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Dad and Grad Gift Ideas
by Krista Michelle Arrigo

It's gift-giving season -- June's the month to celebrate grads and dads! Get started now, and check out our great gift ideas for both givers and getters. Then, enter our Dads and Grads Gift Giveaway Contest for a chance to win big!

For Dad | For the Grad!

Get Your Deserving Dad...

Something Delicious
Arm him with A Man, A Can, A Grill: 50 No-Sweat Meals You Can Fire Up Fast (Rodale Books, May 2003) and your never-a-cook dad will be a person of the past. With recipes and dishes like Pepper-Pineapple Snapper and Teriyaki Turkey, dinner will be more than just beef jerky! ($16, 800-527-8200)

Something Portable
With or without a cookbook, Dad will love Char-Broils Thermos Grill2Go Fire & Ice portable combination grill and cooler. It makes grilling on-the-go a breeze, so he can cook up burgers with ease. ($200, www.grill2go.com)

Something Tidy
If Dad thinks Mom's a pest about cleaning up his mess, get him the Toolbox Vac by Eureka. This vacuum and toolbox combination makes do-it-yourself cleanup as fun as the fixup! ($70, www.eureka.com)

Something Handy
If Dad's a fixer-upper, he'll flip for the Home Depot's Home Improvement 1-2-3 (Meredith Books, 2003) textbook-like resource guide. With hundreds of projects, illustrations, and step-by-step instructions, Dad's new love will be working in construction. ($35, available at Home Depot or www.meredithbooks.com)

Something with Storage
The back-pocket wallet bulge -- it's a guy thing. That's because unlike us girls, dads don't do handbags. Alas, now you can help Dad store his stuff without looking like one big puff. The ScotteVest is packed with over 22 pockets, so Dad can distribute all his gadgets and gear in other places besides his rear. ($99, www.scottevest.com)

Something Neat
Whether Dad's a shaver, a clipper, or a snipper, Wahl's Trim 'N' Vac vacuuming beard and mustache trimmer is a neat gift for him. He'll get a neatly groomed face, and leave behind a neat and clean space. No mess in the sink, no mom making a stink. ($60, available at all major retailers)

Something Cool
Introduce Dad to a cool new way to shave with Edge Active Care Natural Cool Shave Gel with Eucalyptus, or Edge Pro Gel Extra Refreshing Shave Gel. He'll be a dude-of-a-dad for sure! ($2.50, www.insideedge.com)

Something Entertaining
Even when you're not around, Dad will think of you whenever he watches his new Toshiba TV/DVD combo. He'll love his new stereo TV with front-firing speaker system, full-featured DVD player, 19-inch screen, and picture zoom. ($300, www.toshiba.com)

Dad can get you...

Something Inspirational
Dad's wise words will last forever when he gives you an Amy Peters sterling silver keychain treasure. Each whimsical design is handcrafted with an inspirational message and meaningful phrase for you to cherish. ($25, www.amypetersstudio.com or www.femailcreations.com)

Something Memorable
Capture your most memorable moments when Dad gives you the Polaroid mio. It produces instant wallet-sized snapshots, so you can send him pics pronto. ($80, www.polaroid.com)

Something Special
Dad can help you display your favorite pictures in a handmade frame like this one from Dolce Mia. It'll look great on your wall or mantel. (frames $31- $37, www.girlshop.com)

Something Silly
When it comes to cooking, Dad can help make it fun and easy with Everybody Loves Ramen: Recipes, Stories, Games, and Fun Facts About the Noodles You Love (Andrews McMeel Publishing, March 2003). In it, you'll find 50 innovative and cost-conscious recipes made from a 12-cent package of Ramen noodles. ($10, www.amuniversal.com)

Something Sweet
Dad's personalized message and special image imprinted on a chunk of Trendy Chocolate not only reflects his sweet thoughts of you, but it's a treat so sweet, it may be hard not to eat. ($33 for a large bar, $23 for a half-sized, www.trendychocolate.com)

Something Sparkling
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but who says we won't settle for the next best thing? Charles & Colvard's 14k white gold moissanite "Shaken, Not Stirred Martini Solitaires" make a fabulous gift from Dad. After all, he should be proud of his grad. ($895, www.charlesandcolvard.com)

Something Secure
Boyfriends will break your heart, but your dad's love for you will never part. Consider this gift of a beautiful JenStone Malibu, Swarovski crystal belt buckle, a symbol of his long-lasting, secure love. ($285 - $325, 310-317-6737)

Something Innovative
Dad will become your favorite stylist when he hands you the DUET curling iron and texturizer, the first ever two-in-one hair styler to offer curling, straightening, and texturizing capabilities. This thing will tame and tantalize your tresses without any sloppy messes. ($28, available at Wal-Mart or www.wahl.com)

Something Real
Dad can stay in touch, keep it real, and let you do the same with On The Real Greeting Cards & Etc.'s cards, postcards, bookmarks, and journals. The next time you find yourself in a verbal jam, On The Real's outrageously funny yet practical messages will say everything you couldn't, wouldn't, and should've said for you. (postcards $.75, cards $2.50, bookmarks $2.50, journals $7, www.ontherealgreeting-etc.com)

Enter our Dads and Grads Gift Giveaway Contest

What you can win:

A Man, A Can, A Grill: 50 No-Sweat Meals You Can Fire Up Fast (Rodale Books, May 2003)
The Home Depot's Home Improvement 1-2-3 (Meredith Books, 2003)
Edge Active Care Shave Gel
An Amy Peters sterling silver keychain and necklace
The DUET curling iron and texturizer
Two On The Real Greeting Cards
Everybody Loves Ramen: Recipes, Stories, Games, and Fun Facts About the Noodles You Love (Andrews McMeel Publishing, March 2003)