If you're a dad then I extend a virtual Hi-5 to you, and I hope this Father's Day is a meaningful recognition for the hard work and love you've invested in your family!

Father's Day is translated "King for the Day" in my family, just like Mother's Day is "Queen for the Day". I get to choose whatever I'd like to do with the family that day, and the wife and kids make a big effort to show me their love through gifts, cards, hugs, and attention. I look forward to these days far more than even Christmas!

Father's Day was first observed back in the early 1900s, and is celebrated worldwide by numerous countries. It celebrates fatherhood and parenting by males; honoring and commemorating both fathers and forefathers.

Electronics, tools, sports equipment and apparel are usually happily accepted gifts for dads, and this year I'm looking forward to choosing a new lawn mower. Another great gift idea is a camera cell phone, like the black Motorola Razr that I rated my favorite dad gadget in an earlier post.

What's on your gift list? Does your family ask you for ideas, or do they completely surprise you?

Men, we have about one month to start planning a romantic experience for our wives.

Your mission, should you accept it, is to plan an event and gift(s) that will communicate to your wife that she's special and cherished by you. Yep, remember that part in your wedding vow long ago where you promised "to love and to cherish..."? It's time to step up to the plate and deliver.

Here are a few ideas to put on your planning checklist, and please leave a reply with any other ideas you have:

• Gift(s) - For Valentine's Day we'll need a gift that's romantic, meaningful, or intimate.
  

You can score big this year with your wife by planning ahead and ordering early while there's still time for shipping before Christmas hits. One way to keep it a surprise is to ship gifts to your work address and then hide them in your desk, car trunk, or garage until the 24th arrives.

Here are some gift ideas (and please feel free to add a suggestion of your own):

• Cell phone with a built-in camera - I just bought new ones for my wife and I yesterday, and here's the link I used to get them both for free through a special deal that Cingular is running right now - Free Motorola RAZR V3. Each phone came with a free BlueTooth headset, and they let us keep our current phone numbers. Pretty sweet deal!
  

• KitchenAid stand mixer for your wife (many women love these!). Here's a link for a free cookbook with your purchase or a $20 cash rebate.