What Type of Dad Do You Have?

It's important to love and appreciate your dad every day. Father's Day, though, is a time to show him you care in a more tangible way. After all, he deserves to know how you feel, no matter how hard it might be for you to express how much you value him.

Over the past few decades, the role of being a father has evolved, and dads are now more involved in raising their children than ever before. These days, many fathers are choosing to be stay-at-home dads so they can take care of their children.

“It's more important now than ever to acknowledge this day for dads and encourage other fathers to take the helm and lead their family in non-traditional ways that will hopefully soon be considered more traditional," says Chris Pegula, author of Diaper Dude, creator of the Diaper Dude bag company, and self-described “dadtrepreneur." “Honoring this day — at least for me — is something I appreciate and is something that's so memorable because my kids gave me the gift of my future and my purpose."

Of course, honoring Dad on this day is about more than showering him with attention and the perfect gift. It can also show children how to appreciate and honor their loved ones.

“Celebrating Father's Day is a great way for us to model back to our kids how much we value the relationship we have," Pegula says. “It can be a great way to show an example of the future to your own kids, about how they should treat each other, their loved ones, their significant others, and beyond."

Fathers or father figures, however, are not always easy to shop for, and it can be a challenge finding a thoughtful gift for them. We've put together a succinct Father's Day gift guide to ensure your dad receives a gift that he will love, appreciate, and use.

For the organized dad

Nothing makes your dad quite as happy as a manicured lawn, an organized garage, and having everything in its own place. He may be a fun-loving free spirit, but when it comes to spaces around the home (or even the car on vacation), he will spend hours making sure everything is as precise as can be.

This Father's Day, facilitate his need for organization by gifting him thoughtful storage solutions that will make his life easier and bring him joy. Whether it's something to keep his garage in order or a handy tool for his next project, you can't go wrong with practical gifts that he can use as he sees fit.

If you want to go above and beyond, offer to put those new storage solutions to use by helping him with his latest project. After all, time spent together is the greatest gift of all.

For the sporty dad

Your father lives for sporting events, pickup games, and simply being active. So, opt for an experience — such as taking him to see his favorite team play in person or signing him up for a rock climbing class — or a physical gift, such as an autographed baseball bat, that is sure to get his juices flowing. 

Consider team-themed clothing (T-shirts and hats are always great), sports gear (new equipment, accessories, etc.), customized items (a golf towel or hockey puck with his name on it), or even food to make his next tailgate party a huge success.

For the outdoorsy dad

Whether he's planning a fly fishing trip out west or barbecuing in the backyard, you can always count on him to have a little dirt under his fingernails from his latest outdoor adventure.

The best gift you can give your outdoorsy dad is spending time with him doing what he loves. Take him away on a camping trip, help him enhance the landscaping, or simply go for a walk at a nearby park.

If you want to get him something tangible, look into some new survival gear, exploration-themed items, and rugged clothing designed to facilitate his next venture into the wild.

For the outgoing dad

Does the room light up when your dad enters? Does everyone at the local watering hole know him by name? (If so, is his name Norm?) Is he always on the go, enjoying various activities with his friends?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, your dad is probably the outgoing type, and is a candidate for gifts that fit his extroverted personality.

Consider giving him something to act as a centerpiece for the next party he hosts. You can also go above and beyond by planning the event at which it can be displayed. Simply contact his friends and have them over for a celebration of your father. He'll appreciate the thoughtfulness and thrive in the social atmosphere.