Washington, D.C. - June 03, 2008

World’s Best Dad

2008 Father’s Day Gift Guide

He may not be the coolest, funniest, or most smartly dressed guy, but he’s Dad and he deserves the best. So help the old man out.

Though he’s not up on what’s in this season, Pops knows that RFK Stadium is so last season. Reward that knowledge with retro cuff links made from seats at the old arena. Leave it to him to make orange cool again (Après Peau, 1430 K Street NW; 202-783-0022).

He’s a gadget hound, but he’s also a scatterbrain. Help him keep tabs on his trinkets with iFound. The tiny sticker or tag can be affixed to his cell, camera, laptop, luggage, even a dog. Once he misplaces something, whoever finds it can ring a toll-free number, which will call Dad’s three contact numbers. He can update them as often as he travels or moves (with a little reminding from you, of course).

He’s no Tiger Woods, but his achy back deserves some professional care. Get him to the Spa Minérale at Lansdowne for a golfers’ massage, which works the back and muscles most used in golf to improve flexibility and ease tension — so he’ll have no excuse for that double bogey (44050 Woodridge Parkway; 703-729-4036).

Instead of jet-setting, he steered the family station wagon across the country, quizzing you kids on state flowers, mottos, and birds. Commemorate the good old days with cookie cutters from Hill’s Kitchen. The new cooking supply shop has a cutter for every state and the District (713 D Street SE).

An astrophysicist Dad is not, but you can send his name into space as part of NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Visit the project website before June 27 to add his name to the microchip that will circle the moon and print a neat certificate of participation.

Though he’s no Washington bigwig, dad belongs on top of the world. Treat him to an overnight stay at the new Donovan House, where he can tower over the rest of Washington from a chaise at the rooftop pool (1155 14th Street NW; 800-383-6900).

He loves the call of the wild, so put together a team of rangers and visit Maryland’s six state parks in the first Park Quest Adventure. Register a team and receive your assignment of activities like scavenger hunts and fishing. Complete all tasks by July 20, and Dad could win a bike, boat, or camping trip.

That should puff Daddy right up.

To pile on even more presents, check out the other guides .