Cards and Ties Won't Cut The Mustard This Father's Day?

CHICAGO, June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Are you considering buying your dad ... WAIT, have you even considered what to buy your dad for Father's Day? Was last year's gift just a card bought on your way over to visit him?

If you're looking to king-size this year's Father's Day gift, ShopLocal.com's ( http://www.shoplocal.com/ ) resident shopping expert, Eva "The Shopping Diva" Yusa has great tips to show your dad you put a little thought into his gift this year.

"Let's cut to the chase," says Yusa, "Father's Day shopping usually involves a quick trip to Hallmark and if you're dad is lucky, a phone call or last year's tie, repackaged and regifted. But it's just too easy to use the Web to find unique, cost-effective gifts for every type of budget and fatherly personality."

Help Dad Unwind

Yusa points out that the trend for Mother's Day is "pampering" but also recommends this approach for Father's Day. "Maybe your dad isn't the type to want a gift certificate for a manicure, but relaxation is just as important for Pa as it is for Ma. Think about your dad and what helps him unwind."

After a little sleuthing on ShopLocal.com, you can find fantastic deals on Father's Day gifts at your favorite local store or online. For example, you can tell dad he deserves a break from all his hard work with a "Cotton Rope Hammock with Pillow" available at your local Lowe's. Or what about giving dad the ability to follow World Cup action from the palm of his hand with a "1.8- inch TFT LCD Handheld Rechargeable TV" available at CompUSA.

Create a Theme

Yusa also suggests that you consider your father's interests and hobbies. "My dad is a grillmaster," she notes, "and a great cook! One of his favorite things to do is stand outside grilling up everything from hot dogs to veggie kabobs. Last year, I used that interest as a springboard to creating a theme around his gift. I invited over friends and family for an elaborate surprise backyard barbeque party. The best moment was when we rolled out a brand new "Weber Ranch Kettle Grill" and handed over a "Premium Stainless Steel Barbeque Tool Set." I even got crafty and put his name on the carrying case!" Yusa also noted, "We told him he didn't have to cook anything, but once he saw his new grill, we couldn't keep him from firing it up!"

Grills and grilling accessories are just one hobby that offers an opportunity to create a theme around your Father's Day gift giving this year. Yusa also suggested creating a gift basket around hobbies such as sports, movies and music, and even home improvement. "If you only have twenty dollars, buy him a new DVD and sit down to watch it with him. If you have two hundred dollars, buy several items. Maybe he still hasn't had time to watch the first season of the Sopranos or loves westerns; pick up a box set and bring over his favorite snacks. Or schedule a golf outing and surprise him with a set of personalized golf balls."

When All Else Fails

"Still buy the card, but make it a gift card," urges Yusa. "I love the idea of giving a gift certificate for an experience -- a great meal at a restaurant, a trip to see his favorite team play and most ballparks offer fan packages with primo seats -- but when all else fails go to his favorite store and pick up a gift card. It's still a great way to show you put some thought it your gift."

Father's Day: The Facts

Father's Day, an $8 billion dollar holiday according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), is ranked fifth among other holidays, in terms of spending. It is preceded by Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Easter. According to a recent Brand Keys survey, consumers plan to spend an average of $115 on their fathers this year.

About ShopLocal

ShopLocal, LLC is the leading Web shopping company for consumers and retailers. With ShopLocal.com and The ShopLocal Network -- made up of more than 200 affiliate media, search, and shopping sites -- consumers have access to the only place on the Web with information on products from local stores side-by-side with e-commerce options. With ShopLocal's SmartCircular and Smart Catalog services, retailers can distribute sales and promotional content through The ShopLocal Network as well as their own Web sites.