Homemade

• Look around the house for ideas. If your dad was a high school wrestler, create a display area in the den or basement that shows his trophies, along with framed pictures and newspaper clippings. Assess your talents, as well. If you enjoy cooking, make him his favorite meal. If you're a painter, craft a portrait of your parents. Even if you're not artistically talented, you can always put together a photo collage or scrapbook that puts some of your dad's favorite memories in one place.
  
  

Naming

• Name something after your dad instead of giving a tangible gift. For example, companies sell the naming rights for stars. Packages include a certificate for framing and a sky chart with the star's coordinates and your dad's name. As a bonus, the whole family can view the star with binoculars or a small telescope. You can make spotting the star an annual event on his birthday. While it's not something the scientific community will officially recognize, it's a still a neat thing for your dad to brag about to his friends. Another option is checking with your local library or city, which may give people the opportunity to name a bench or garden after someone for a donation. It may be expensive, but something a family can afford if several members chip in.
  
  

Relaxation

• When you think spa, a gift for your mother might first came to mind. There's no reason, though, you can't pamper you father for his birthday. Yes, men can get facials, pedicures, manicures, skin care treatments and full body massages. Even tough guys need to relax. It might be something your dad never considered. Chiropractors and gyms sometimes also offer massages, or get your dad a massage chair so he can relax without ever having to leave the living room.
  
  

Tickets

• Every dad has a hobby. Get tickets that match his passion -- and put a twist on it. For example, don't just get tickets to his favorite baseball team, but get box seats or take him on the behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark before the game. If he's just starting to play golf, take him to a PGA event. Another route is to expand his horizons with tickets to something you think he may like. If he enjoys ballet, then surprise him with tickets to the touring Chinese classical dance and music company. He just may find something he loves.