The limitations of Father’s Day gift-giving are many. For starters, how many ties does your dad need? Then there’s the whole what-if-he-doesn’t-like-it factor. But the worst is the week-before buy, in which Dad purchases the exact gift you had planned to give him a week before the big day.

That has always been a problem in our household, much to my mother’s chagrin.

I have a sure-fire gift idea this year, something Dad would never think of. But since he reads this paper, I won’t reveal the surprise, for fear that he may just go out and pick one up. Instead, I’ve come up with a bevy of original options that will make your dad’s day. Ties need not apply.

When I asked dads around the office what their ideal gift would be, the resounding choice was tools. Nothing says “I love you” like power tools.

“You can’t go wrong with a Sawzall,” according to our executive editor, Mark Woodward.

Or, in generic terms, a reciprocating saw. As its name would suggest, it cuts through anything, from metal bars to deck posts. Most dads can’t get enough of this stuff, and if you buy your father one (expect to pay about $110 – I found a 9 amp DeWalt reciprocating saw at Park’s Hardware in Orono for $119), you could easily become the favorite child.

If you’re going to buy tools, whether it’s a hammer, a level or a drill, you may be tempted to go to the Home Depot or some other big box store. ShopGirl advises otherwise. In almost every case, I have found better prices on everything from nails to nail guns at my local hardware store and lumber yard (Park’s in Orono and Stillwater Lumber in Old Town, respectively, but this holds true for other small-town shops as well). Plus, the crowds aren’t unbearable.

Another must-have is a Leatherman, or some other brand of multitool. It’s the MacGyver of gifts. Plus, it won’t set you back too much – anywhere from $20 to $60. If he’s a biker, you can get a bike-specific multitool at Rose Bike in Orono for $19.99. If he’s a camper or a hiker, try the Leatherman at Epic Sports in Bangor for $58, or the Gerber tool for $59.99. If he’s a golfer, the Swiss Army golf knife at Epic is the perfect choice. If it’s bargains you’re after, check out the Campmor or Sierra Trading Post Web sites at www.campmor.com or www.sierratradingpost.com.

For the outdoorsman, there is no shortage of gift ideas. You know he’ll never ask for directions, so do him a favor and buy him an atlas, or, better yet, a book of “Maine’s Best Foot Trails” or “Bike Tours in Maine” at the Map Store in Old Town. He’ll love the “Carabeamer” key chain, too – part carabiner, part flashlight, for $6.95. Or, you could head next door to Johnson Outdoors, where you can pick up a new Nalgene bottle for $7.99 – tell him you care by keeping him hydrated – and a Byer camp chair for $19.99 so he can sit back and relax.

One of the most innovative things I found on my gift search was the bug-proof gear by Ex-Officio at Epic Sports. The fabric is treated with a natural, odorless insect repellent. It won’t wash off, and it provides protection from mosquitoes, blackflies and other pests. Dad will love the convertible pants, which zip off at the knees to become shorts. They cost about $78, but all clothing is 20 percent off right now.

If dad’s idea of a perfect weekend is more back yard than back country, he’d love to kick back and swing in a hammock. I like the striped model at World Over Imports for $49.99. You can pick up a deluxe two-person model at walmart.com for $139.99 if you want to splurge, or buy a hammock and stand at crateandbarrel.com for $109 and $119 respectively.

Grilling is always thrilling, at least at my dad’s house. Chances are, he already has a grill, so get him some accessories. I like the Smart Fork from Bed Bath & Beyond. It tells you the temperature of the meat, and it has a timer, too, so dad will never have to deal with burned burgers again. Bed Bath & Beyond also had a wonderful selection of less technical spatulas, forks, grill brushes and tongs starting at $4.99.

But sometimes, even grilling is too much. One dad I spoke with said his ideal father’s day gift would be “a remote, something to drink, and silence.” The remote part is easy; you can pick one up at Best Buy, Kmart, Sears or Wal-Mart, usually for under $10. The drink is simple, too; a cool glass of lemonade or a frosty beer will hit the spot. But the silence might be a little tough, because what kid doesn’t want to hang around with dad – especially on Father’s Day.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.