Go ahead, make Dad’s day.

This Father’s Day, try something fun, something unique, something he wouldn’t buy for himself. And by that, I don’t mean another tie, a picture frame or boxed handkerchiefs. What’s novel about blowing your nose?

No, I’m talking tools and grill goodies and little luxuries.

Now, most do-it-yourself dads have all the tools they need. Why not treat him to something he covets? If he loves woodworking, you can’t beat Lie-Nielsen Toolworks’ hand planes, which range from $65 to $350. Better yet, they’re made in Maine.

If, in the words of Tim the tool man Taylor, he’s into “more power,” get him an 18-volt cordless drill (I like DeWalt’s, which costs $199. Visit www.DeWalt.com for nearby retailers). Or, if he truly has everything, get him a tool chest so he can store it all – check Sears for a range of Craftsman chests and cabinets starting under $100.

My father is more interested in tools for the grill, and what a selection there is! Tools, brushes, skillets and baskets abound at Bed Bath & Beyond. The clip-on grill light is a bright idea, especially for those after-dark barbecues. Visit Brookstone.com for a deluxe model, or, a little closer to home, try the $29.99 stainless steel lamp at The Home Depot.

Although it’s a little like expecting Dad to ask for directions, a grilling cookbook is never a bad idea. There are plenty of good titles out there – “Weber’s Big Book of Grilling,” “The Cook’s Illustrated Guide to Grilling and Barbecue” and “Bobby Flay’s Boy Meets Grill,” to name a few. For the man who has everything, consider the monogrammed steak brand, $39.95 at Williams-Sonoma.com.

Of course, Dad may just rather chill out. In which case, I recommend a hammock. The new Amazonas hammocks from Byer of Maine are colorful, summery and affordable – they start around $50. You can find them at the Byer factory store on Mill Street in Orono, at Renys in Ellsworth or visit www.byerofmaine.com for online retailers.

For the active father, a gift certificate to a shoe store (for a great pair of hiking boots) and a map of hiking trails from The Map Store in Old Town makes a good combo. If you’re on a tight budget, check out the selection of portable coolers at Marden’s – the backpack cooler is perfect for dads on the go, and at $7.99, you can’t go wrong. For fathers who are really on the go – to, say, Europe, California and Boston on business – L.L. Bean’s personal organizers will make his trips a little more manageable (and a monogram will make it a little more personal). They start at $19 and are available at LLBean.com or by calling 800-809-7057.

Want to give your father or husband an experience he’ll never forget? How about a day trip to Portland for a Sea Dogs game? I’d suggest Boston, but scoring affordable tickets to a Sox game is nearly impossible these days.

Some dads confine their adventures to the living room, and that’s OK, too. For the TV aficionado, try the handsome, wooden remote control organizer (with room for the TV Guide), $24.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond. If he fancies himself a bit of a card shark, you could splurge on a poker set, but you don’t have to – Marden’s has a nice set of chips and cards on a wooden lazy Susan for $12.99, and they look like they cost much more than that.

It’s always the thought that counts, and in some cases, the thought may be more valuable than any material possession. One dad I know said his ideal Father’s Day gift would be a little bit of time to himself.

Did you hear that, moms? Make him breakfast, hand him the remote and take the kids out for a while. It could be the easiest, least expensive gift yet.

ShopNotes

. Looking for a good read? Front Porch Books, a used bookstore at 67 Pine St. in Orono, will hold an open house from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18.

. After visiting Blue Seal Feeds & Needs in Bangor this week, I felt the need to write an addition to two recent columns. First, Blue Seal has the widest selection of vegetable and flower seeds I’ve seen in the area, and the prices are on par. After searching high and low for scarlet runner beans, I found them there. Second, the selection of pet products matches some of the much larger shops in Bangor. Go. Be surprised. Buy a pair of Dansko clogs. And don’t forget to check out the baby animals.

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.