By Michelle Ullman

Dad was always there to cheer you on in your little league games, teach you the proper way to hammer a nail, and wipe away tears when you skinned your knee falling off your bike. This Father's Day, give a little bit back with a gift that tells him how much you appreciate all he did for you over the years.

Most dads like gadgets, which are really toys for grownups. Give your dad something to smile about with a gift that is totally unnecessary but lots of fun, and forget about buying him yet another necktie.

For the King of the Grill

He may not be much in the kitchen, but in front of the grill, your dad is king. Get him his own personalized Barbecue Grill Set here, which includes a stainless steel spatula, tongs and fork, all with solid oak handles. The pine box is personalized with your dad's name, along with the phrase "American Grill Master." Foam lining keeps the grill tools clean and protected when not in use flipping perfect burgers and steaks. $45 at GiftsForYouNow.com.

For the Desk Jockey

If your dad spends most of his waking hours at an office desk, he'll get a kick out of the Digger Mechanical Paperweight here. The chrome-plated bulldozer holds paperclips in the magnetized shovel, dispenses tape flags out of the top and holds a pencil conveniently close at hand. When Dad pulls the digger back to activate its friction motor, it will chug along his desk to bulldoze through all those pending reports. $56 at UncommonGoods.com.

For the Golf Enthusiast

If your dad loves hitting the greens on a weekend afternoon, he'll love having a cold drink handy in his golf bag. The Deluxe Electronic Golf Club Kooler Caddie here looks like a regular golf driver, but actually has an insulated 54-ounce tank for holding hot or cold beverages. Dad just fills the tank before heading out on the course, and when thirst strikes, dispenses a refreshing beverage right from the club head with the push of the button. Comes apart for easy cleaning, and even comes with batteries. $100 at HomeWetBar.com.

For the Road Warrior

If your dad spends a lot of time in the car, he'll be glad to have a handy charger that can power up his electronic devices while on the road. Looking like a cup of coffee, the Power Cup here sits right at hand in a cup holder while conveniently plugged in to the car's power socket. There are two AC outlets for laptops, DVD players, phone chargers or camera chargers; and one USB power port for iPods, cell phones or smartphones. Dad can recharge three devices at the same time, improving his efficiency by 300%! $40 at RedEnvelope.com.

For the Wine Lover

Make it easier for Dad to relax with a glass of good wine with the Legacy Wine Bottle Opener and Vino Aerator Set here. Simply slide the opener over the top of the wine bottle, touch the button, and the low-pressure cartridge gently removes the cork without disturbing the wine. The hardened steel needle goes right through the cork, leaving no debris behind. Once the bottle is open, the aerator attaches to the bottle lip, aerating the wine as it pours through for enhanced bouquet and flavor. The set comes in a gift box, and is small enough for travel. $50 at GreatGiftsForMen.com.

For the Fast Car Lover

If your dad always dreamed of owning a Camaro, give him the next best thing with the Wireless Camaro Computer Mouse here. Looking just like the real thing, each Road Mouse has its own VIN number, which can be registered to receive a Certificate of Title. The Road Mouse is an accurate, 800 dpi optical mouse, and compatible with MAC or PC. Working headlights have their own on/off switch. The gleaming silver Camaro mouse will give your dad the thrill of high speeds while driving the Internet highway. Also available in Road Mice Corvette or Mustang. $40 at Convenient Gadgets & Gifts.

For the Mad Scientist

If Dad always dreamed of his own basement laboratory, start his collection of mad scientist necessities with a Nebula Plasma Ball here. The 8 inch blown glass sphere contains inert gases that dance like miniature lightning bolts inside the glass, and follow the touch of a finger with glowing balls of color. Powered by an AC adapter, the Plasma Ball is a fascinating object that will attract the attention of anyone in the room. A wonderful blend of science and décor. $40 at Edmunds Scientific.

For the Health Enthusiast

If your dad is concerned about healthy living or just wants to avoid nasty germs, he will appreciate the VIO UV Light Sanitizer here for electronic devices. This handy gadget uses safe UV light to kill up to 99.9% of germs on cell phones, MP3 players, Bluetooths, headphones, earbuds, or hearing aids. These devices all tend to be covered with potentially harmful bacteria, including strep, E. coli. and other infection causing bugs. Just slip a flat device into the holder, push the "on" button, and in less than five minutes, the electronic device is free of harmful germs. A basket for small items such as headphones or headsets is included. Runs off three AA batteries. $50 at AccessoryGeeks.com.

Remember your dad on Father's Day. Choose a gadget that fits his interests or activities, and watch his eyes light up. No need to stick with a safe but boring tie or sweater when there are so many interesting gadgets he will love.

This article was originally posted on IdealHomeGarden.com

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