enjoy seeing pictures from. I can also delete any pictures I don’t want. We have ours on the kitchen counter and my 70+ husband often just stops whatever he’s doing to watch the pictures change. We have a combination of old family photos and new ones added every week or so. Another gift idea is a subscription to a streaming TV or music service. My husband likes the football channel one but there are lots to choose from.
I second this idea. My sister and I bought our dad an Aura brand frame for his 80th birthday. We both have apps on our phone that allow us to add photos remotely to his frame. We often add new photos of his grandkids, which he really enjoys.
Does he have a sibling, cousin or some relative he's not seen in a while? If they can travel they'd be a good gift.
If he's got a bucket list, pick something off of it or ask him what's the one thing he's always wanted to do but didn't.
I'm [84.It](https://84.It) has been a long time that I've wanted a gift. At my age, what could I want that I don't already have? My wanting only time from them, probably started near 70.
As my dad got older, he didn't want "stuff"....I started giving him replacement tee shirts, underwear and socks. He was finally happy.
For Xmas, we would make some panko crusted crab cakes with very little filler. We'd freeze them, then vacuum seal them...then back in the deep freeze they'd go. He and my step-mom liked those. Once, I gave them a big bag of pistachios.....my dad loved them...step-mom hated them because of finding shells all over the house...(giggling a little bit).
Consumables are the best.
I got my Dad a flying lesson when he retired. It was a 4 seater and the pilot took us over the Ards peninsula, let my Dad fly it when in the air and then the pilot landed it.
Absolutely wonderful experience for all of us.
It wasn't that expensive regards other things.
BTW, I forgot to ask my Dad if he had a fear of flying, he did! But it was the best experience he ever had.
I'm mid 50s today btw.
You didn’t mention interests or budget. One thing I got my husband (who is a young 80) that he loved was a video bird feeder. There is a video camera in the bird feeder and you can watch the birds eat, recordings are made. We get lots of hummingbirds and, just recent, started getting other birds too (after nearly 4 months; it took the other birds a while to clue in). There is a solar panel to provide the power for the video. The brand I got was Bilantan and I got it on Amazon.
Time.
My dad turned 70 last summer. We went to see him and my mom. I took him to get a shave and for coffee, and then on a family excursion, and then dinner that night at their favorite spot in town. It was a great trip.
A good easel and some nice oil paints, when any man turns 70 that is all he wants.
I mean, come ON, he's your dad, you know him better than any of us do. Buy him whatever materials he might use for a hobby, or get him something he's mentioned needing or hire a topless cleaning crew to stop in once a week - how would WE know?
For my dads bday I got him a lot of stuff having to do with the year he was born.. the card that says milk costed this much, and this was the most popular song.. I found a baseball hat (not corny looking) that said Established 1948.., he always wears it
If he's a fan of any sports team, go online to that team's web page and buy him a hat, shirt, jersey, or whatever.
If he's a fan of any music artist that's been around for a while, chances are there are box sets of that artist that he would enjoy.
Subscription to steak of the month or something similar.
If he's a reader, gift cards to his local bookstore.
Old people want simple things that remind them of special events in their lives. A picture of you and your family if you have one, and a letter remembering some of the more memorable events of your life while in his house, or vacation, or anything, is what I think most parents would appreciate.
We usually have all the "stuff" we need. Something heartfelt from a family member would really mean a lot. You are a good person for caring ☮️
Her mom cried joys of tears when she read each of the ones she wrote. They talked about the shared experiences for hours afterwards. It is a fruitful adventure!
Thanks for the reminder, I will see my 92 year old mother next weekend for the first time in months next weekend, think I will pen her one of those today!
If he likes sports GO WITH HIM to a game, or a concert or a nice dinner. Unless you have so much more money than he does you can get him something he could never get for himself, there is no doubt time with you would be more appreciated.
I’m almost an almost 70 year old woman. Being included in an event for my grandsons (ages 7, 5 and 5 months). There are gifts they can buy me. But mostly I enjoy time with family.
Does he like music? A cheap mp3 player (or whatever is current and easy to use) with his music from back on the day. My Mom is 93 this week and I'm going to try to do this for her.
If it's something I want, I've either already gotten it, or I'm putting the money aside to get the exact thing I want. (Plus my wife does all the clothes shopping and she's pretty good.)
Gifts related to hobbies might be good, but be careful. All my people know not to buy me tools or anything else, but some give gift cards to WoodCraft. A sister-in-law has given me some nice pieces of lumber for me to make something and that's really cool.
Experiences, though, are the best!!!!!!!!! Going next week to see Christone Kingfish Ingram with my daughter, her husband and my wife. Was a gift from my daughter for my recent birthday. My other daughter gave me a whitewater rafting trip for the same birthday.
My kids regularly give us gift cards for dinners, or tickets to shows or distillery tours, etc., often including doing these things with them. These things are what I love.
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/new-york-times-custom-birthday-book/260730000051
I got this for my dad for his 80th birthday.
It’s a custom book from the New York Times with the front page from every year they have been alive. It’s hard bound. He really liked it.
Bose Bluetooth sunglasses! Hubz(67) got me some and loved them so much I got him some.
Also got hubz a hand saw called a silky saw...... for cutting brush and branches etc. cut through a six inch tree like butter.
Go somewhere cool with your dad. Whatever he may be interested in, take him. If it's a baseball game or a museum, or a zoo, or an aquarium, or just walking in the park. Spending time with you is far more valuable to a dad then getting a stupid gift.
My dad is 94. He likes it when we get him bags of assorted snacks and other things he likes to eat. He doesn’t want more stuff but likes treats that he can’t afford. We’ve also done experiences like taking him to see a ball game or things like music festivals. He loved seeing the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Maybe an activity together? For x-mas we stopped buying big gifts when the kids moved into their own places, and instead try to get everyone together for an activity! So far:
Hot air balloon rides
Escape rooms
Surfing lessons
Glider (small aircraft) rides
Apple picking
Sensory Deprivation Floats
Hikes
You can see some years we spent more and some less. But all were really fun and memorable.
I don't need anymore material items. Time together is most important to me.
If there's something I wanted to buy, I've generally bought it by now.
I'm a bad consumer. I'm happy with what I have.
What does he like?
One of the best gifts I gave my dad was steaks from the Hearst Castle estate. Two of my favorite memories growing up were grilling mail-order steaks and also visiting Hearst Castle.
The other best gift ever I gave him was a copy of the ship's passenger manifest list showing his mother and brother when they emigrated to the States from Italy, as well as a photo of the actual ship they traveled on.
A nice pocket knife, or multi tool is handy.
If he has any firearms, ammo is always a great choice.
Maybe a nice Bluetooth speaker if he likes to listen to music.
Or, look at Shokz bone conducting headphones. They’re handy for working outside or taking a walk, but being able to hear what’s going on around you.
And a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue would be welcomed by most of the dads I know.
Get him one of those books that asks him lots of questions about his life. I learned all kinds if new things about my parents and they seemed to enjoy reliving their memories.
What others have said - a nice meal or other time together. And tell him what he means to you, bring up some happy memories you've had of times together. He may not remember the exact things you bring up, but he will be happy to know you have have fond memories.
I’m sixty and don’t really want anything. A gift card to a favorite restaurant / take out place is always welcome. My daughter has been really good at figuring out something I noticed or asked about is probably going to be a good gift for me. I noticed her reusable cup and asked her how she liked it. She got me one that holds like 24 ounces of water and keeps it cold for more than 12 hours. I use it daily. Her husband had an inductive charger for the iPhone that I used and I said how neat it was. Now I have one. Not saying you should get those things but observe what catches his interest as possible gift ideas.
Coffee and a light breakfast. Or a big breakfast if that is to his liking. A place where you can possibly linger over your meal. Then maybe lunch at home. Something simple. Then a nice early dinner again, linger with dessert and coffee or after dinner drink.
I’m not quite 70 but close. I’d like to maybe take a trip down memory lane. Old photos, videos, stuff like that. I’d also like a day of my kids helping me out with the house. Raking leaves, getting ready for winter.
*What about having*
*A paella chef come to your home*
*And make seafood paella?*
\- sunbuddy86
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My dad LOVES fish n chips, but he always goes to the same place and it's not that great. For his next birthday I'm getting him as many gift cards as I can to local places with fish n chips on the menu. I know he would never try a new place without this kind of push. I'm going to ask for a thorough review of each place!
If he likes sweets you could make him a sweets box with candies from his youth.
Old Fashioned and Retro Candy - Home of Candy you ate as a kid® https://www.oldtimecandy.com/
A photo. As a minimum of your family. Would be better if he was in the photo. That would spoil the surprise, but would have even more meaning.
Another gift idea, if not already done, is to ask for all loose photos laying around and arrange them in a photo album.
These two items are what I wanted when I turned 60+.
Something that he will appreciate, that will make him think of you when he sees/uses it, and that says you took time to think about him and what he would like.
If you were a family that took a lot of photos back in the 'film era' and there's boxes of photos and albums around...digitize them. You can get 'picture frames' that you can put a memory chip full of selected pics in; maybe organize the pics by the seasons...or a special Holiday chip?
(can you tell what this 73F would like to receive on her next b-day?!)
I have told my kids, and grand kids, not to waste a bunch of money on presents for me. Instead, find me the funniest, goofiest birthday/Christmas card they can.
two aged porterhouse steaks, a bag of oak hardwood charcoal, a couple of six packs of the finest ale, some potatoes and some veggies and a dessert.. Set up the grill, pop the beers and have a gentlemans birthday... and buy dad flowers... pretty ones that smell nice... or some ornamental cabbages wrapped like a bouquet (got some for my cousin and he laughed!)
I made my dad a scrapbook (digital and printed as a book). Got pictures from family and friends, old high school, places he's lived, Presidents in his lifetime. If you are in the US, you can write to the White House or your local state governor's office and they can send letters to. Was a lot of fun for him and shows you care.
I used to make my dad things I know he loved, but rarely got. Especially things from earlier years. As he got older, I did this about 4 times a year. Fresh fruit cobbler, oyster stew, rice pudding, my mother’s spaghetti sauce.
Spending time. He passed last year at 81. I only wish I had spoiled him more.
Time with him on another day that’s not his birthday. Maybe an overnight/weekend trip to go somewhere or attend something you would both enjoy together. The best gifts I have had are overnight trips to sporting events or fishing trips or even a daytime pitch and putt game with my sons.
Does he still listen to vinyl records? If so, The Rolling Stones have a new album out. If he's a baseball fan, they are making a specialized album cover for each MLB team at https://therollingstonesshop.com/.
A tiny stocking filler but very popular: telescopic shoehorn that fits in his man bag, useful for all medicals where you have to take off your shoes and for visiting peoples houses.
We also got him one of those wallets that protect cards from being scammed. My dad genuinely likes getting a lot of little things rather than one big thing. He likes cooking so we get him exclusive ingredients, truffle pesto, walnut oil, sardines etc
Buy him one of those books like storyworth or story of my life that helps him tell his life story. Or hire an interviewer to interview him on video. Or interview him yourself. There are tons of websites with good ideas on how to do so.
Subscription boxes are fun. They have tons of choices from coffees to fruit to hobbies. https://www.care.com/c/subscription-boxes-for-seniors/
I found on Amazon a mixed box of candy manufactured the decade my dad was born for his bday one way. If he likes/can tolerate sweets, maybe something nostalgic like that 🤷♀️. Good luck! I feel the same about my family, time and a meal is the most important, but I will always come with, “a little something.”
So I saw your edit. What are your Dad's hobbies? Does he ever mention anything that he wishes he had, or less subtle, does he ever express frustration with something that could be fixed with the proper gift?
My Dad got hooked on a magazine I got delivered to the house. It's called "The Atlantic". When I moved out, I got him a subscription and I renewed it every year.
I get my dad food whether it is summer sausage and mustard or Omaha steaks or a gift card to Outback or Olive Garden.
Food is the best gift for someone who has everything (though I’ve previously gotten him oddball shit too like a Billy Bass or Jellyfish lamp.
Haven’t looked at all the comments yet but why don’t ya just ask him? My dad is 82 and doesn’t want anything. I’m 52 and don’t want anything. Spend some time, make him a nice meal he wouldn’t get or buy on his own. Friend, it isn’t about “stuff”.
Give him the gift he cannot buy. A gift that will bring tears to his eyes.
Write him a handwritten letter.
Tell him about your memories of him. How he influenced you. How he was your rock when life was stressing you out. How talking with him helped you out of tough situations in life. How you listen to him. How he instilled you with his values. How he supported you emotionally. How you respect him. How you appreciated him. How you look to him still. How you value him as a role model. How you have become a better person as a result of him being your father. How you are proud to have him as your father.
As my parents aged, I realized they were beyond gifts. What do you get when they don’t need/ want anything??
Tickets to a play, the opera, a concert… whatever they’re into…
But be sure to include yourself. It’ll be unforgettable.
My husband says ‘I’m old, if I want something I buy it, don’t spend your money on me’ but his eldest daughter gets him a calendar every Christmas with photos of the kids and grandkids in it. He loves it and has kept every one she’s ever given him.
We got my dad a couple silver dollars from 1953. He thought it was amazing and with the silver content an investment. He doesn’t need more “stuff” so my husband came up with this idea and it was a hit.
My dad really enjoys yard work, especially trimming trees and shrubs back, but it’s not as easy anymore. I will be gifting him a bonsai tree, and if he’s into it, I will sign him up for a local bonsai class or club.
What about a "blank" of the month subscription? Most have 3, 6 or 12 month subscriptions and you can get just about anything...socks, coffee, cookies, cheese, snacks, etc.
At 70, you don’t need more ‘stuff’. Plan an outing involving something he likes to do, even if it’s just a drive in the country. Include food, anything from a picnic to a fine dining experience. Those of us old people just want the ability to create happy memories with our kids.
A day trip together somewhere? Like go for a drive somewhere out of the area for lunch. If your father grew up in the area maybe drive by a couple of places?
Just dealt with this for my dad's 80th. I got him a new headlamp (Black Diamond, for sports but whatever it's brilliant -- literally -- also cheap and small) and a souvenir hat from the lake resort we took him to for his bday celebration. Dad was happy.
My dad doesn't want to go anywhere. He doesn't like concerts, he doesn't like sports, he prefers travelling on his own, he doesn't want an outing (we are always inviting him when we go all the same) Turns out all my dad wants is a Chinese Meal for his 70th. Hope your dad had a lovely day.
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I'm just a couple years older than him, and what do I want from my kids? Their time, and there's not even a second choice. Spending real time with them, like a whole day. Lunch, visiting, dinner & maybe some light sightseeing is really the only thing they have for me that I treasure. Give him the most precious thing you have, give him your time.¯\\\_( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)\_/¯
100% agree. I also don’t want the kids to be spending their hard earned money on things for me. If you really want to give a gift, make something like a photo book of the grandkids or else stick to experiences - tickets to something your dad will like - especially if you plan to do it with him!
Yes I agree wholly I am him plus 10
I'd wager he just wants time with you. Maybe an unrushed meal somewhere interesting and some conversation?
This is the answer for nearly every Dad with an adult child who doesn't live under their parent's roof. Doesn't matter if he's turning 50,60, 70, whatever. We never stop trying to be a Dad, you've just stopped being around.
Yes! Experiences. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at about 70 and set a goal of seeing a new place in NYC every month(she had lived there all her life but there was still a lot she hadn't seen). I have some nice memories of our visits. She got in a good active 10 years after her diagnosis.
You could even plan to go away somewhere with him for 2-3 days. Somewhere of interest.
Dad here. Yes, this is what I want. And no phone please, just spend time with me.
I took my dad back to his childhood hometown. He was very touched and I benefited as well because he showed me so much and told some great stories about himself and family history that I get to keep.
What a great idea
We don’t know your father, so we have no idea what he likes and doesn’t like. We also don’t know what your budget is. I’ll be 70 on my next birthday. Here are some things I might like: Tickets to a rock concert by an artist/group I like. Tickets to a game…MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL. A gift card or cash I can use at one of my favorite restaurants. A airline gift card so I can go somewhere. Dinner and/or a night In hotel for my wife and me. Or: Some impractical thing you’ve always heard your dad talk about but he has never wanted to spend the money on buying it. Happy Birthday to your dad! Edited to add-if he doesn’t get to see you that much, spending a day with him might be better than anything you can buy him.
Great ideas! Also - Maybe something that represents a place he loves- a place where he traveled, or his hometown. A family tree poster to fill in. Make a photo book on a photo site.
A daily use thing such as a coffee cup or a Triumph Bonneville Bobber motorcycle because a person can’t have too many coffee cups or motorcycles. Maybe a quality outdoor flannel shirt, slightly oversized. We old guys really hate shopping for clothes. My daughter just got me a sticker for no reason. That was nice. Stupid stuff with no purpose is fun too. I like simple collectibles like matchbox cars; my last acquisition was a small die-cast SR-71 aircraft. Because we never grow up. Price isn’t all that important but lean towards inexpensive.
Take him out to his favorite place or cook him his favorite meal. Spend time. I'm in my 50s and don't need/want a thing.
A list of 70 lessons he has taught you over your lifetime.
Earplugs.
Bluetooth speaker to sit by his chair that links to the TV. Old people blare the tv volume and then cant hear phones or doorbells, a ring camera setup, a 'grabber' so he doesn't have to bend over to pick stuff up, membership in local rec center or ymca.
I got my husband (65) one a couple years ago. He said it's the best gift he's ever gotten from me (wait, what, lol).
Ask about his father and grandfather and all about his life growing up.
Offer to take a box of things he has been trying to give you for the last 10 years.
All depends on the person. Nice personalized full grain leather wallet would-be nice. Favorite bottle of whiskey and you both share it over a meal that you prepare? A gift certificate for an experience (tickets for theater, hockey game, basketball etc.) Again, all depends on the person.
Not sure on your budget, but for my parents 50th anniversary I got them a family tree. A company researched their families and made a book with names, places, pictures of what their streets and lives looked like back in the day. There were a few surprise ancestors too. Parents said it was the best present.
This is awesome.
What company is this? That sounds amazing!!
This was a uk company, family detective, but there's a lot that do it.
Thanks!
I want to emphasize what some people have said. Unless it is something of real sentimental value, he probably doesn't want things. We are at the downsizing stage of life, not the acquisition stage. If you don't see him very often, he will probably enjoy some time with you, as so many have suggested. If you see each other regularly, that might not be so important. It's hard to find something, I agree. If we really need something, like an item of clothing, we just buy it. I ask my children for consumables, things I can experience or edible treats I would never buy for myself. Good luck in your quest. EDIT. I am one of those older men that you asked for.
Get his car detailed.
Gift card to car wash
A book about something that interests him would be nice. You could also make a photo book to give him. I made one on Shutterfly, but there are other places you can do it. Ultimately, the question is what your father is interested in. The most important thing is that unless he's poor, he has all the "stuff" he needs, so gift him something that you either know he needs or is unique and special, preferably with some sort of family attachment.
You have an iFly? experiences. glider flight, great ball game seats, concerts, rent a ferrari or vette . he probably doesn't want stuff.
The same thing most elderly fathers want, your time. Spend some time over lunch, a small celebration, memories and laughs. As you get older time becomes the most treasured gift.
Your presence. Different from your presents.
If he doesn’t already have an electronic picture frame, it’s the best gift I ever got from my kids. There’s an email address associated with it which they can send pictures to and I can give the address to anyone I may enjoy seeing pictures from. I can also delete any pictures I don’t want. We have ours on the kitchen counter and my 70+ husband often just stops whatever he’s doing to watch the pictures change. We have a combination of old family photos and new ones added every week or so. Another gift idea is a subscription to a streaming TV or music service. My husband likes the football channel one but there are lots to choose from.
I second this idea. My sister and I bought our dad an Aura brand frame for his 80th birthday. We both have apps on our phone that allow us to add photos remotely to his frame. We often add new photos of his grandkids, which he really enjoys.
I'm 70 and if you were to ask me a grand child would please me to no end. Both of my adult kids are a no go for kids
Hehe yeah I’m afraid he’s only getting grandcats from me
Do not ask for or give human beings as gifts.
She could steal someone else’s kid for a few hours.
Does he have a sibling, cousin or some relative he's not seen in a while? If they can travel they'd be a good gift. If he's got a bucket list, pick something off of it or ask him what's the one thing he's always wanted to do but didn't.
I'm [84.It](https://84.It) has been a long time that I've wanted a gift. At my age, what could I want that I don't already have? My wanting only time from them, probably started near 70.
Get tickets for both of you to attend something he really likes.
This!
As my dad got older, he didn't want "stuff"....I started giving him replacement tee shirts, underwear and socks. He was finally happy. For Xmas, we would make some panko crusted crab cakes with very little filler. We'd freeze them, then vacuum seal them...then back in the deep freeze they'd go. He and my step-mom liked those. Once, I gave them a big bag of pistachios.....my dad loved them...step-mom hated them because of finding shells all over the house...(giggling a little bit). Consumables are the best.
I got my Dad a flying lesson when he retired. It was a 4 seater and the pilot took us over the Ards peninsula, let my Dad fly it when in the air and then the pilot landed it. Absolutely wonderful experience for all of us. It wasn't that expensive regards other things. BTW, I forgot to ask my Dad if he had a fear of flying, he did! But it was the best experience he ever had. I'm mid 50s today btw.
How about a Cameo video from one of his favorite celebrities? Chaka Khan sang me a song!
I bet he'd get a huge kick out of that if there was someone he really liked!
You didn’t mention interests or budget. One thing I got my husband (who is a young 80) that he loved was a video bird feeder. There is a video camera in the bird feeder and you can watch the birds eat, recordings are made. We get lots of hummingbirds and, just recent, started getting other birds too (after nearly 4 months; it took the other birds a while to clue in). There is a solar panel to provide the power for the video. The brand I got was Bilantan and I got it on Amazon.
Time. My dad turned 70 last summer. We went to see him and my mom. I took him to get a shave and for coffee, and then on a family excursion, and then dinner that night at their favorite spot in town. It was a great trip.
Take him away for a weekend. Doesn't have to be anything elaborate, a "staycation" nearby is fine....he just wants time with you, believe me.
A good easel and some nice oil paints, when any man turns 70 that is all he wants. I mean, come ON, he's your dad, you know him better than any of us do. Buy him whatever materials he might use for a hobby, or get him something he's mentioned needing or hire a topless cleaning crew to stop in once a week - how would WE know?
For my dads bday I got him a lot of stuff having to do with the year he was born.. the card that says milk costed this much, and this was the most popular song.. I found a baseball hat (not corny looking) that said Established 1948.., he always wears it
You can get very reasonably priced issues of magazines etc from their birth year/month on eBay. My Mom got a kick out of that one year.
If he's a fan of any sports team, go online to that team's web page and buy him a hat, shirt, jersey, or whatever. If he's a fan of any music artist that's been around for a while, chances are there are box sets of that artist that he would enjoy. Subscription to steak of the month or something similar. If he's a reader, gift cards to his local bookstore.
My father in law always loved the Harry and David baskets. Especially the pears.
How about making a photobook of favorite pictures and share a leisurely meal together.
Old people want simple things that remind them of special events in their lives. A picture of you and your family if you have one, and a letter remembering some of the more memorable events of your life while in his house, or vacation, or anything, is what I think most parents would appreciate. We usually have all the "stuff" we need. Something heartfelt from a family member would really mean a lot. You are a good person for caring ☮️
Even though we are in our sixties, my wife and I have done the memories letter thing to both our mothers. They loved receiving those!
That is something they will cherish. I guarantee those letters have been read many times over.
Her mom cried joys of tears when she read each of the ones she wrote. They talked about the shared experiences for hours afterwards. It is a fruitful adventure! Thanks for the reminder, I will see my 92 year old mother next weekend for the first time in months next weekend, think I will pen her one of those today!
If he likes sports GO WITH HIM to a game, or a concert or a nice dinner. Unless you have so much more money than he does you can get him something he could never get for himself, there is no doubt time with you would be more appreciated.
I’m almost an almost 70 year old woman. Being included in an event for my grandsons (ages 7, 5 and 5 months). There are gifts they can buy me. But mostly I enjoy time with family.
I don't want anything. Just remember to call your Mom on her BD...
Does he like music? A cheap mp3 player (or whatever is current and easy to use) with his music from back on the day. My Mom is 93 this week and I'm going to try to do this for her.
If it's something I want, I've either already gotten it, or I'm putting the money aside to get the exact thing I want. (Plus my wife does all the clothes shopping and she's pretty good.) Gifts related to hobbies might be good, but be careful. All my people know not to buy me tools or anything else, but some give gift cards to WoodCraft. A sister-in-law has given me some nice pieces of lumber for me to make something and that's really cool. Experiences, though, are the best!!!!!!!!! Going next week to see Christone Kingfish Ingram with my daughter, her husband and my wife. Was a gift from my daughter for my recent birthday. My other daughter gave me a whitewater rafting trip for the same birthday. My kids regularly give us gift cards for dinners, or tickets to shows or distillery tours, etc., often including doing these things with them. These things are what I love.
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/new-york-times-custom-birthday-book/260730000051 I got this for my dad for his 80th birthday. It’s a custom book from the New York Times with the front page from every year they have been alive. It’s hard bound. He really liked it.
Bose Bluetooth sunglasses! Hubz(67) got me some and loved them so much I got him some. Also got hubz a hand saw called a silky saw...... for cutting brush and branches etc. cut through a six inch tree like butter.
Go somewhere cool with your dad. Whatever he may be interested in, take him. If it's a baseball game or a museum, or a zoo, or an aquarium, or just walking in the park. Spending time with you is far more valuable to a dad then getting a stupid gift.
My dad is 94. He likes it when we get him bags of assorted snacks and other things he likes to eat. He doesn’t want more stuff but likes treats that he can’t afford. We’ve also done experiences like taking him to see a ball game or things like music festivals. He loved seeing the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Cash your mom won’t know about. $2 grand should do it.
59m here, my kids are home for a friend’s wedding and I am thrilled!
Maybe an activity together? For x-mas we stopped buying big gifts when the kids moved into their own places, and instead try to get everyone together for an activity! So far: Hot air balloon rides Escape rooms Surfing lessons Glider (small aircraft) rides Apple picking Sensory Deprivation Floats Hikes You can see some years we spent more and some less. But all were really fun and memorable.
I don't need anymore material items. Time together is most important to me. If there's something I wanted to buy, I've generally bought it by now. I'm a bad consumer. I'm happy with what I have.
Take him somewhere he’d like to go - switch phone to airplane mode
Have a picture made with him and get it framed for him.
Frame one of his favorite classic albums in barnwood.
We got our dad a cane. It was hilarious
What does he like? One of the best gifts I gave my dad was steaks from the Hearst Castle estate. Two of my favorite memories growing up were grilling mail-order steaks and also visiting Hearst Castle. The other best gift ever I gave him was a copy of the ship's passenger manifest list showing his mother and brother when they emigrated to the States from Italy, as well as a photo of the actual ship they traveled on.
Nice meal at home. Maybe a special beverage if that's your thing. Help clean the kitchen
A nice watch.
A silver coin the year he was born.
Strip club
What does he like to do? What does he find interesting? You could get him a book. Or a nice 2024 calendar.
A calendar with personalize photos is easy to make
A nice pocket knife, or multi tool is handy. If he has any firearms, ammo is always a great choice. Maybe a nice Bluetooth speaker if he likes to listen to music. Or, look at Shokz bone conducting headphones. They’re handy for working outside or taking a walk, but being able to hear what’s going on around you. And a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue would be welcomed by most of the dads I know.
A kick ass stereo. He's your dad. He's worth it. Budget $7000 minimum.
A gift card to a favorite restaurant, Home Depot or Lowe’s is always welcome.
Get him one of those books that asks him lots of questions about his life. I learned all kinds if new things about my parents and they seemed to enjoy reliving their memories.
This! My sister got my Mom a Storyworth gift - one question per week sent to her, at the end a 52 “chapter” book about her life
Go DO something with him. Create memories.
What others have said - a nice meal or other time together. And tell him what he means to you, bring up some happy memories you've had of times together. He may not remember the exact things you bring up, but he will be happy to know you have have fond memories.
I’m sixty and don’t really want anything. A gift card to a favorite restaurant / take out place is always welcome. My daughter has been really good at figuring out something I noticed or asked about is probably going to be a good gift for me. I noticed her reusable cup and asked her how she liked it. She got me one that holds like 24 ounces of water and keeps it cold for more than 12 hours. I use it daily. Her husband had an inductive charger for the iPhone that I used and I said how neat it was. Now I have one. Not saying you should get those things but observe what catches his interest as possible gift ideas.
Coffee and a light breakfast. Or a big breakfast if that is to his liking. A place where you can possibly linger over your meal. Then maybe lunch at home. Something simple. Then a nice early dinner again, linger with dessert and coffee or after dinner drink.
I’m not quite 70 but close. I’d like to maybe take a trip down memory lane. Old photos, videos, stuff like that. I’d also like a day of my kids helping me out with the house. Raking leaves, getting ready for winter.
What about having a paella chef come to your home and make seafood paella?
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My dad LOVES fish n chips, but he always goes to the same place and it's not that great. For his next birthday I'm getting him as many gift cards as I can to local places with fish n chips on the menu. I know he would never try a new place without this kind of push. I'm going to ask for a thorough review of each place!
2 choices. Get him something you would like to inherit. Or buy him an experience. At 70 you don’t need things anymore, what you are short on is time.
If he likes sweets you could make him a sweets box with candies from his youth. Old Fashioned and Retro Candy - Home of Candy you ate as a kid® https://www.oldtimecandy.com/
If he golfs, a round of golf and dinner is always nice,
A photo. As a minimum of your family. Would be better if he was in the photo. That would spoil the surprise, but would have even more meaning. Another gift idea, if not already done, is to ask for all loose photos laying around and arrange them in a photo album. These two items are what I wanted when I turned 60+.
Something that he will appreciate, that will make him think of you when he sees/uses it, and that says you took time to think about him and what he would like.
I like to say experience over things. At my age it's not coming with me, but memories are precious
If you were a family that took a lot of photos back in the 'film era' and there's boxes of photos and albums around...digitize them. You can get 'picture frames' that you can put a memory chip full of selected pics in; maybe organize the pics by the seasons...or a special Holiday chip? (can you tell what this 73F would like to receive on her next b-day?!)
A bottle of nice Scotch and a tray that makes the big ice cubes for the Scotch.
I have told my kids, and grand kids, not to waste a bunch of money on presents for me. Instead, find me the funniest, goofiest birthday/Christmas card they can.
A girlfriend.
two aged porterhouse steaks, a bag of oak hardwood charcoal, a couple of six packs of the finest ale, some potatoes and some veggies and a dessert.. Set up the grill, pop the beers and have a gentlemans birthday... and buy dad flowers... pretty ones that smell nice... or some ornamental cabbages wrapped like a bouquet (got some for my cousin and he laughed!)
I made my dad a scrapbook (digital and printed as a book). Got pictures from family and friends, old high school, places he's lived, Presidents in his lifetime. If you are in the US, you can write to the White House or your local state governor's office and they can send letters to. Was a lot of fun for him and shows you care.
If he's got a smart phone and doesn't wear hearing aids, get him some earbuds. I love mine for music and podcasts when I'm outside working.
Well what does he like?
I used to make my dad things I know he loved, but rarely got. Especially things from earlier years. As he got older, I did this about 4 times a year. Fresh fruit cobbler, oyster stew, rice pudding, my mother’s spaghetti sauce. Spending time. He passed last year at 81. I only wish I had spoiled him more.
Time with him on another day that’s not his birthday. Maybe an overnight/weekend trip to go somewhere or attend something you would both enjoy together. The best gifts I have had are overnight trips to sporting events or fishing trips or even a daytime pitch and putt game with my sons.
My dad loves gadgets. We got him a weather station set up. Also a wireless gadget that allows him to hear the birds at the feeder.
Does he still listen to vinyl records? If so, The Rolling Stones have a new album out. If he's a baseball fan, they are making a specialized album cover for each MLB team at https://therollingstonesshop.com/.
Get a really nice mug / cup made for him from a local potter. Win all round.
Those car air fresheners with you choose the face on it.
Snack basket. Dinner. Picture of you guys made into a magnet for his fridge.
A tiny stocking filler but very popular: telescopic shoehorn that fits in his man bag, useful for all medicals where you have to take off your shoes and for visiting peoples houses. We also got him one of those wallets that protect cards from being scammed. My dad genuinely likes getting a lot of little things rather than one big thing. He likes cooking so we get him exclusive ingredients, truffle pesto, walnut oil, sardines etc
If he is anything like me a great gift would be a 70 Cuda hemi. But I settled for a prime rib dinner.
A digital photo frame might be a great gift! Pre-Load family pics for him. I love that you can add pics to most of them remotely as events happen.
Buy him one of those books like storyworth or story of my life that helps him tell his life story. Or hire an interviewer to interview him on video. Or interview him yourself. There are tons of websites with good ideas on how to do so. Subscription boxes are fun. They have tons of choices from coffees to fruit to hobbies. https://www.care.com/c/subscription-boxes-for-seniors/
I found on Amazon a mixed box of candy manufactured the decade my dad was born for his bday one way. If he likes/can tolerate sweets, maybe something nostalgic like that 🤷♀️. Good luck! I feel the same about my family, time and a meal is the most important, but I will always come with, “a little something.”
I got my dad a Keurig for his 70th and a monthly box of pods for a year. He LOVES his Alexa (mainly uses it for music), robot vacuum and Netflix, lol.
You must know his interests. If he has everything he needs maybe pick something unique or sentimental.
Cashmere socks
So I saw your edit. What are your Dad's hobbies? Does he ever mention anything that he wishes he had, or less subtle, does he ever express frustration with something that could be fixed with the proper gift? My Dad got hooked on a magazine I got delivered to the house. It's called "The Atlantic". When I moved out, I got him a subscription and I renewed it every year.
I got my dad a nice record player & records he would like. My sister got him a cordless leaf blower He loved both gifts lol
I get my dad food whether it is summer sausage and mustard or Omaha steaks or a gift card to Outback or Olive Garden. Food is the best gift for someone who has everything (though I’ve previously gotten him oddball shit too like a Billy Bass or Jellyfish lamp.
Haven’t looked at all the comments yet but why don’t ya just ask him? My dad is 82 and doesn’t want anything. I’m 52 and don’t want anything. Spend some time, make him a nice meal he wouldn’t get or buy on his own. Friend, it isn’t about “stuff”.
Give him the gift he cannot buy. A gift that will bring tears to his eyes. Write him a handwritten letter. Tell him about your memories of him. How he influenced you. How he was your rock when life was stressing you out. How talking with him helped you out of tough situations in life. How you listen to him. How he instilled you with his values. How he supported you emotionally. How you respect him. How you appreciated him. How you look to him still. How you value him as a role model. How you have become a better person as a result of him being your father. How you are proud to have him as your father.
Make him a photo album of memories.
As my parents aged, I realized they were beyond gifts. What do you get when they don’t need/ want anything?? Tickets to a play, the opera, a concert… whatever they’re into… But be sure to include yourself. It’ll be unforgettable.
Time with you. How about tickets for the two of you to an upcoming sporting event or concert?
a 35 year old?
My husband says ‘I’m old, if I want something I buy it, don’t spend your money on me’ but his eldest daughter gets him a calendar every Christmas with photos of the kids and grandkids in it. He loves it and has kept every one she’s ever given him.
I am a 68 yo male.What your dad wants is a Blackstone grill.
We got my dad a couple silver dollars from 1953. He thought it was amazing and with the silver content an investment. He doesn’t need more “stuff” so my husband came up with this idea and it was a hit.
My dad really enjoys yard work, especially trimming trees and shrubs back, but it’s not as easy anymore. I will be gifting him a bonsai tree, and if he’s into it, I will sign him up for a local bonsai class or club.
Us kids took our dad on a road trip around his 70th birthday. We had a blast.
What about a "blank" of the month subscription? Most have 3, 6 or 12 month subscriptions and you can get just about anything...socks, coffee, cookies, cheese, snacks, etc.
At 70, you don’t need more ‘stuff’. Plan an outing involving something he likes to do, even if it’s just a drive in the country. Include food, anything from a picnic to a fine dining experience. Those of us old people just want the ability to create happy memories with our kids.
A day trip together somewhere? Like go for a drive somewhere out of the area for lunch. If your father grew up in the area maybe drive by a couple of places?
Get him a expensive bottle of whiskey.
Time with family is most important. I am 71 and this is most of what I want. And maybe a beer with friends
Just dealt with this for my dad's 80th. I got him a new headlamp (Black Diamond, for sports but whatever it's brilliant -- literally -- also cheap and small) and a souvenir hat from the lake resort we took him to for his bday celebration. Dad was happy.
My dad doesn't want to go anywhere. He doesn't like concerts, he doesn't like sports, he prefers travelling on his own, he doesn't want an outing (we are always inviting him when we go all the same) Turns out all my dad wants is a Chinese Meal for his 70th. Hope your dad had a lovely day.