Shopping for dad can be difficult. Many men view gifts of clothing much the way women view receiving small kitchen appliances and cleaning supplies as presents– way too utilitarian. Practical gifts are useful, but they are not exciting.  
But who wants to waste money on frivolous things in this economy? Seriously….how many office toys and other useless junk does dad really need?
For a gift both exciting and practical, consider a Home Depot gift card.  My husband’s eyes light up when he walks into Home Depot. Walking through their aisles gets him thinking about all of the possible …

Valentine’s Day means chocolates, Mother’s Day brings May flowers, and Father’s Day calls for neckties. Before you abandon the classics, consider this twist on traditional tie.
Bird Dog Bay Neckware makes ties that are 100% silk, handprinted and handmade. You’ll find playful repeating patterns and more traditional designs with a touch of whimsy.
My husband works in a more conservative office, so I selected the subtly fashionable Y-Knot in Blue. The interlocking pattern has a sophisticatedly jazzy feel.
Bird Dog Bay also has amusing themes for golf aficionados, new fathers, …

Here is Naomi Watts with Liev Schreiber carrying Alexander in a Lightly Padded Maya Wrap Sling in Olive (fabric 58), available for $53.15. He’s got the rings on his back–which some people prefer for newborns.
The sling is 100% hand loomed cotton fabric and the dyes do not contain any poisonous substance. Here’s another source for Maya Wraps ($55.95).
Check out PopSugar for an image of Liev Schreiber using the rings in front and a more comfortable shoulder positioning. (thanks for the link, Fairy Godmum!)
I love seeing a …

Babywearing isn’t just for moms–dads can share the benefits by using a carrier like the ERGOBaby, too.
Moms everywhere are turning onto babywearing. What’s not to love? Baby is safe, happy, and secure and mom can have two hands free, too! The motion is a natural way to soothe colicky newborns and you can keep toddlers close and out of trouble in new places. I’ve nursed Baby Diva in a carrier, taken her along to weddings and other events, and now she comes along house hunting, too.
I have …

This Daddy’s Girl wants to wish Captain Dad and all the Pops in Blogland and elsewhere a “Happy Father’s Day!”
Win a copy of Punk Rock Dad
Don’t forget to tell us why Dad Rocks and be eligible to win a copy of Punk Rock Dad by Jim Lindberg.
Ooops, I know there was something else I needed to do
If you forgot a present, Get him a gift certificate at his favorite store at GiftCertificates.com, take him out to eat and save money by using Restaurant.com, or order something from our Father’s Day …

Punk Rock Dad by Jim Lindberg is a fast read that is furiously funny. You’ll laugh out loud as Lindberg figures out how to maintain his punk integrity while becoming a great Daddy.
I’m in the process of moving (more about moving with a baby later), so I just got this book and Father’s Day is Sunday!
So, just a short and sweet contest: Leave a comment by 11:59 PM on Father’s Day (June 17) about why that Dad in your life rocks. Make sure to leave a valid e-mail …