What should I get my dad if he says he wants nothing?

When a dad says he wants "nothing," he usually means he doesn't want clutter, he already buys the things he needs, or he doesn't want you spending a lot of money. The secret to gifting in this situation is to focus on things that don't take up permanent space, upgrade a mundane item he uses every day, or offer your time.

Here are the four best strategies to crack the "I want nothing" code:

1. Premium Consumables
Get him a high-end version of something he eats or drinks. Once he enjoys it, the "stuff" is gone, leaving zero clutter. Think craft coffee beans, a hot sauce sampler, high-quality steaks, or a subscription box for his favorite snack.

2. Shared Experiences
Dads who want nothing usually just want to spend time with you. Buy two tickets to a ballgame, a concert, a movie, or book a reservation at his favorite restaurant and insist on paying.

3. The Daily Upgrade
Look at what he uses every single day and buy the absolute best version of it. Practical guys rarely buy luxury basics for themselves. A Yeti thermos to replace his chipped mug, Darn Tough merino wool socks to replace his cotton ones, or a premium shaving soap.

4. Time and Service
If he truly hates gifts, give him your labor. Wash and detail his car, clean out his gutters, or take his old boxes of family VHS tapes and photos and get them digitized. It's incredibly meaningful and takes nothing off his shelf.