Father's Day Gifts He'll Never Forget

The toughest gift for many people to buy is the one for Father's Day. It's difficult to come up with a memorable, usable item that dad doesn't already own. For many kids, dad is an enigma.

For years, my mom bought my grandfather a box of underwear for one holiday. It was enough to last him a year. When she had "made" it, she decided to splurge and get him a leather coat. "Where's my underwear?" he asked. He told her he counted on that underwear.

This is why dads and grandfathers have ended up with so many ties over the years. Fortunately, marketers have listened and now offer items fathers will actually want. Use what they've learned to make your gift stand out for dad this Father's Day.

Appeal to the Boy in Him

From UncommonGifts.com (among other places), you can pick up a ballpark pen that takes recycling to a new level. These pens are made from salvaged seats removed during a stadium's remodeling or demolition. The pen comes with an engraving showing the name of the stadium and its years in use. Prices depend on the stadium you choose but run $140 to $260. Dad can choose from the likes of Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, etc. These are often on back order, so if you want one, order early. Your dad will most likely be the only kid on the block with one.

If your dad's nostalgic place sits more with music than with baseball, you can buy a roll-up drum kit from www.hammacher.com for $59.95 that will have dad envisioning himself on tour with his favorite band. This kit plugs into a USB port on his computer and comes with software that will allow him to choose from different drum sounds and patterns. Even better, it can be rolled up and stored in a desk drawer.

For the Grillmeister

Most dads are completely in their element while grilling steaks and flipping burgers. Give him a gift basket that shows off his skills. Start with the obvious: the sauces, rubs, etc. GourmetGiftBaskets.com offers several options that run $80 to $200, depending on how much you want to add to the mix. Regardless of the size of the basket, you'll get lots of options for dad to showcase his grilling prowess.

Fulfill His Dreams

While dad has been busy providing for the family, he often has let go of many things on his "I wish I could" list. Instead of giving him something to hold in his hand, give him a Father's Day gift that will stay in his memory forever. From Cloud9living.com, you'll find all sorts of packages dad would love. Most can be adapted to the city in which you live.

For example, make him a NASCAR king. Cloud9living.com will start from the beginning, giving dad a passenger seat in a stock car. He'll work his way up to being able to get on a real NASCAR Speedway. You can buy it anytime, but the actual lessons take place March through October in Richmond, Va., starting at $119. You can also purchase a DVD to commemorate the experience.

For the Golfer

If dad loves golf but never walks away with the score he wants, help him along with a 1-hour private lesson from a golf pro for $149. The golf pro's job is to help dad meet whatever goal he sets. The only thing dad has to provide is his own golf clubs and a willingness to learn.