Let's face it--the economy stinks. Or, maybe, we never had any money anyway. Still, we love dad and want to get him something special--or at least useful and not (too) gimmicky--for Father's Day. We don't have the money for the new watch he deserves or the new car he could really use (to haul us around in to our various activities). So, what can we get him that will show him how much we love and appreciate him and that's not another tie or t-shirt without breaking the piggy bank?

Wayne Parker over at About.com has some ideas for frugal--not cheap--Father's Day gifts. I appreciate the fact that this list was compiled by a man. Not that a woman couldn't pick out just the thing for her baby daddy, but there is something appealing about the idea that this man would recommend and possibly actually want--let alone approve of--these choices. I especially like the notion of the baseball cap organizer--I know a dad (massive Angels fan) who could use one of those. Also fun and unique was the secret safe. Who would have thought? My only assumption is that the safe isn't big enough for certain kinds of videos or magazines, but rather for extra car keys and the like. Depends on the dad, I suppose.

Other ideas include buying dad a DVD of one of his favorite movies or TV shows, or perhaps getting him a subscription to his favorite magazine (but not the kind that would go in the secret safe). Honestly, some dads might prefer a gift certificate to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts or wherever they get their morning coffee/tea. If dad is athletic, sports socks are actually a good gift--they're not cheap, they're very comfortable and they will be used. Pair them with some wrist sweat bands and you're good to go. Get dad a new water bottle to take with him--just make sure it's free of bisphenol-A.

Still at a loss? If dad has a car, get it cleaned for him--inside and out, even if you have to do some of the work yourself. Stock it with his favorite snacks and maybe a mix CD or two of his favorite songs. Make sure there are tissues and hand sanitizer and mints. If you're feeling like spending a little more, get the tires rotated and the oil checked.

Some dads like to get their shoes shined. Take him to the local shoe shine shop and get him polished up--maybe even have him bring an extra pair and get both done. Or, get the shoes he's wearing done and then get a gift certificate for a return visit. Movie tickets are also good. Frankly, so is beer money. My husband would like nothing more than for me to give him $30-$40, call up a buddy and send them both of to the local watering hole. Not at noon on Father's Day, mind you, mind sometime shortly thereafter when I'd stay home with the baby.

So, those are just a few of my ideas. What are you planning on doing for dad this year? Please share--I'm sure you've got some great, inexpensive ideas!

Pic of secret safe by ThisParticularGreg.

Inexpensive Father's Day Gifts(click thumbnails to view gallery)