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.

3. Dad wants... the personal touch
'We have a chocolate mould that says 'I love my daddy'. The kids and I pour melted chocolate into that, then later decorate the chocs with sweets and icing.'
poppett

'A few things that the children and I have done for their dad include: writing a poem about dads and framing it alongside pics of the kids; a canvas covered with the kids' painted handprints; and made a 'best dad' certificate.'
smitty

Dads with young kids are bound to appreciate the effort that goes into making something special. If you want to try your hand at home-made chocolates, check out the range of moulds at www.homechocolatefactory.com You could make some chocs that relate to one of his hobbies - a golf caddie and balls, for example. Or spell out a message with the alphabet moulds. There's even a tool box - and if he's anything like most dads, he'll be glad to receive a hammer and chisel he can eat, rather than ones he's expected to do DIY with.

Chocolates aside, there are plenty of other gifts you could make for Father's Day. Fancy the handprint idea? You could visit your local pottery cafe to make handprint mugs or plates - or send off for the Baby Feet At Home kit, price £29 from www.pottery-cafe.com. And if you want a gift for your own dad, why not frame an old photograph of the two of you together - such as a childhood holiday snap.

4. Dad wants... an adrenaline rush
'My sons had a really great idea of sending their daddy on a driving day - we found an awesome one, too. Driving a monster truck!'
ambientbreeze

No matter how old he is, chances are dad has a few unfulfilled ambitions left inside him - whether it's to be James Bond for a day or drive a racing car. Several companies now pride themselves on being able to find the perfect gift. Take your pick from a day at a spy academy, a pleasure flight over London or an indoor bungee jump: go to www.redletterdays.co.uk or www.daystoamaze.co.uk for details.

5. Dad wants... a family gathering
'We're having our son christened on 18 June. We didn't realise it at the time it was booked, but we think it will be the perfect first Father's Day.'
rach