Keep the focus on Dad for a simply successful Father's Day

When it comes to holidays, most dads are pretty simple. They don't need a fancy Mother's Day-style affair, with brunches, spas and elaborate gifts, to feel appreciated.

"Father's Day is really a day for the whole family," according to David Bowers, author of the new "Dad's Own Housekeeping Book" (Workman, $10.95), a witty guide for guys.

"The main thing, really, is that you are a dad and you are a father," he said. "You want to be with your family."

You can still pamper Dad on June 18, but do it his way, Bowers says:

• Buy steak for grilling, but let him man the grill.

• Make simple sides like French fries or baked potatoes with great toppings.

• If you have young kids, have them draw on paper to create placemats. If you want to kick up the taste of steak or fish, serve barbecue sauce on the side with the steak, or make a fruit salsa out of your favorite tropical fruit, like mango, papaya or pineapple, for the fish, suggests Renee Schettler, food editor at Real Simple magazine. Add finely chopped red onion, lime juice and cilantro or mint to the salsa. That way, Dad can choose to add flavors at the end or stick with his plain steak.

Think about making a batch of his favorite dessert, like brownies, or buy treats from his favorite bakery. If he likes pies, make two, and tell him one is just for him, Schettler said.

Shop for the food and clean up afterward, especially if that's his regular chore.

Schettler warns that it's not the time to try new recipes or a fancy dessert.

"It's not, 'Oh my God, he's so hard to please,' " she said. "He's actually really easy to please. It's just stepping outside of what you want to do and doing what means a lot to him."

Dad outings

Some fathers would be equally pleased with a trip to the park or a meal out. It's about acknowledging or thanking Dad, said Michael Cannell, home director at Real Simple.

"It's true that all of us do have these hectic lives driven by work responsibilities, errands and chores, and it is all too easy to let those things eclipse time with our families," he said. "The real value may lie in institutionalizing a day in which the family can come together and actually sit down together for dinner."

Gifts for Dad

Making most dads happy on Father's Day — whether with food or an event — is pretty straightforward. But for many families, the day won't feel complete without a great gift for him. The best gifts appeal to hobbies, like fishing or grilling, or sports. Here are a few suggestions for those who need some last-minute ideas:

A subscription to satellite radio. He can listen to Bob Dylan host his new show or to shock-jock Howard Stern, depending on which service you subscribe to. Learn more at www.xmradio.com or www.sirius.com.

Stovetop grill. This indoor grill lets you make steak on the kitchen counter. It's ideal for those so obsessed, they must grill through winter — or those in condos that restrict grilling on the balcony ($99.95 for a cast-aluminum indoor grill at Williams-Sonoma, www.williams-sonoma.com).

Rotisserie. Add to his grilling techniques with a rotisserie that will result in perfectly juicy, crisp chicken ($99.99 for a Weber basket-style rotisserie at Target, www.target.com).

Handheld games. Keep him entertained with these affordable game units, including Texas Hold 'Em, the New York Times crossword puzzle, Solitaire or Sudoku ($20-$99 at Brookstone, www.brookstone.com).

GPS unit. Whether he's a runner, hiker or just a gadget-fiend, he'll love tracking trips with a GPS (several styles available at REI, www.rei.com).

Sports tickets. Get him tickets to see his favorite team play. Tell him to go with a buddy and have a great time.

Smoker. A grill fanatic will love this twist on outdoor cooking — he'll soon be producing delicious ribs or smoked salmon for the whole family ($199 for a Weber "Smokey Mountain" Charcoal Cooker-Smoker at Wal-Mart, www.walmart.com).

Nicole Tsong: 206-464-2150 or ntsong@seattletimes.com