Forget the Tie: 8 Father’s Day Gifts Your Dad Actually Wants

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Instead of giving your dad another tie he doesn’t need or a new set of grill tools, why not think outside the box and get him something he’s sure to like?

Americans plan on spending a record amount of money, $14.3 billion, to spoil dad on his special day this year, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. Last year’s Father’s Day gifts averaged $115.57 each. This year, shoppers are expected to spend an estimated $125.92 on average.

If you want to get your dad something this year, but don’t know where to start, know this: You don’t have to spend as much as the “average” cited by the NRF. Instead check out this list of gift ideas — all cool, and most affordable:

• Sphere ice molds: With this Tovolo ice mold set, your dad can freeze a 2.5-inch ice sphere — perfect for whiskey and other cocktails ($11).
• Beer (wine or pizza) of the Month Club: If you don’t know what to get your dad but would like to get him something that keeps on giving, consider a Beer of the Month Club – or a Wine of the Month or Cigar of the Month Club ($30 and up).
• Man crates: Not sure what to get the dad who has everything? Check out ManCrates.com for lots of clever theme-based crates filled with everything from teriyaki jerky samples ($24.99) to beer-making supplies ($149.99) or even zombie annihilation tools ($179.77).
• Monogrammed cuff links: If you’re looking for a custom gift for dad, here’s a classy set of square nickel-plated, monogrammed cuff links ($30).
• Bar tool set: If your dad loves to entertain guests or hang out behind the bar, you may want to consider a stainless steel bar tool set that comes with everything you need to prepare cocktails, from a jigger to a bottle opener ($89).
• Road Mice: For the car-loving dad, a fun Father’s Day gift is a car computer mouse. As the name implies, it’s a computer mouse that looks like a car. They come in both wireless and wired versions ($35 and up).
• Monogrammed steak brand and carving board: For the dad who loves to grill, consider a personalized hand-forged iron brand (it looks like a mini cattle branding iron) and a custom birch cutting board ($70).
• Remote-controlled helicopter: For the dad who’s still a kid at heart (or just acts like one), the Syma R/C Helicopter is a fun and cheap gift ($15). My husband has this, and he’s played with it a lot at both home and work. It’s a hit with kids, too.

What do you plan on doing for Father’s Day? Share your comments below or on our Facebook page.