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What dads really want for Father's Day

Dads are notoriously difficult to buy for - which is why many of them end up with vast collections of novelty socks and soap-on-a-ropes. Thankfully, behind most great dads, there's a great mum or daughter who knows exactly what he`d like. So courtesy of mums and daughters from our message boards, here are five great ideas to make 18 June really special

1. Dad wants... England to win the World Cup
'My sons and I have been plotting what to get their dad. He's very difficult to buy for and very good at guessing what's inside before he's even opened it. He's football-crazy - so we're thinking of buying him a personalised book about his favourite team.'
ambientbreeze

OK, so you can't fix it for England to win the World Cup - but you can indulge Dad's passion for footie by buying him an unusual gift. If he's really into his club, chances are he's already got the team shirt. However, you could get him a personalised history of his favourite team from Prezzybox, price £39.95. The hardback book contains all the key newspaper reports from the past 100 years about a selected team - and has a gold embossed dedication on the front. For more details, go to www.prezzybox.com.

Alternatively, why not get him an inflatable referee costume, price £34.95 - so he can look the part when he's shouting 'Offside!' at the TV during Brazil vs. Australia and France vs. South Korea on 18 June. To find out more, go to www.prezzybox.com.

2. Dad wants... the perfect garden
'I think some seeds would be a great idea - or a planter filled with flowers that you or the kids have grown yourselves. Herbs would be particularly good, as you could use them in a special Father's Day meal. A tree is a fab idea too - especially for younger kids, as it's a present that will be there for years to come.'
shirlz

If dad's a keen gardener, seeds or plants are a brilliant idea for Father's Day. Most big garden centres and nurseries have their own websites, so you can browse them for ideas before you buy. Try Clifton Nurseries, Wyevale Garden Centres or Polhill Garden Centre. Or to find a garden centre near you, use the Garden Centre Association's search facility.

Alternatively, if your dad enjoys woodland walks or is a keen conservationist, you could get a tree planted on his behalf. The National Forest's Plant A Tree scheme offers a personalised certificate and invitation to a tree-planting event for £25. For details, go to www.nationalforest.org. Or from just £10, you can dedicate a UK tree to your dad, through the Woodland Trust: for more information, visit www.woodland-trust.org.

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