As Father's Day nears, people are racking their brains and are willingly opening their wallets to come up with gifts to show their Dads just how great they are. The thought and care that came with choosing the gift is just as precious as the gift itself. So before you dash to the stores, think about these first:

> What gift would be very useful to my father?

First and foremost, what activities, if any, do your Dad engage in? Needless to say, camping gear wouldn't be appreciated if Dad rarely goes camping. Wouldn’t matter how pricey or fancy it is.

If fishing is his favorite past time, head on to the fishing gear shop and get him the gadget most fishing enthusiasts rave about at the moment. It'll be wonderful if you took the initiative to ask the store clerk how to use it and then go on to explain to Dad how it'll make his fishing trips more fun. Your dad could be a runner, a gardener and fill-it-in-here and this will still apply. Think about it.

Is there something that Dad has mentioned that he needed or wanted?

Barring unrealistic expectations, (taking a picture of the Earth from outer space; a Lamborghini Reventon Roadster - heck, I’d like one for myself, too; a health care system structured with the citizen’s best interest at heart -duh!) you can get them a gift you know they’ve been wanting all along. Aside from the extra points you get from actually listening and paying attention to what your Dad says, it’ll make your Dad really appreciative and happy.

>Wouldn’t it be wiser to ask Dad what he would like as a Father’s day present?

It can be tricky getting a suitable gift so why not save yourself the anxiety and just go up to the big guy and ask what he would like. Chances are, he will be pleasantly surprised and will come up with gift ideas that has never even crossed your mind. Barring unrealistic expectations, of course.

If you would rather consign the work of running through the great variety of choices available, why not start by checking out what online sellers have to offer?

This does not necessarily mean that you won’t take the time to think the options over. What it’ll do is generate options that you have missed or simply didn’t know existed. Narrow down your choices to those that appeal to your Dad as you know him and then ordering is as easy as clicking a mouse. As most online sellers take care of wrapping and delivery, you can then sit back content with the fact that you did your part.

Happy Father’s Day to all Dads!