Patch Picks: A Father's Day Gift Guide

Family: The best gift you can give dad is your undivided attention. No gift can compare to sitting down and shooting the breeze with the man who's known you all your life. Time goes by so fast that it's hard to catch up these days. You haven't heard all of "dear ol' dad's" stories--well maybe, but listen anyway. Bring a framed photo of the two of you and reminisce about when it was taken.

Golf: If your dad is the golfing type and you are not, why not give him a run for his money at the Putting Edge Fun Center located at St. Louis Mills? Fun for all ages, this mini course offers glow-in-the-dark golfing. Bring out the kid in him and just have some old-fashioned fun. Even better--on Father's Day, dads play for free. If he'd rather have a little more competition, take him disc golfing at Hazelwood's White Birch Park.

Sweets, As In Being It or Eating It: If dad is getting up there in age, he could probably use some help around the house. Offer your assistance with his car, yard, or anything else you know with which he will need help. But don't ask him because you know he will say he can handle it by himself. Also a good idea for an older generation of fathers is old school candy. There are select places such as Nagles and Cracker Barrel, who offer the selection he was used to as a child. Fill him up a yummy basket and watch his eyes light up as he takes a stroll down memory lane.

 The Gift of Time: Take a trip to Strini's Jewelers , or and choose the perfect pocket watch for your father. These old fashioned pieces have been replaced by wrist watches and cell phones. He'll be sure to love your nostalgia.

Fish: Is your dad always talking about the "one that got away?" Give him the chance to replace the story with  "the one I caught on that Father's Day." Even if he comes up empty handed, at least you spent some quality time bonding. Hazelwood's has a great fishing pond.

Cars: Dad a car junkie? Repay him for all the times he has fixed your tire or reminded you to change your oil. The Kemp Auto Museum has free admission for dads this Sunday or think about taking him to the Kimmswick Auto Show. Enjoy perusing the amazing selection of vehicles they have to view.

Speed: Be dare devils and race the track at the Nascar Speedpark . Give him a run for his money or offer to buy a loaded hot dog at  after you lose.

Fill Me Up: I always suggest themed gift baskets because you can never go wrong with them. No matter what dad is in to, you can make a basket for it. Visit Cabelas for the fisherman--there are lures, string, hats, books, ect. Same is true for the hunter, golfer, mechanic, cigar connoisseur and Cardinals fanatic. If you just can't think of anything, throw together a beer and snack basket with scratch-offs or gift-cards!

Be a Shoe-in: Chances are good that dad could stand a new pair of kicks. Pick him up a nice pair without breaking the bank at the Nike Factory Store. Tell him they're for all the times he's said he used to "walk a mile uphill to school, barefoot, in the snow!"

Plant the Seed: If it's just not possible to see dad this Father's Day then just send a nice card and a plant for his home or office to show you care. Calland ask them to send over a nice "manly" plant such as a Ficus with a golf ball entwined within its trunk.