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No More Ties!

Unique Holiday Gifts for Dad
By Donna Smith

Finding different gifts for Dad each year can be maddening. He already has every power tool known to man, every new electronic device the day it's in the stores, and how many ties does one man need? This year surprise Dad with a gift as unique as he is!

On-the-go Dads
Whether it's a jog around the block or a trip across the country, if Dad is always on the go, there are plenty of great gifts out there.

Dad will love loading up the little ones in the InStep Bike Trailer and taking a ride through the park. The brightly-colored trailer attaches easily to his bike and can hold up to two toddlers, with room to spare for water bottles and toys. The trailer easily converts to a stroller, so Dad can easily bicycle up to the zoo or his other favorite places and not be without that much-needed stroller.

While he's strolling through the zoo looking at lions, tigers and bears, Dad will know his bike is safe if he has the new Cy-Curity Bike Alarm System. This remote-activated alarm installs in seconds and emits an ear-piercing 110db siren. Dad can also use it on baby strollers and scooters!

If Dad's idea of fun is pulling the boat, jet ski or other recreational gear down to the lake, he'll love the PowerTale tow hitch. This unique hitch lets Dad express himself with interchangeable graphics. Whether he wants to wish someone a merry Christmas, show spirit for his favorite sport or college or just let everyone know he's an "awesome dad" or has "awesome kids," he'll have plenty of design options and can even customize his own!

Does Dad need all his digital devices while on the go? He'll love The Pod from Roadwired. This compact, multipurpose bag is designed to organize and protect digital cameras and all the accessories or other must-haves like cell phones, hand-held computers or MP3 players. Dad can carry the bag with the shoulder strap or as a belt pack. He'll enjoy trying to fill up more than 20 pockets and can even keep money or an extra key in the "secret pocket."

If Dad's not into carrying a bag, but still wants to take along all his "toys" or just has his hands full with the kids, the ScotteVest is sure to be a favorite under the Christmas tree. This stylish jacket has more than 17 pockets designed for today's wired dad. The pockets allow him to connect cell phones to hands-free ear devices, MP3 or CD players to headphones – and more! The ultra-soft fabric is also waterproof, and the sleeves zip off if Dad wants another look or if the weather warms up. There are many other great features that might leave Mom wanting one of her own, too.

Busy dads can sometimes forget to take medications or just their daily vitamin. The e-pill Beep 'N Tell Medication Reminder will help Dad remember what to take and when with an alarm. Mom or the kids can even record a message for Dad reminding him of important information about his prescription ("Don't take with milk!") or just remind him how much he means to them ("We love you, Dad!").

Business cards can stack up, especially if Dad travels a lot. The CardScan Executive lets Dad scan his business cards and then throw them away. The information is stored in an electronic address book on his computer, Palm Pilot or other hand-held computer. The software even contacts everyone in your address book four times a year so they can send you updated information. The CardScan will help Dad clear off his desk and spend less time searching for information, which means more time he'll have to spend with the family!

Chef Dad
Whether Dad's idea of dinner is tater tots and wieners or fillet mignon and glazed baby carrots, there are wonderful gifts for the man in the kitchen.

If Dad loves to grill, he's sure to get a kick out of the new Beer Can Chicken Roaster. By simply adding spices to half a can of beer, he'll turn a bland chicken into the talk of the neighborhood. And make sure he looks good while he's grilling with a stylish apron just for him from Kitchen Wear Aprons. Would Dad prefer a camouflaged apron, or are ducks, fish or chili peppers more his style?

Is Dad a chocoholic? Then surprise him with chocolate that has his picture on it! At TrendyChocolate.com, you can send in a picture and have it put on a two-layered bar of fine Belgian chocolate. If Dad is camera shy, messages or favorite logos can be done as well.

Light up Dad's life – or at least his drink – with Litecubes. These fun, freezable cubes have LED lights that make drinks glow. Dad will love using them at his next barbecue! They come in blue, white, green, red, yellow and orange.

Dads Who Have Everything
Think Dad has everything? Think again!

Who says Dad can't have a "blankie"? The Insecurity Blanket will help soothe away all of Dad's insecurities or just keep his toes warms while he watches his favorite movie. The blanket is large enough for even the biggest dads (60 inches x 36 inches) and is made of the softest 100-percent polyester pill-resistant fleece. This is one gift that the kids and Mom may be fighting for after it's unwrapped! If Dad seems to have more insecurities than most, he may also enjoy the Insecurity bear, pillow or chocolate as well.

The family dog will benefit from this gift for the Dad who has everything (or is just a little lazy!). The Slinger will project four balls for Rover to catch with just the flick of a finger. And if Rover hasn't quite mastered the art of returning the ball yet, the Slinger will pick the ball up without Dad even having to bend over. Each Slinger comes with full instructions, four balls and safety rules.

If Dad is a little more active, the SummerSled will allow him to sled all year round. All Dad needs is a grassy hill and some enthusiasm, and he can have hours of fun (he may need to be reminded to give the kids a turn).

After a long day of sledding, Dad may want to snuggle up and do a crossword puzzle. The new Electronic New York Times Crossword Puzzle from Discovery Store is the perfect gift for modern dads. With 1,000 crosswords puzzles, an easy touch pad and even extra clues, Dad will have no trouble filling in the blanks.

And if Dad truly has everything, give him the gift of Christmas knowledge with The Santa Map. This informative foldout map describes winter celebrations in the places that were most significant in shaping the Santa story. But that's not the end of the information! He'll learn historic importance, cultural differences and can even track Santa's time across the world. (Did you know that in Rwanda during the three days before Christmas Eve they feast on goat meat, sorghum and banana beer?) The whole family will enjoy unraveling the mystery of the holidays and St. Nick.

Want to see more?


About the Author: Donna Smith is a senior editor for iParenting Media.

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