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Don't Even Think About Buying a Tie! Seven Cool Gifts For Father's Day

June 12, 2008

Jeremy Nisen--HispanicBusiness.com

Father's Day is Sunday. Having a tough time figuring out what to buy the man in your house? Don't let gift buying and giving be a chore. Sure, homemade paperweights are fine gifts from the younger kids. But now that you are an adult, you have the opportunity to show your guy how much you appreciate him with something really exciting. Here are seven gift ideas that are a little out-of-the-ordinary, but will show him how much you care.

Surf's Up Dad:

Stand-up paddle-boarding is increasingly popular in the U.S., particularly in Southern California and Hawaii. The sport is basically "surfing with an oar" -- since you're standing up and rowing, you never have to get on your belly to paddle. Proponents say using a stand-up paddleboard is an excellent "core workout." More to the point, it's fun on the ocean whether or not there are waves to catch. Boards are generally custom jobs and usually cost between $1,000-$2,000. Oahu, Hawaii's Infinity Surfboard is but one of the fine creators of these fiberglass beauties.

Audio-Head Dad:

Here are two options for your music lover. The Axiom Garage Speaker is the perfect reward for the dad who keeps a clean garage. These svelte speakers fit perfectly on a workshop shelf, among the tools, or anywhere else that Dad spends his time on hobbies or projects. With its textured, brushed-steel exterior, it hits the sweet spot between two of Dad's favorites: power tools and music. Axiom Garage Speakers cost about $375 per pair.

Axiom Garage Speaker

The Sonos Multi-Room Music System is a wireless, multi-room digital music system that allows you to control the audio content in your entire house utilizing a sleek, palm-sized control device. In addition to your personal music collection, you can tune into news talk via NPR or from one of the other more than 300 Internet radio stations that come preloaded on the Sonos BU130. Stream it wirelessly, change the content on the fly, and have every room in the house playing something different, if you like. The premium starter bundle, which includes wireless speakers, the controller, and charging cradle, costs about $1,149.

Sonos Multi-Room Music System

Traveling Salesman Dad:

Mileage Logger

The Mileage Logger from VULOCITY is especially great for salespeople and the self employed, but a neat and useful device for dads everywhere. The Mileage Logger is a device for your car that wirelessly keeps track of where your vehicle is and how far you've driven. It logs all the information to a Web site, from which you can compile the info on where you've gone, how long it took, how far it was, and designate the category of travel. See a map printout of all your travels to help you better strategize your next trip--and avoid the pain at the pump. This can be a crucial timesaver and record keeper for tax season travel write-offs. The device runs about $200, and there is an affordable monthly service fee to maintain your records.

Grillmaster Dad:

The Big Green Egg is a premium charcoal grill that's derived from an ancient Japanese design called a kamado. It grills, slow-cooks barbecue, smokes, and even bakes. Its hardy ceramic exterior promises resistance to the elements, so Dad can just leave it outside. Finally, with its ceramic interior and high heat levels that burn off excess grease, the Egg is easy to clean. Depending on what size you think Dad needs, it'll run between $241.95 to $991.95.

Big Green Egg

Epicurean Dad:

Charles' Chocolates

Dad doesn't always have to be a tough guy; plenty of fathers enjoy a finely crafted confection. Charles' Chocolates is a premium, San Francisco Bay Area-based artisanal chocolate-maker that should appeal to the fathers who are foodies. The Father's Day Deluxe Boxed Assortment, usually $90, has been temporarily reduced to $75. It includes three boxed assortments--the Classic Collection (chocolates, fruits, nuts and herbs with organic cream and butter), Pecan Caramels, and Caramel Crispies Clusters. If Dad's not a glutton, there are plenty of smaller assortments from which to choose.

Every Dad:

A moments' peace. Wow, now that's a rare gift! Okay, it's more of a conceptual gift, but one Dad will appreciate all the same. Some time for quiet contemplation about the family on Father's Day could well be the most memorable gift Dad can get. And the price is right.

Source: HispanicBusiness.com (c) 2008. All rights reserved.