Why is it that dads can be such a challenge when it comes to picking that perfect gift for Father's Day? He's your dad; this should be easy, right? Maybe the difficulty comes in having Father's Day only one month after Mother's Day. Does your gift for Dad suffer from a lack of creative energy? How about using some of our gift suggestions as a starting point for an awesome Father's Day gift?

1.) Be Prepared!

All good dads teach their kids this lesson. Use this opportunity to return the favor with a battery-free emergency radio. As anyone in a storm prone area can tell you, an emergency radio is an indispensable part of any emergency preparedness kit. Continuing on with the theme of being prepared, give Dad a new flashlight (with extra batteries) and maybe an emergency case of his favorite beer.

2.) The Gift of Time

Ask any parent what they really want from their kids and they will say more time together. A great Father's Day gift is the making of family backyard BBQ. Start with a new barbeque tool set. But don't stop there. Then you need to visit your local store and pick out some of the finest steaks they have (don't forget to get enough for the whole family) and all the fixings. A gift for dad the whole family gets to enjoy, this gift may be one that becomes a family tradition for years to come.

3.) Start Your Engines

Have a NASCAR dad? With a racing season of nine months and tracks across the country, you can easily get tickets to race for your dad. The race may not be on Father's Day but he will still love the gift. How do you package such an exciting gift? Why not in a mug with the logo of his favorite NASCAR driver such as Dale Earnhardt, Jr.? He will be so surprised when he finds out what is in the mug and he can relive the memories of race day whenever he uses the mug. Can't you just see the grin on your dad's face?

4.) Up in the Air

Does your dad travel for business or enjoy travel for pleasure? Then a new travel bag or trolley bag might be the perfect gift. Luggage can get so beat up during travel. Pack into the bag some travel necessities such as a new toiletry bag filled with all the necessities, a book by your father's favorite author, and gift card for a nationwide chain restaurant so your dad can enjoy a meal on you after a long day of meetings.

Sometimes we make gift giving too difficult. The best gifts are those items that the recipients already love. So ask yourself, what does my dad enjoy?

5.) Crack Open a Six Pack

Is your dad a beer or wine aficionado? Buy him a bottle (or case) of a unique or memorable wine or a six pack of a limited edition micro-brew. Does he have a favorite game or hobby? Use them to come up with gift ideas, obvious examples are golf balls for golfers or power tools. But consider getting him something he would not buy for himself such as that exotic wood for the cabinet he has always want to build or time with a golf pro to really improve his game.

6.) Turn a Page

Books seem to be an easy out for gift giving. But for a reader, you really can not have too many books. Ask your father for his favorite authors and if he has all their books. Buy him the books missing from his collection or the latest release. If you get this information, a gift certificate for more books would be much appreciated.

We always think about taking Mom out for dinner for Mother's Day. Why not take Dad out to his favorite restaurant? Give him his Father's Day gift there while he is enjoying time with those who know and love him the most.