I feel bad for dads. Who scheduled Father's Day in the summer? Seriously ladies, how many "Muffins for Moms" events did you attend with your preschooler or kindergartner, thanks to Mother's Day being celebrated when school was in session? By the time Father's Day rolls around, school's out and the family is too busy enjoying summer vacation.

I've lost track of the Mother's Day gifts on which my kids worked so hard during school hours. If dad can't keep track of Mother's Day, there's usually a teacher who's got his back! But with Father's Day, it's all up to us.

Don't cave to simplicity and help your kids give dad another power tool, tie, fishing rod or pre-paid round of golf. If you're looking for unique, inexpensive, or even free ways to show dad he's the prince of papas, consider these ideas:

Possibly Unique

  • Chaise lounge or hammock. Even dads deserve a nap. Give him the perfect spot for doing so.
     
  • Personalized labels. Help dad stock his bar with the best brand of beer, wine and liquor — his own! Through myownlabels.com you can create personalized bottle labels, bar napkins, and coasters.
     
  • Steaks. There's a good chance dad's going to enjoy a good, juicy steak on Father's Day. But how to satisfy the craving four months from now? Visit the Omaha Steaks website and order high quality pre-packaged filets to have delivered to your home.
     
  • Money clip. Dad's wallet likely has paper bills, a debit card, a credit card, and other cards he never uses. Ditch the wallet and help him condense to a money clip instead.

Probably Inexpensive

  • Dresser caddy. Okay, moms, you'll appreciate this gift, too. No more pocket change scattered on the first surface inside the front door.
     
  • Photographs. Mommy and the kids, kids only, the entire family, a collage. With sites like Shutterfly it's easy to create fun photo gifts with borders, colors, and captions for dad to hang in his office or man cave.
     
  • Subscription to a magazine. There's a magazine to satisfy every interest, from politics to comic strips.

Definitely Free

  • Breakfast in bed. A cuppa joe, bacon, and eggs. Don't forget the newspaper with the sports section on top.
     
  • Homemade coupons. Help the kids make a booklet of coupons for dad to cash in whenever he wants. What are some chores he would love to surrender for a day? Washing the car, trimming the hedge and raking leaves come to mind.
     
  • Daddy's biography (through the kids' eyes). A great gift from toddlers and preschoolers. How old is daddy? How tall is he? How much does he weigh? What does he do at work? What's his favorite food? How does he show me he loves me? The answers to such questions are funny, sweet, and memorable.
     
  • A day to himself. Yes even daddies deserve a day off. Take the kids for a few hours to give him a quiet day at home, or suggest he take an afternoon leave of absence.

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This post was included in the latest edition of the Totally Money Blog Carnival.