Do Your Research

Rack your brain for hints Dad may have dropped, give your mom a call or think back to gifts you’ve given in the past. Does he need a new accessory for the iPod he got for Christmas? Is his DVD collection missing a classic? Could his favorite gadgets be updated or replaced? You might know more than you think.

Find Inspiration on the Web

Don’t waste time running aimlessly from store to store at the mall. Instead, set a budget, do some Web surfing and get an idea of what you want before you leave the house. Not only will you save time, but you’ll evade the risk of making an impulse buy that’s way out of your price range.

Give Your Time

What he wants more than anything is a little time with you! If you live nearby, make it a father-daughter day. Catch a movie, make a special dinner or plan an outdoor activity. If not, you can still give him something special. Gifts.com has a section of “experiential gifts,” cards that can be redeemed for lots of fun activities. Just be sure to give him a call so he can tell you all about it.