Fathers' Day for Asian Dads

Asian dads may well be the most difficult group of people to shop for. They wish to see you happy, but at the same time, wish to control your life. They wish to see you rich and successful, but won’t let you spend your wealth on even the most meager of Fathers’ Day gifts.

But once in a while, you just have to buck this old ‘family tradition’ and say, “Too bad, Dad, you’re getting a gift!”

Dads with hobbies are the easiest receivers out of the bunch, as they have already expressed an interest in a passtime, and thus all the accessories that come with it.

Sporting dads may appreciate quality clothing (eg. golf caps, rugy shirts, new shoes) so they can play in style. Quality accessories or memorabilia (eg. autographed ball, golf balls) may never go out of fashion, especially if your dad is a collector or has a habit of misplacing things.

Venue memberships are great – especially if you score a discount or free stuff when you purchase it. The smile on his face when he gets free admittance will far overshadow any complaints of your expense on Fathers’ day.

Collector and connoiseur dads are slightly trickier to buy for, as it does take some expertise to pick out a truly outstanding gift. A basic rule of thumb:

Rare or unusual items will instantly take his fancy. You may even find them cheap at garage sales or in the Quokka, eBay, and pawn shops; sellers may not know or care that their items are rare or unique.

Limited edition collectors’ items may fetch a smile, particularly if the manufacturer is reputable and well-established. Be careful, though, that your ‘limited edition’ purchase really is of value, and isn’t simply a commercial stint.

Even if you have no idea about your dad’s eccentric hobby, keep your ears open. If your dad is fond of sharing his daydreams, you’re bound to hear exactly what he wants.

The needs of a gardening dad are typically simple, as you don’t really need fancy toold ot maintain a beautiful backyard garden. Unfortunately, this can mean that this dad is even harder to shop for.

If his tools are getting old, shiny new tools will always come in handy. Landscaping books with glossy pictures will inspire any avid landscape gardener; the ideal complement to this gift would be a gift voucher to a gardening store which sells just the thing to help your dad achieve his dream garden.

You’ll find many things for the techno dad at ThinkGeek.com. Even Asian dads can appreciate some hi-techn toys, so novelty accessories, like the Ambient Orb or the USB Memory Watch can make excellent gift items.

Even if your dad doesn’t have a hobby, a good general gift caters to the comfort and enjoyment of the five senses. A wooden back-scratcher is a traditional favourite; tie a handmade card to add to the presentation factor. A bottle of his favourite wine or a small bottle of his favourite cologne makes for a classy gift.

If you’re really up for a splurge, pick up the latest and greatest in digital entertainment – feature-rich, if your dad loves to show off in front of company.

Finally, if there’s one thing Asian dads love most, it’s a good feed. A family dinner at his favourite restaurant is the perfect gift for a loving Fathers’ Day. Or if you’re savvy in the kitchen, cook it yourself, complete with decorations and dessert.