Get Your Daddy a Father's Day Gift He Can Use

What do you get a man who has everything-or at least says he does? Getting a Father's Day gift is beyond difficult. It's downright intimidating to shop for someone who is sure to give you that same goofy smile that he gave you when you were eight and still making cut-out hearts. Just as he did then, he'll love anything you get him! And if you intimate that you'd love a clue as to what he might like this year, you know what he'll say: "Oh, honey, I already have everything!"

And when you do buy him a present, it'll end up in the back of the closet, along with the back scratchier and football jersey that you gifted him with two years ago. I mean, what can you possibly buy that is unique and usable and that will show how much you esteem your dad?

Well, how about getting your dad something he can really use? How about offering your father a bit of your time? :

Paint the Fence

Here's an idea: paint your mom and dad's fence! You know you've been visiting your parent's home for decades and the old wooden fence is dilapidated and weather worn and any other adjective you want to throw in. Of course, your dad will tell you he thinks it looks just fine, but chances are he's not willing to dole out the couple of hundred it'll cost to have a painter do it.

Here's my idea: throw in a fresh can of paint (white's a good bet), a paint brush and the labor (yours). Tell him it's even OK if he supervises. (He'll love that!) Then, while you're playing Huck Finn and whitewashing the fence he can sit in a comfy lawn chair besides you and regale you with stories of how it used to be in the good ol' days.

Teach Him Computer Basics

Here's another good idea that requires some time on your part. How often have you heard your Dad tell you he's too old pick to up PC or Mac skills? Give him a little raffle-style coupon-prepared with your basic desk publishing program-that tells him he "won" five easy computer lessons for beginners.