Going Local: 10 Father's Day Gift Ideas In and Around Fair Oaks

It's been said that the best gift one can bestow on Father's Day is the gift of solitude. To give him the day to himself, alone, free of responsiblity and the fervor that accompanies Hallmark holidays.

While that's certainly thoughtful, most fathers would probably appreciate a bit more thought and effort. For those last-minute gift ideas, the following is a compilation of ways to say "I love you" by treating you father – or significant other – to something special. And most are in or nearby Fair Oaks:  

The gift of health: A healthy, active father is more likely to be around during those later years, so what better way to show him you care than providing the path. Fair Oaks boasts several gyms and fitness facilities, such as , , , , and . Get him a membership or a month pass, depending on the business' options, and soon enough he'll be off the couch and in shape.

The gift of motivation: Have a dad who's already a health nut, who exercises regularly and has more running shorts than slacks? Well, he probably needs another pair, or if not, a new pair of running shoes or socks.  is the go-to shop for the dedicated athlete. Support his quest to stay healthy and happy with a gift certificate or a nice outfit.

The gift of insight: For the bookworm dads out there, there's nothing better than a gift certificate to his favorite book store or a copy of that one novel he's been itching to read. And if you're on a slim budget, some stores exchange used books for store credit, which you can hand right over to him. Check out  for a selection of used books or grab a gift certificate.

The gift of self-reliance: Fathers, and many men, enjoy DIY projects around the house. And who doesn't enjoy the money saved by not hiring an expensive repairman? Get him the tools he's been pining over, or a gift certificate so he can choose his own gift.  is an ideal spot to poke around for a gift or let him do so himself.

The gift of variety: Restaurants typically aren't the zoo that they are on Mothers Day, so taking pops out for a treat may be an easy task. And if he's an adventurous eater, sushi is a great way of showing your appreciation! Fair Oaks has several choices for Japanese cuisine, including the popular , , , , and .

The gift of convenience: While it's nice to go out and dine on special occasions, some dads are just as happy staying at home. But not on an empty stomach! Several pizza joints deliver their pies to your door, and include  and . And if pizza isn't his thing,  delivers belly-warming dishes as well.

The gift of life: Plants are the perfect gift for anyone, on any occasion. Their mere presence elicits a sense of connection, joy and calm. And depending on the plant, upkeep is fairly minimal. You can challenge your dad with a Bonsai tree, or treat him with an edible fruit tree to plant, gardening tools or a gift certificate. The Fair Oaks Boulevard Nursery and Capital Nursery are great places to start.

The gift of laughter: Charlie Chaplin once said, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." Share some fun and grab some food at Tommy T's Comedy and Dinner Theatre this weekend with comedian Maronzio Vance. Victor Borge, a Danish comedian, famously said, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." So get your laugh on! 

The gift of reliability: Vehicles can be expensive to maintain, but worth the investment before something goes kerplunk. Get your father his car's next oil change, a tune-up, a car wash, some snazzy accessories or heck, why not let him shop for himself with a gift certificate? Check out , , , , , and .

The gift of adventure: This weekend is hankering to be a hot one, and floating down the American River with your dad is a great way to give him a little relaxation and adventure. River Rat Raft and Bike is the go-to spot for raft rentals (whitewater, regular rafts or kayaks) and information. They also provide shuttles back for an additional cost. But make reservations and do so early – this could turn out to be a busy river weekend!