People spend untold time selecting just the right gift for moms on her special day, but rarely give a second thought to dad on his. What’s up with that? As a father, I’m here to say, and I think I speak for most, - please, no more unused ties, shirts or slippers. Why not show dad that you understand, love and appreciate him with a gift that is geared to his interests. For example, if dad likes to barbecue, why not select a gift relating to his outdoor cooking passion. There all kinds of great gifts ranging in price from $5.00 to over $500, many especially nice ones around $50.00. If one is on a low budget, seasonings, injectors and marinades can be found for those on an economical budget and grills, smokers and barbeque tools are available in all price ranges.

One of the hottest new gifts this season for dad, priced just under $50.00 is the Oregon Scientific Wireless Thermometer. What a neat gadget and unique gift for dad. What is it you ask? It is a digital LCD screen thermometer that looks kind of like a cell phone with a remote wireless probe to identify temperature/readiness of meat. Never again will dad overcook those steaks! Why? Because he knows when the food is fully ready to eat - even from up to 100 feet away! No need to have to wait by the grill to find out when dinner is ready. This wireless thermometer alerts dad when the meat has reached the perfect temperature - even if he’s in another room entertaining guests. And guess what mom; dad will probably let you use it in the kitchen when summer is over.

Or, is dad a beer drinker or enjoy outdoor parties. Every thing from beer dispensers, beautiful mugs to home beer making kits can be purchased for between $20 and several hundred dollars. For about $25-30 dollars a shot glass checker set makes for a really nice Father’s Day gift. Also in the alcohol vein, bar products and gadgets might also make a nice gift for dad.

For the dad that is into physical fitness a wide range of gifts, many quite different from the old standby ties and shoes are exercise equipment, jogging suits, and juicers/processors for creating fabulous healthy and nutritious drinks. One such gift my kids got me several years ago that I really love is the Magic Bullet. Just drop in a few strawberries, a banana, orange juice and ice cubes and one can create a fantastic drink in about a minute. Using the juice extractor, one can created great tasting drinks that include vegetable juices as well.

I’m not a golfer, but a lot of dads are. This is just one of the many athletic areas that dads spend time pursuing. Or, perhaps bowling, darts or pool is dad’s passion. Many great unique golf gifts can be found by checking out the department stores and golf sites on the internet. Ab loungers, Gozelle Freestyle and Bigguns Bicep and Triceps machines are real big this season. Just do an internet search for gifts that fit the bill.

Some dads, like myself are avid gardeners and would love receiving a unique or needed new tool from a nursery or garden supplier. A wide variety of products exist for the home gardener, many of which could make this Father’s Day really special. In planting peonies or rose I might opt to purchase the more standard less expensive varieties. But by spending $25 – 30, one could buy a very rare or unusual variety of these plants making for a truly special gift. For a bit more money the tiered strawberry beds with an integrated watering system is great. If one wants to buy a gift that dad will love and the entire family can enjoy as well, consider bigger ticket items such as green houses, gazebos and patio items.

The one area that I would recommend avoiding is workman tools unless you really know what dad wants and what you are doing. Work tools can be a bit tricky because of the extreme difference in brands, qualities, etc. as well as just knowing what particular tool(s) would be appreciated. Some electronic gifts also fall into this category. Buying cameras, computer, and printers can be difficult personal quality issue. But accessories or gift certificate for these items might be a better solution.

Whether one has a dollar or thousands to spend, make this Father’s Day really special by telling dad – I know you! Personally I would prefer to receive a really nice personalized Father’s Day card than a $75.00 all silk tie that sits in the closet year after year.