Dear old dad. You can tell him how much he means to you this Father’s Day by giving him a gift he won’t forget. (In other words no more soap on a rope, no more ties, and no more hug coupons he’ll never cash in.)

The Man, the Myth, Your Dad

Who is he? Is he a sportsman? Does he hunt and fish? Is baseball or golf a passion? Does he love to read? What does he love? If you don’t know the answer, find out. Talk to your family and his friends. Find out more about him. Consider that a gift to yourself.

Biography

While there are tons of great books about amazing men out there, there’s one missing: The one about your dad. You don’t have to write a giant tome--a few pages or a video tape will do. It might take a little convincing, but get your dad to tell you about his life. Interview him. Prepare questions. Dig out those great stories. Your dad has probably led a fascinating life. Helping him realize it is a fantastic gift. For both of you.

Something fishy

Did he teach you how to fly-fish? Try to remember the lures you used. Get onto eBay and find them. You can even put one into a commemorative Lucite case. Maybe you spent summers on the lake and never caught anything. Make a date to go out again. Maybe this time you’ll get lucky.

Juuust a bit outside…the box

Did he teach you how to throw a curve ball or how to hit to the opposite field? Find out how much a scoreboard or ribbon board message is at your local ballpark. Most big league teams sell them online for about $50. Get tickets to the game and get your camera ready to catch his expression.

Car crazy

If your dad is a car nut, take his car to be washed, waxed and professionally detailed. Or consider getting him the latest and greatest GPS. He probably wants one, but doesn’t want to admit he needs one.

Pick up the check

It’s a simple thing, but what most dads really want is just to spend time with you and the family. Take everyone out for a nice dinner and pick up the tab (for once). The one thing most parents have the least of and want the most is you.

Whether it’s a dinner or a weekend getaway, the greatest gift you can give your dad is time with you. If you’re busy, and who isn’t, make time. If you’re still having trouble getting away, put on Harry Chapin’s "Cat’s in the Cradle." The reservations will practically make themselves.