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Father's Day Gift Buying Guide

Father's Day…when families around the nation show appreciation for all their Dads' hard work and love with the PERFECT Father's Day gift. No pressure right?

If your Dad doesn't need another tie or tool belt and you're finding it impossible to locate the perfect gift for the father who has everything, rest assured, we can HELP!

You know your Dad the best, so just take a minute to figure out what "type" of Dad you have and these gifts should be the perfect fit.

By, Christian Kendzierski

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credit: Staples, Monster Cable Products Inc., KIWI Choice Inc., Staples

Techy Dad

For the guy who likes gadgets, spends much of his day with his head in his mobile device and has a tendency to drop things, these are perfect to keep your Dad plugged-in. 

Dell Streak 7 Android Tablet ($399.98) – View the web without having to sacrifice all the bells and whistles. This 7" multi-touch display can use WiFi to 4G with Full Adobe Flash 10.1 pre-installed. Use for games, videos, emailing, video-chat and e-reading. With 16GB of storage and a battery that will keep the kids occupied on the next road trip, it's a great find for Dad.

Beats by Dr. Dre, SOLO headphones ($179.99) – Wrap Dad's head around these high performance headphones that deliver incredible sound. Their lightweight, durable and quick fold-up design, make for easy travel. Beats also features a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and online chats and are compatible with the iPhone, iPod and iPad.

Kiwi U-Powered ($59.99) – Keep 'em charged from anywhere. Try this solar-powered and portable charger for all of your mobile gadgets from any power source: USB port, car charger, solar energy and wall charger. Best of all it's compatible with all of your mobile devices.

M-Leisure Jacket ($34.99) – Don't have Dad thinking twice about taking his Kindle or Borders Kobo on any adventure without the M-Edge Latitude Jacket to protect his device. The nylon and canvas exterior along with a cushioned interior will keep his reading safe from the elements.

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credit: Bikram Yoga, Under Armour, Merrell Shoes, The Gear Group, Polar Electro

Sporty Dad

If your Dad jogs, walks or trail-hikes and is looking for the newest trend in foot gear or wants to try something new for exercise, while wearing the latest clothes to keep him comfortable, these ideas should work-out perfectly.

Merrell's® Men's Barefoot Trail Glove ($110.00) - As close to barefoot running as it gets these athletic shoes offer just enough protection from sticks and stones and fit like a glove. The mesh top provides breathability while synthetic leather to gives the right amount of stability. Dad won't want to take these off, because he wont's even know he's wearing them!

Under Armour UA Charged Cotton™ SS T-shirt ($24.99) – This innovative fabric lets Dad keep the feel of his favorite cotton t-shirt while enjoying moisture-wicking away technology. Fibers that dry 5x faster than your typical t-shirt. It will stand up to the gym, out doors or a Saturday loafing in comfort.

Diaper Vest – Wearable Diaper Bag ($80.00) – Go incognito! No need to carry a bag, this vest carries all the baby-essentials for you – even the changing pad! No one will guess he's also carrying wipes, bottles and diapers. There's even room for Dad's necessities like his cell phone and mp3 player.

Bikram Yoga ($20.00 for introduction week) - For a interesting twist on the tried and true ancient practice of yoga, Bikram Yoga offers your Dad 90 minutes of rigorous exercise while sweating out toxins and gaining flexibility. Pro athletes and Dads all around the world are jumping into this fitness trend.

Polar ft60 ($219.95) A personal trainer in a watch? This wrist monitor will keep your Dad on course with weekly training programs, progress reports and even gives feedback on workouts. Choose from 3 different designs.

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credit: MLB, iTunes, iTunes, iTunes

Apps-obsessed Dad

When you think about all of your Dad's favorite things, its likely there is an app for it and often at a great price, some are even free!

Major League Baseball App ($14.99)– No need to stay close to the radio to catch the game. It's simple to follow a favorite team to scores, stats, games and LIVE video on your iPhone or iPod touch.

CBS Fantasy Football (free) – Quite possibly the best present ever – and it's free! Give Dad something that keeps football going all year-long. With this app, he has access to the latest news, NFL scores, play-by-plays, videos, even the latest information on his fantasy football team.

Golf Genie Practice Drills PRO App ($2.99) – A golfer's game can always use improvement, just ask your Dad. With the Genie he can master his swing while he is golfing. This app is simple to navigate with clear images showing your Dad techniques to up his game!

Speedometer v1.1 ($1.99) – How fast is Dad really going? This easy to read and accurate speedometer will help him track his speed while biking his favorite trail or pulling his kids in their red wagon.

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credit: Dixon Golf, Green Culture Inc., Cowboy Charcoal Co., Macy's

Eco-friendly Dad

Dads who make green-living a way of life or just like to buy earth-minded products will find these gifts practical and safe for the environment while making him smell pleasant too!

Dixon Earth Golf Balls ($39.95)– Show Dad what he's made of with these golf balls made of 100% recycled materials. They come in 3 different styles to match your Dad's skills: Dixon Earth, Dixon Wind, Dixon Fire.

Cowboy® Charcoal 8.8lb bag ($8.99) – All fathers find their majesty when standing next to a hot grill, so give your Dad eco-peace of mind with 100% natural charcoal with no added chemicals. Cowboy lights quickly, without toxic fluids and most importantly will leave Dad's steaks, tasting great!

Nautica Oceans men's cologne ($49.00) – Keep your Dad smelling well with this traditional gift of cologne. Oceans' environmentally friendly, biodegradable and water-based formula will soon be your Dad's favorite…he will be asking for it every year!

Christian Kendzierski, the youngest of five kids, has become an expert at picking out the perfect gadgets for his dad. He spends most of his time as a media specialist at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland. He also works as a freelance writer and lives in Baltimore. See what's going in his world, by following him at @ck1media.

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