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It's all about dads next Sunday, so how about some creative gift ideas to make your dad feel special? Here are 11 perfect Father's Day gifts with universal guy appeal — they simply let men be men.
1. BeerTender from Krups
Price: $100
To the dismay of many men who's wives control the kitchen, chilled beer dispensers often don't have the same positive impact on the kitchen's decor as a nice wine rack. The BeerTender changes that — and could be sitting right next to your coffee maker. What could make a man happier?
2. Bakon Vodka from Black Rock Spirits
Price: $30
Give Dad something he won't be able to get in just any old restaurant: Bacon-flavored vodka! It combines two of his favorite flavors and goes great with brunch!
3. Adjustable BYOB sandals from Reef
Price: $50
Where do you put your trusty bottle opener when relaxing on the beach wearing your pocketless bathing suit? With these sandals — never worry about this conundrum again! These flip-flops from Reef have a bottle opener embedded on the bottom of the sole.
Video: Dads and grads gift guide
4.
Price: $30
Our wives may rule the bedroom TV and subject us to "Desperate Housewives," but with this device we can watch TV anywhere! The Slingbox application lets you stream live TV to your mobile phone from your home cable box. It's also surprisingly easy to use — my own dad still has trouble with an ATM card but manages just fine with this device.
5. Workout music, speeches
Price: Varies. Most songs under $1.50
Some guys listen to Kanye West or Guns & Roses before a workout. Not all dads. Some need to dig a little deeper and draw upon some Winston Churchill to steel himself to face the treadmill. Whatever the preference, you can find nearly everything on iTunes — the perfect stop to help build his confidence to cut the pounds.
6. Books for the man shelf
Price: Less than $30
Like a stone lion guarding a castle, certain classic books always evoke a knowing pride when dad sees them standing vigil in the den. Two of my favorites that I'm sure any man will enjoy: "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman" and "Band of Brothers."
7. Chef's knife by Food Network's Guy Fieri
Price: $76
Is your man a chef — or at least pretends to be? Get him the perfect present for any foodie: An 8-inch blade made of high carbon German stainless steel. Other features also provide strength and ensure smooth slices. And it's approved by the Food Network's celebrity chef Guy Fieri, no less.
Slideshow: Celebrity daddies
8.
Price: $35
Like a baby monitor for your dinner, this wireless set's baster-like probe sends updates to a hand receiver containing a database of temperature settings for several types of poultry and meat. The receiver audibly alerts you when the desired temp's reached.
9. Straight razor
Price: $135
There are certain gifts that a guy can't wait to show their friends, I call them "guy gifts" — they may never use it, but love talking about it. He may never use it, but just knowing it's there will make him feel manly.
10. Diaper bag from Diaper Dude
Price: $65
Dads love dragons — they're not super excited about the pink flower motifs that mostly emblazon diaper bags. But Diaper Dude's Diaper Bag looks manly — like a messenger bag — and includes three separate compartments for bottles, wipes and diapers. It's also an apparent favorite of Brad Pitt!
11. Military-quality marching compass
Price: $8
Many men are content to drive for hours hoping their tracking instinct will eventually guide them to the correct destination. But with this compass, the whole family wins! No more endless circling!
© 2013 MSNBC Interactive. Reprints
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