Father's Day 2012 Gift Ideas

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It's that time of year again—the time where we scramble to think of what a good gift for our dads might be. Another tie? Nah, too boring. A season of a TV show he loves on DVD? No, too impersonal. A gift card to Home Depot or Loew's? Well, maybe. But sometimes those can be the dad-equivalent of getting your mom a vacuum for her birthday, so it might be best to dig a little deeper this year for your gift.

So what should you do?

If your dad is into grilling (and whose dad isn't? Mom gets the kitchen, Dad gets the back porch, right?), check out things regarding the grill. We don't mean a "Kiss the Cook" apron, either. Instead, check out this personalized barbecue tool set or browse through Williams Sonoma's grilling section.

A gift card to Home Depot can be the dad-equivalent of getting your mom a vacuum for her birthday, so you may want to get a little bit more creative.

In the same vein, you might consider some backyard stuff—a portable hammock would be pretty awesome, and let's face it, the whole family would enjoy it. Or pick out or make a bean bag toss set. If you make one, you can paint it with your dad's favorite sports team's colors, too.

Plenty of dads like gadgets, tech toys, and tools, too. The latest iWhatever is sure to please, and power tools can be great without feeling too "Hey honey, can you clean the gutters?"

A popular opinion around these parts, however, was giving your dad what he really wants: A day off. Whether that means you take the kids out for the day and leave hubby at home to play online poker, watch John Wayne movies on AMC, and drink beer, or getting him tickets to catch a baseball game with a buddy, dads always appreciate downtime.

Whatever you get your dad for Father's Day this year, though, he'll probably like it...and if he's anything like our dads, even a homemade card with some kind words will keep you on his good side.

But it can't hurt to make him a steak dinner.