L.A. Confidential

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts

10 Great Gifts for Dad

-Carrie Seim

Dads can be tough customers to shop for. They're rarely thrilled about clothes, they don't often squeal over flowers, and they have enough ties to pave a silk road to China.
But have no fear! We've got 10 gift ideas that will give every dear old dad a big old grin this Father's Day.

For Grillmaster Dads:

BBQ Salt and Pepper Shakers - These long-handed mallets will help dad shake, rattle and roll through the summer. $20 for the pair. Uncommon Goods.

Cedar Grilling Planks - Infuse dad's grill with smoky splendor. These planks will elevate anyone's BBQ game to pro level. $14.99 for a set of four planks. World Market.

Wooden Outdoor Cooler - This handsome acacia wood cooler will turn papa bear's patio into a Tiki palace. Pricey, but classic. And we all know how much dad enjoys a cold one. $116.99. World Market.

For Sentimental Papas:

Daddy Dog Tags - These oxidized silver dog tags are elegant, masculine and touching. They come engraved with your children's names or birth dates. Not only is this gift sophisticated and unique, but it's a helpful hint so dad won't ever forget your special day! Customized, $49.00. Etsy.

StoryCorps - Take a page from NPR's wildly popular StoryCorps series. Children of any age can recall their favorite (funny or heartfelt) moment with dad. Write it down on paper in memoir form or record it on tape. Each year, add a new story to the collection - you can even interview dad for his favorite memories. Any father will treasure this gift for years to come, long after he's forgotten those old ties and boxers collecting dust in the back of his closet. AND IT'S FREE!

Photo Books - Personalized photo albums are a great way to get kids - young or old - involved in the gift process. You get to choose your favorite pics, the photo order, the layout, the cover - everything. The photo books arrive in style, looking far classier (and secretly far easier) than anyone could imagine. $6.99 and up. KodakGallery.com.

For Outdoorsy Dads:

Mummy Sleeping Bag - Keep dad cozy and comfy on his next camping trip with a mummy sleeping bag. Not only is this gift rated to brave nights as cold as 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, it also says: "Go ahead and have some dad time in the wild." Now if Mama Bear wants to get in on the camping action with Papa Bear, we're not going to stop you from splurging on matching mummy bags! $25.00. Walmart.

Fishing or Hunting License - Another great gift that gives dad permission to get away from it all. Prices vary. Contact your state fishing, hunting or wildlife agency.

For Stylish Fathers:

Designer Duct Tape - This tape comes in a manly wood paneling design. But just because it's stylish doesn't mean it lacks sticking power. Toss the designer tape in with a new tool for his kit, and you'll have one happy, handy dad. $10 per roll. Uncommon Goods.

Hats Off to Dad - Keep dad cool - and looking cool - with a classic summer hat, like this straw trilby version from J.Crew. Made from straw with a puckish cotton chambray band, it's an effortless way for you father to look just as handsome as he is. $34.50. J.Crew.