What's New In Dad's Day Gifts?

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Every year, shoppers across the country hit the stores looking for heartfelt gifts for both Mother's Day and Father's Day. While some of Mom's favorites, such as chocolate, flowers or jewelry, will never go out of style, when scouring the stores for Dad you may come up short on ideas. That's because it's often hard to figure out what Dad would most appreciate.

Whether Dad is a new father or a seasoned veteran who already has a few grandchildren, the options for Father's Day may seem limiting if you don't use your imagination and think creatively. Here are some starting off points to consider.

* Does Dad like to drive? For the dad who is a driving enthusiast or car buff, a host of options exist. Help Dad accessorize or take care of his wheels with a car wash and detailing. Seek out a local car wash and purchase a gift certificate. If Dad likes to get his hands dirty, look for a detailing kit and buy him some new washing supplies.

But dads who are car enthusiasts don't just love to take care of their vehicles, they often love to hit the open road as well. Take Dad on a weekend road trip. This can be an especially good gift for the father who still loves the road but can no longer drive himself. Plan an adventure to get away and see some sights. Because Father's Day falls in June, the welcoming weather most regions of the country enjoy throughout the month makes it a perfect time to hit the open road.

* Has Dad recently relocated? If your father recently moved out of a region where he had grown up or was accustomed to, be it to retire or further his career, consider a gift that gives him a slice of home away from home. For example, lots of men are big sports fans. However, when it's time to retire, they might move far away from their favorite teams and lose touch as a result. A gift such as a satellite radio or satellite television can ensure they don't miss a minute of their favorite team's action.

Such gifts work for dads who aren't sports fans as well. Because satellite radios and televisions offer local channels from all across the country, Dad can stay in touch with his hometown even if he's now living thousands of miles away.

* Is Dad a history buff? For the Dad who loves history, a trip to a historic locale can be a great gift. Whether Dad is a war buff or a sports fanatic, a number of options exist. For the Dad who is a baseball fan, consider a ballpark tour of some the sports' famous parks, such as Fenway Park in Boston or Wrigley Field in Chicago. If Dad is an avid golfer, consider a round of golf at one of the country's historic courses.

For the father who loves the History Channel, a number of historic locales exist throughout the country that can offer a unique glimpse into the country's storied history, such as Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia or The Alamo in Texas. For those with free reign on budgets, how about a trip to trace Dad's lineage?

* Does Dad like to relax? Few Father's Day gifts are as much a homerun as a new chair. Seemingly since the beginning of time, dads have always had a favorite chair to come home to and relax in after a day at work. A new recliner or easy chair could be just what Dad needs. Because these items can be expensive, enlist a sibling or two to help pay for the gift.