by Nicole Caminiti

Created on: May 27, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

Let's face it, the days of buying Dad an obnoxious tie, boxer shorts and cheap cologne are so over. With great internet sites and unique stores on every corner, the options for Father's Day gifts are truly endless. And with today's bleak economy, great gifts can be found for around $20.

Here's a list of cool and creative ideas for Father's Day gifts priced at around 20 bucks and up:

GIFT BASKETS

Put together a tasty basket of treats from Trader Joe's. Fill it up with cashews, pistachios, and spicy trail mixes. Throw in some tangy salsa and lime chips, or a pasta blend and vodka sauce. Add a six pack of beer from around the world, and your Dad will surely be pleased with this yummy gift.

If there's not a Trader Joe's in your vicinity, you can create an edible ensemble from your local Target store. Target's popular brand, Archer Farms, features dozens of yummy concoctions. Fill a basket with biscotti, trail mix, nuts, chocolates, dried fruits, cookies, gourmet pretzels, pastas, caramel clusters, cereals, and more. Most of the Archer Farm products are priced right around $5 and are handsomely packaged.

A HOMEMADE CD

Create a CD this Father's Day for under $20. Ask Dad to make a list of his top favorite tunes and then sign up on Bearshare.com to browse and buy from their massive selection of songs. A monthly membership costs around $10 while downloading certain songs can range in price from 99 cents and up. And there are tons of downloads that can be burned to a CD at no additional cost. Burnable CD's can be purchased at Office Max for a few dollars.

PHOTO GIFTS

Snapfish.com is a great website for uploading and ordering digital prints. They also have a great selection of photo gifts perfect for Father's Day. Make Dad a mouse pad, coffee mug or calendar collage of favorite family pictures. Each option costs around $20 including shipping. You can also create a personalized Father's Day card with your prized photos for just a few bucks.

ICE CREAM

Go to your local Oberweis store and purchase the ultimate Father's Day Gift for dads with a sweet tooth. Oberweis offers a shake of the month club for $37.50, and a cone of the month club for just $19.99. Your Dad will be able to come into the shop every month of the year for his tasty treat! If you were to buy a shake or cone every month without this nifty program, it would cost you between $30 and $72. You can also buy Dad a Moola gift card which comes in increments of $5.

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