Christmas Gift Ideas For Dad

The holiday necktie just doesn't do the trick anymore. In generations past, even a man working in a hardware store would wear a tie. But time marches on. Time to enter the 21st century. Fortunately, many good things came with the advances of the past few years. The world has become a global shopping mall, making it easy to find items from all over the world.

There's always the most obvious modern option: a new computer. Apple has a new line of Mac notebooks that can't be beat. With dual-core CPUs, fast video and larger than ever memory capacity, these lightweight and super fast laptops can be near the top of anyone's list.

Of course computers are used today in many places other than just the home office. They've gone global. Whether traveling on the trail or in the car, a GPS unit with mapping ability can make sure dad never gets lost. Available in a range of prices, sizes and feature sets, they can chart a course through the forest or across town. They may be the only cure known for a refusal to ask directions.

More and more dads are getting into gaming. Official sources estimate that over 50% of male computer users between the ages of 25 and 40 play one or more computer games at least weekly. Computer games can be played standalone, but an increasingly popular option is an Internet game. Many of them require paid subscriptions to join a group that provides the kind of competition dad thrives on.

Golf clubs are still a favorite among many. The new models may look much like those from the days of Arnold Palmer, but they're as advanced as any contemporary computer. Calloway, Taylor Made and other major manufacturers have gone high tech. Made from materials that in Jack Nicklaus' day would have been kept top secret, these clubs incorporate the latest composites. That gives them the kind of solid elasticity that makes a 300 yard shot almost as easy as a 30-foot putt.

Thinking about that watch for the man who has everything? Even though time pieces are everywhere, thanks to PCs and cell phones, most men still wear a wristwatch. Today, the choice of styles is wider than ever. You can reach back to the past and get a fine antique pocket watch of the type that used to be the only possible choice. Or, you can go ultra-high tech and select an atomic wristwatch that synchronizes the time to within one millionth of a second per century.

Wine or beer is always a good option. Most men enjoy one or the other, or even both. Go beyond that special single bottle, though, and get a subscription to a Wine of the Month or Beer of the Month site. They provide a huge and ever changing selection from all over the world at prices you can't find at the store.

Of course, there's still the old standby: good socks. Ties may have gone out of fashion, but most dads still wear something on their feet besides shoes. Pick a design that will tell him you know what he likes. If you can just figure out what that is...