You may know your dad's hobbies and interests, but that's only half the battle. Wading into gift-giving territory means you not only have to find out what he doesn't have, but what things are actually worthy of giving. With aprons, oven mitts, and the next 50 things that come to mind probably already in his kitchen, it may start to feel hopeless. However, not all is lost! Even if your dad doesn't want to admit it, there's always just a little something that would make his cooking so much better.
When looking for the best kind of gift to give, feel free to use any of these 7 ideas as your own! Even if none of these gifts click right away for your dad, these ideas are sure to get your mind working. The most important thing to think of, actually, are his complaints! The best gifts are the ones that solve a problem. It shows thoughtfulness, that you are aware of what struggles he has in the kitchen. It also brings immediate happiness to have the answer to his problem genuinely show up in a box with a ribbon tied on.
1. Fancy spices
Sure, dad probably already has spices in his cabinet, but who could say no to a gift they're guaranteed to use? No jar lasts forever, so if dad already has that spice, you're still good to go. In addition to that, not all spices are created equal.
By buying higher quality spices, every meal will seem better than it used to be. Perfect for the dad that wants to take his cooking up a level! If he's in a cooking slump, as well, some brand new flavors may be the exciting new twist his kitchen has been needing. In burlap and barrel's case, it also seems not all spices are created equitable! So, the feel-good mission attached to each spice jar means that any spice from this website can be a gift-giving winner.
2. Abrasive dishcloths
Cooking may be dad's passion, but what goes with cooking? The dreadful chore of washing dishes. What's even more annoying is when food is stuck on the plate and just won't come off! Maybe your dad is busy and doesn't have time for an overnight soak.
Maybe, after seeing him annoyedly washing the dishes, you just wish you could help (without doing the dishes yourself, of course). In comes skoy (or any brand of abrasive dishcloth)! These scrubbies can get stuck-on food off quickly. They also have many patterns and colors, so get dad's favorite color while you're at it. Did we mention they are machine washable? No more scrubby sponges to buy and throw away after a few days. This after-cooking solution is here to stay.
3. Cooking album
Even if he doesn't want to admit it, dad probably gets a bit sentimental. Cooking is attached to memories. There are secret family recipes that are guarded and passed to the next generation. Family favorites that can make you feel like you're at home, even if you are far away.
Not only that, but there are the fun cooking messes and successes that you'd gladly live through over again. What better way to give a thoughtful gift than a cooking album? Write down family favorite recipes for the dad that has so many recipes he worries he'll forget one! Add pictures and nice notes as a way to show dad how much you care.
4. Produce holders
Maybe you have a dad that buys just a bit too much fruit or too many vegetables. Many dads out there hate wasting money, so they also might push themselves to use produce that is past its prime. To stop the problem before it becomes a problem, get him this produce storage so it is obvious what must be used sooner rather than later.
By seeing his perishable ingredients front and center, he'll be more pushed to use them and there will be less mistakes...like forgetting that head of broccoli that was hiding behind the milk jug. Not only that, but it adds a bit of style to the kitchen and you can use your DIY skills to customize these for any desired personal touches! Talk about two-in-one.
5. Burger press
A burger press may be a simple tool in many kitchens, but that doesn't mean it can't make a great gift! Many dads out there love to grill, it's no secret, and pressing burger patties is a pretty large part of that job. If your dad has one of those cheap plastic ones where you have to fight, twist, and press-just hoping to get some patties that are similar enough-this may be the gift for him.
By getting one made of metal, there is less wiggling around and more consistent patties. There's also just something satisfying about getting an upgrade of something you already have. Even if he just had a lower quality one, dad might not spend the money to get himself a better one because, well, he has one (as bad as it is). Or, maybe this is something brand new for him! Either way, can you really go wrong with a classic gift like this?
6. 2-In-1 oil sprayer and pourer
This is for either the health-conscious dad or the one that just forgets to pick up cooking spray at the store. A 2-In-1 oil sprayer and pourer allows for easy pan greasing to avoid food sticking while also giving perfectly controlled pours. No giant oil spills or too greasy food for dad. The best part is that it uses the oil you already have on hand, so no buying specific sprayers anymore! On top of that, say goodbye to concerns about aerosols!
7. DIY It! Graphic design edition
While you could definitely DIY crochet the dish scrubbies above, the first 6 gift ideas are all store-bought. What if that's not the kind of gift you like to give, or not the kind of gift dad likes to receive? For a cheaper but no less sweet option, boot up canva and get to work!
There are many free menu templates out there, but you could also make your own. Design some beautiful, customized menus for the dad that loves to host dinner parties. It can sure add some extra passion to dad's cooking on those nights! You could even design a menu that you'd cook yourself, and give dad a rest as you cook a meal that makes him feel as if he is at a restaurant.
Although gift giving sure can be hard, hopefully these 7 ideas gave you your answer or got those creative juices flowing! Father's Day is just around the corner, and these gifts can help make it one to remember.