gift ideas for Dad
 

I need help.
My Dad's birthday is in May. He will be 58. He travels a lot, he is a physician and he hates anything ostentatious ( we can't get him to join an airline club , he doesn't care about first class etc). He loves to read, he is an expert crossword player.So my dilemna is this, I would like to get him something to make his travel easier. He flies out of DTW mostly and he often flies Southwest. I think he would like a little peace and quiet .I also know that he would think I had lost my mind if I bought him something like Bose headphones. I am willing to spend $200 or so.

Help!

A Barnes and Noble gift card? As a traveler and a reader - especially if a browser - he can spend many an hour spending the balance at a good bricks and mortar store or order online.

Thanks for the suggestion.
Unforunately, in my cold WASP family we don't give anything that even vaguely resembles cash so a gift certificate is out. A book isn't a bad idea but I wouldn't know what he has read so I am still stumped!
thanks for the efforst :)

OK, first thing I think of is Prozac. Failing that, and if you can't find an appropriate frequent flyer gift, I would suggest:

1. He probably reads a lot. Get a Discovery magazine and check out their recommendations for books this month. You might find some areas that he's interested in and that he probably won't find int he local book store.
2. Don't know how traditional he is about garb, but check out medical clothing...maybe a nice lab smock in an appealing color with LOTS of pockets?
3. Jewelery--bling-bling is definitely a no-no, but how about some sort of meaningful pin that he could put on his accouterments?
4. Seriously--a half-hour massage or a one-hour massage. Make SURE this is nonrefundable, as we guys often have a "thing" about this, which is ridiculous. My daughter and I reguolarly give these as gifts to mom, it is WONDERFUL and will make his week. FORGET about maincures/pedicures, this is just asking too much.
5. "Tattoos" -- You might consider something a little "edgy." Non-perm henna design on an arm or leg or something.
6. A print-out of his/your family tree. Lot of work, probably not doable due to time constraints.
7. I don't know why this is, and it's probably just my own limited experience with physicians, but they seem to be particularly fond of Jazz and/or Blues. Is there a funky club that plays the kind of music he likes? Consider a night there.
8. No-fail suggestion, however common. A gift dinner at his favorite restaurant. <<Edited to add--not a gift cert. Set it up with the restaurant beforehand, arrange for special and personal service; take care of gratuities and seating in advance>>

Second try!

Does he have a really nice carry-on with just enough room for his books and organized to carry the other things HE thinks are important on an airplane?

Photos of you and siblings and grandkids framed for home or made portable to viewing on the road.

Oh! Teacher49 reminded me of something.

How about one of those picture frames that also have a recorded personal message from you?

Gave one of those to my mother and she has loved it throughout all these years.

thanks!
 

Wow, what great ideas. I especially like the tattoo. I have one and he actually likes it. I am not sure how I would get him to go get it but I love the idea. I will probably end up getting a Discovery magazine and picking out a book.
thanks so much!!

PS- the family tree idea was great too- ours is a bit gnarly though :)

Has he ever entered the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Stamford?
http://www.crosswordtournament.com/a...s/sa033196.htm

You could enter him in the 2005 tourne. I know a FTer who goes every year and loves it.

How about the Sony noice cancelling headsets?

I have those... and they are excellent... but much less than the Bose ones... and I believe almost as good.

I have both the over the ear and the earbud ones... and prefer the over the ear version.

IF he truly travels alot, a nice carry on bag would be nice.

How about a subscription to InsideFlyer magazine? :cool:

William