We love our dads, but there’s no denying that they can be extremely difficult to shop for. If you’re like many people, you have the same, less than helpful conversation with your father figure every year:

“What do you want for Father’s Day?”

“I don’t know. You really don’t have to get me anything.”

Thanks, Dad.

Assuming that you’re not going to follow his advice and abstain from gift-giving, you’re probably looking for a few ideas. Keep reading for some hints on finding a great Father’s Day gift for the father figure in your life.

Kids Make the Best Handmade Gifts

Okay, if we’re willing, to be honest, that’s not entirely true, but it’s the thought that counts. Dads with young children generally love receiving drawings, homemade jewelry constructed of various beads and noodles, and anything with an unreasonable amount of glitter. If you have little ones, then give them a few art supplies and let their creative juices flow.

But That Only Lasts for So Long

Unless your offspring is the next da Vinci or has a particular flair for a specific art discipline, those homemade gifts usually lose their charm once puberty hits. In other words, you’ve got a few years to get some mileage out of the cuteness, and then you’re back to Square 1.

What is Square 1, you ask? Well…

Think Electronics, Not Neckties

Maybe your own father is perfectly content with the classic standbys, such as neckties or clothing. If that’s the case, though, then he’s in the minority (or is telling you a kind lie). A survey that was conducted by DealNews just a couple of years showed that most dads don’t prefer these types of gifts at all. In fact, of the 2,634 men that were surveyed, only two of them actually enjoyed receiving ties.

So what’s your alternative to those old standbys? Take a look at the latest gadgets and electronics that are available. From cool smartphone-enabled Bluetooth grill thermometers to home automation accessories, you’ve got a lot of awesome gift ideas to choose from. Basically, if it runs on a battery and will make Dad’s life easier, it’s probably going to be a hit.

When In Doubt, Go With a Gift Certificate

We’ve sung the praises of gift certificates before, and we think they make the perfect Father’s Day gift. They can be redeemed for a variety of unique pieces of art, from framed prints to our one-of-a-kind wooden art. No matter your Dad’s style, he’ll find something he loves in our online shop.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Phone Call

According to the survey, the older the father is, the less he cares about receiving a gift. That doesn’t mean that you’re off the hook, though. Even if you’re too far away to pay your dad a visit on Father’s Day, a phone conversation or video chat is a great gift that will remind him just how loved and appreciated he is.

Don’t let June 18th sneak up on you and leave you dashing to the nearest department store to find a tie in a shade of blue that Dad doesn’t already own. Follow these few tips to give a Father’s Day gift that your dad won’t even have to pretend to like!