do dads get cheated on father's day?

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Jun 11 7:57 PM posted by author Jackie Morgan MacDougall

Imagine, if you will, that you wake up one sunny Mother's Day to a hot cup of coffee and your beautiful family waiting to shower you with gifts. As you delicately unwrap your first goodie, you notice something that looks vaguely familiar. Well it should since it's a lot like something you use in the shower almost every day -- a razor. "It's got a nose trimmer attached," your hubby says with a hint of excitement in his voice.

Hmmm okay, thanks honey. It's always nice to get one thing that's... um... practical.

As you open the next gift, you see the word "nonstick" peer through the paper, unwrapping a (drum roll) brand new pan! Feeling a little disappointed, you wish you could cover your face in Teflon to hide your true feelings -- I bet he expects me to use this pan to cook dinner tonight, right? As you continue to unwrap gift after gift (wow, they were generous this year), you find a variety of sensible offerings; socks, underwear, maybe some pantyhose for work -- it's a smorgasbord of functional, sensible presents!

Sounds less than perfect, right? So why do we think guys want to be showered in practicality every Father's Day? Sale papers, commercials, Father's Day "gift guides": They all seem to think what men really want is a new tie, cheap cologne or some sort of tool for manscaping.

We polled a few dads and asked what they really want for Father's Day. You'd be surprised at how easy they are to please.

Tickets Whether it's to a sporting event, outdoor concert or the movies on a hot summer day (sans kids), guys love experiences with the family and without. A quick search online, you're bound to find something he'll like.

Electronics/Gadgets You may think he's got enough, but in his mind, there's always room for more. But do yourself a favor, don't try to surprise him with technology that's "just like" something you know he loves. Go big or go home. This holds true for bigger items like a new grill, too. The last thing your man wants to do is invite his buddies over for a BBQ on the knockoff version of this season's must-have grill.

A Day Off If you're a mom home with the kids 24/7, this gift idea could ignite a little frustration. But to most guys, a "day off" doesn't necessarily mean away from you and the kids. It means free from being roped into spending the weekend carrying out plans he had no part of making (see: running kids to activities, birthday parties and jam-packed schedules). One mom admits she gave in last year and sat around all day watching movies with her husband and kids. "It was magical. I had no idea relaxing could feel so good!" Crack a beer with him and sit in the backyard, he might just propose to you all over again.

Get-out-of-Chores-Free Card Is Sunday night trash night? Take it out for him. Does the lawn need mowing? Get someone else to do it or let it go for a week. A little break from manual labor won't kill you, and will make him feel good -- which is the point, right? Note: This gift is only successful if you refrain from talking about all the chores he's not doing.

Gift Cards While you may be rolling your eyes saying how impersonal a gift card can be, think about what you got him last year before you judge. A gift card is like (guilt) free money to him. Who doesn't want free money?

YOU Believe it or not, more dads answered 'alone time with significant other' over any other answer. So pull out something other than those ripped sweatpants, put that brand new razor to work and keep the topic of kids off limits -- he's bound to appreciate the effort. (Speaking of alone time, check out the video on the left to hear what the guys say gets them going every time.)

Child's Play Dad's got a soft spot for those handmade gifts from the kids. Our Friends of Ricki over at Galtime.com have some adorable Dad-friendly gift ideas the kids will have fun creating.

What do you think is the perfect Father's Day gift?