My dad is a sucker for a new bit of gear (and to be honest, aren’t we all?). He gets a new pressure washer, and his van is looking better than ever… the patio is spotless… and the roof tiles are immaculate. Get him a new lawn mower, and he’s fencing off the garden and protecting it with his life. Get him a torch, and he’s obsessed with night walks. And last year, for his birthday, he got some new binoculars… you best believe he’s now an avid bird watcher.
For a short period of time, a new gift changes his whole outlook on life. And well, it’s almost that time where we all do that for our dads simultaneously: Father’s Day.
If your dad’s someone who can’t help but fix things before breakfast or pull something apart just to see how it works, or even save an old tool that his dad passed on to him, then I’ve got some suggestions for you.
What makes a great Father’s Day gift?
There are lots of possible gifts that you can get for your dad. My dad loves socks (and I hate to say that I’m also at the age where a new pair of socks brings immeasurable joy to life). But you don’t need me to tell you to buy some socks…
A lot of dads aren’t looking for anything (too) flashy or novel. Don’t get me wrong, some are. But to me, the best gifts usually have a few things in common.
First, they’re practical. Something papa will use, enjoy using and choose over other equivalents. They’re also well built. My dad forever repeats “They don’t make ‘em like they used to”, and well, I quite like getting him stuff that shows that some folks still do.
And, finally, I think a great gift should match how the recipient thinks. I’m a bit of a sucker for something clever too – and I get that from him. So something that will get his mind ticking over.
The dad who enjoys fixing, will likely appreciate something useful. The dad who’s curious will likely enjoy something mechanical. And the organised dad likely wants something to improve his system. You get my gist.
With that in mind, let’s have a look at some typical types of dads.
The types of dads
Granted, dads are susceptible to change with a cool gift. But let’s base it on yours right now and his underlying character. I’ve separated them out, and then we’ll look at gift ideas for each after:
- The “I’ll fix it” dad
The dad who swears he can and refuses to throw anything away. He secretly loves the challenge and a plausible reason to disappear into the shed for an afternoon.
- The “mysterious drawer of screws” dad
The dad who keeps every bolt, nail, screw, spring, because you never know when he / you / your siblings / your neighbour might need it. It’s unsurprisingly surprising how often someone does.
- The “let’s see how this works” dad
The dad who loves to take stuff apart when he really shouldn’t.
- The “I’ve got a box for that” dad
The dad who has boxes for his boxes, shelves with shelves and endless storage yet can still never find what he’s looking for.
- The “über-organised” dad
The other side of the spectrum… and the dad whose shed is like a shop display and organises his space with military-grade precision.
Gift ideas for the “I’ll fix it” dad
The dad who refuses to throw anything away because “it just needs fixing.”
- Precision screwdriver set
Always handy and something to last a lifetime. Perfect for repairing small things like his glasses and electronics. Something from Klein Tools or Wiha.
- Magnetic parts tray
“Where’s the bolt gone?” becomes “Right here, Dad”... AND with a big smile on your face.
- MetMo Driver
Huge amounts of torque that can help you fix just about anything. Let dad show those stubborn bolts who’s really the boss. View the MetMo Driver here.
Gift ideas for the “mysterious drawer of screws” dad
The dad with a drawer full of bolts, springs, and metal bits that “might come in handy one day.”
- Small parts organiser
Help remove the mystery from said drawer and give it some muccchhh needed TLC.
- Magnetic pickup tool
How are you going to pick all those metal bits up? With a magnetic metal-picky-everything-upper. Just watch him intentionally drop stuff to then pick it up.
- MetMo Pocket Driver
Now put those screws to good use with a handy tool that comfortably fits in your pocket. *Pulls back the curtain* MetMo Pocket Driver.
Gift ideas for the “let’s see how this works” dad
The dad who’s possibly too curious…
- EDC torch
A surprisingly useful tool for inspecting nooks, crannies, bird boxes and things he probably shouldn’t. A Reddit fave: Wurkkos
- Pry bar
Sometimes curiosity requires a little persuasion. A small pry bar helps safely open things without completely destroying them in the process.
- A model
If he doesn’t make models already, maybe now’s the time. If he does, another one will be sure to make him happy. Tamiya do some small WW2 aircrafts that are great for beginners.
- MetMo Cube
Part mechanical puzzle, part engineering wonder. Our Cube lets you explore the mysteries of disappearing seams and wire EDM in the palm of your hand.
Gift ideas for the “I’ve got a box for that” dad
The dad who saves boxes, containers, and packaging, thinking he’s organised, but still can’t find anything.
- Swiss Army Knife
To dismantle the boxes and tackle the endless stream of cardboard that somehow keeps entering the house. Something like the Rambler or Huntsman.
- Heavy-duty tape dispenser
Because if the time comes when those boxes are actually needed, some good tape helps.
- MetMo Edge
Or if the boxes never stop, at least flatten them to a point where they can be reused and stored in a fashionable fashion. Edge can make that happen.
Gift ideas for the “über-organised” dad
The dad with military-grade storage precision, and a shed like a shop display.
- Label maker
Help him keep his order, maybe even take it further, and clearly label the lot.
- MetMo Model Shed
If he’s proud of his organisation, which I’m sure he is, encourage him to recreate another on a micro level (arguably the best shed in the world: the MetMo original).
- Model brushes
For his models. Or even to decorate his organisation (just get bigger brushes, obvs).
- MetMo Helico
Or, if he’s the kind of guy who just likes to revel in his pride, give him something to keep his fingers busy whilst he decides what to do next… like Helico.
Why well-engineered objects make memorable gifts
Hopefully, there’s a good mix of tools there for you to consider. Before you go, I do want to say a special bit on well-engineered gifts. I know, I know, I’m from MetMo. It’s in my (our) blood, so I can’t help it. But some tools and toys are satisfying simply because of how they're made.
And I want you to give that satisfaction to someone else.
Whether it's the weight in your hand. The parts moving smoothly. The defined ‘click’ to each movement. Or even just that the mechanism does exactly what it’s supposed to do every single time.
For many people, especially those dads who enjoy fixing, building and understanding how things work, that kind of thought is part of the appeal. It’s what turns an “ordinary” object into something special. And all of us here at MetMo do our very best to put our heart and soul into everything we make, so anybody who picks something of ours up – whether it’s theirs, their dads, their grandad’s or their grandad’s grandad – gets that same special feeling.
So if you’d like to look at a few MetMo gifts, I’ve picked a few extras here.
Father’s Day MetMo Gifts
MetMo Piston
Funny story: My grandad’s patience for “incompetence” is somewhat comical. And since he’s spent a lifetime making and fixing anything with wheels, he’s notoriously difficult to please with gifts that move. The Piston left him speechless for hours.
MetMo Grip
A wonderful history, starting with Edwin Evans’s patent in 1929 which your dad can tell all his friends. See the Grip here.
MetMo Gear Train
Our latest creation that’s been geared for satisfaction. If dad’s a fellow fidgeteer, let him try this.
Then we also have things like mugs, t-shirts and badges too. Lots more for you to have a look at, in our gift range (that starts from £9.99). See all our gifts here.
Dad approved
There we have it, a whole bunch of Father’s Day gifts to show your dad what a legend he is. Who knows what hobbies, interests and peculiar ways of living you’ll kick start for the next 12 months.
Got some funny Father’s Day stories? Come share them in our subreddit.
Until the next one!
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