Sure, your dad needs a new pack of dark socks, but is that what he really wants for Father’s Day? Is he eagerly awaiting tearing open the wrapping paper to find yet another coffee mug? Dads have been enduring these lifeless gifts for too long, and it’s time we got some new ideas.

Father’s Day presents don’t have to be expensive to be appreciated. Although your dad might want a waterproof shower radio, he could be just as happy with a container full of homemade cookies.

Before you spend half your savings on a Swiss Army Knife, consider making him something by hand. There are many ideas for homemade presents on the internet, including: framed collages, personalized calendars or photo albums, hand-painted T shirts, or a slideshow of your family’s favorite pictures, burned onto a CD.

Gifts don’t have to be handmade to be inexpensive. For those of us that aren’t so talented in the “arts and crafts” area, there are cheap options you can pick up at stores.

Instead of getting a bland father’s day gift, think about matching the present to his hobbies. If your dad enjoys gardening, try buying him some seed packets, or some tools. If his sport is golfing, some tees and a new bag of golf balls might be just what he wanted.

If you do have some extra money, or have been saving it for this occasion, a wide range of more expensive items are available. Some of the top-selling gifts for last year’s Father’s Day were: Hammocks, leather jackets, dress watches, fishing gear, grill supplies and tickets to baseball or football games. Although these items might be too pricey to purchase on your own, your siblings or mother could pitch in and make the special gift something from the whole family.

Even without a present, you can make Father’s day special for your dad by surprising him with a clean car or garage, or making him a delicious homemade dinner, complete with his favorite food.

Although expensive items are always appreciated, all dads agree: The best gifts come from the heart.