No matter what your age, buying the perfect gift for your father's birthday is always a task. Sometimes the reason is that he seems to have everything he needs. Sometimes, the things he needs cost way too much money for your budget. Most people turn to the tried and true gift alternatives like socks, a funny T-shirt or even cologne. Of course, Dad always receives them with a warm thank you, but they do go into a drawer and seldom see the light of day after his birthday.

You can make your gift a welcomed useful one and get a practical gift. You do have to know what interests your father the most to find just the right purchase. Some children know their parents always wanted to dabble in woodcarving or other creative hobby, but never took the time to get the right tools. If your father fits that picture, look for some DIY gifts.

 You can make your gift a welcomed useful one and get a practical gift

Maybe Dad now has retired and has time on his hands. You owe it to him to find a hobby to take up the slack in his day. Some simple practical gifts for Dad that can get him started on a hobby might include a digital camera if Dad always loved taking pictures. You'll also find there are other hobbies that might fit into both a practical and fun category.

Woodworking and Remodeling

Did Dad always want to change the look of the bathroom but never had the time to do it or the tools? Why not start him out with a book on remodeling and a few small tools or one great power tool. The power tools are a bit salty if you're on a budget, so you might want to join forces with your siblings and get him a group gift. Some books on basic remodeling can lead you to the best group of tools required for beginners.  Normally, aside from hand tools, a power drill and saw are good selections for starters for remodeling. For those that think Dad might like to do woodworking, a good set of chisels or a Dremel tool can be a great start.

If your father already has tools and does many of his own repair and remodeling jobs around the house, you can still find other gifts for the active dad.  DIY gifts can also include computer software that offer design plans for that bathroom remodeling job or kitchen makeover. You might consider an electric stud-finder, 24 in 1 ladder, one-man drywall lift or the new Blade Runner for cutting drywall.

Woodcarving

Does Dad have a bit of Folk art in his soul? Just like woodworking, woodcarving requires special DIY gifts. Again, chisels and a Dremel tool with all the woodcarving attachments can get him started immediately. If you can't afford it all at once, start first with a book and a few necessary chisels. Don't forget to get him the perfect piece of wood to begin a creation.

Gardening

If Dad's green thumb begs to get busy, you can get all types of practical gifts at many different price ranges. Does he have a small yard that doesn't have space? Consider some of the raised garden frames for small spaces or container gardens for a porch or window. Gardening books, small garden tools and some Miracle-Gro or other gardening help can get him started.

If he's already a gardener, lead him to a greener existence. Look for compost bins to help him create his own fertilizer. A worm compost bin or kitchen scrap bucket to so no plant material, eggshells or coffee grounds go to waste also are other fantastic gifts that don't break the budget. Another practical gift if Dad's a gardener who's strictly organic, are beneficial insect eggs, companion plants or guides and seed starting supplies. You can make Dad happy man with seed starting material or planting gifts. Rooting powder or gels, row markers, plant labels or even grow lights can be practical gifts for Dad.

On the Job

Are you looking for something that he'll use for work? Consider a handmade leather briefcase created just for him. This practical gift is not as expensive as you might think. There are many different styles on the market and you can have his initials stamped into the leather for that personal touch. Consider a matching wallet.

Photographer

A beginning photographer can use all types of additions for their cameras, but consider a photo printer for a real treat for Dad. This practical gift can give him the opportunity to change his prize pictures from one on the computer screen to a framed picture for the wall. Don't forget to throw in a couple of picture frames too.

There are plenty of ideas for any type of Dad. New technology always provides you with a new gift every year for the "Geek Dad." You'll find innovations in tools for every line of work or hobby.

Tags: birthday, dad, father's day