Dad doesn’t want a tie for father’s day. He might not let you know that he doesn’t love it. He might even like the tie itself, it’s just that it’s not what he wants for Father’s Day.

There’s a pretty simple rule for most dads: he doesn’t want something he can buy himself or would think of buying… a lot like anyone really, when a special occasion comes around.

But if you’re still not sure what not to get dad, here’s a few simple Father’s Day gifts to avoid.

1. A Tie
   It’s not that he won’t think you care, and we don’t want to judge you, but it doesn’t show a lot of thought has been put into the present, does it? Sure, it might be a fancy tie. It might become his “lucky” tie, but you’ll have to trust us on this one: dad doesn’t want a tie for Father’s Day. You can throw socks and other similar clothing items in with ties.

2. Cologne
   Contrary to our previous advice, this falls into the category of something he might not actually buy himself. So are you going to take a risk on a scent he might not like? Or are you going to buy him the same old cologne he already has? You guessed it… It’s not what dad really wants. He’ll probably use it. It might even be a practical gift but… well, you know what we’re going to say.

3. World’s Best Dad anything
   Anything with “World’s Best Dad” printed on it. Maybe he is the world’s best dad but that mug is going to end up sitting at the back of the collection of mugs on the work kitchen shelf, never to be used. That sweater is never going to be worn… or at least not willingly. Add to that any novelty item with similar sentiment or humor.

4. Gadgets
   Maybe Dad’s big on gadgets or tech devices, maybe he’s not. But take a look at those other gadgets — maybe bought for Father’s Days past, are they still being used? Chances are they’re not. Is it something he really needs? Probably not.

5. Tools
   It seems like an obvious choice as a good Father’s Day gift. The question you have to ask is, if dad likes to fix things and spend lots of time playing with his tools, doesn’t he already have all the tools he needs? If he doesn’t have tools and you’re going all-out with a whole tool-kit, it might be worth wondering why he doesn’t already have tools and how much use they’ll really get. The only circumstance where tools are a good idea is when you know he really wants it but just hasn’t got around to getting what he needs himself.

6. A surprise
   We hate to generalize but dads don’t want to be surprised. They want to know what’s happening. Fatherhood is full of surprises some great, others he’s probably been less-prepared for. Leave the surprises to fate.

So, what does dad want for Father’s day? He probably just wants to spend time with his family and relax. And he’ll probably want a beer… or two!

That’s why, rather than buying him a bad gift he’ll never use again, the best Father’s Day gift idea is a Hornblower Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise. He’ll be able to spend time with the family, relax, listen to the live on board jazz trio and, most importantly have unlimited beers. It’s also something the rest of the family will love. So what are you waiting for? It’s the only surprise he might like!

Hornblower’s Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise
Sunday, June 19, 2016.
Boarding: 12:00pm | Cruising: 12:30pm – 2:30pm