Columnist Muriel Stevens: Plenty of ideas for Father’s Day

Wednesday, June 7, 2000 | 8:50 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@lasvegassun.com or 259-4080.

If you haven't yet shopped for Father's Day be assured there are plenty of things to buy. Of course, if Dad has a special interest or a hobby shopping for him will be much easier. Just don't buy him a tie!

Shops such as Sharper Image and Brookstone have all kinds of gadgets and widgets that men like. The "toys" for big boys that these stores sell are always a hit. The men's shop at Neiman Marcus in the Fashion Show has a terrific number of accessories and gift items in a wide range of prices.

It's not easy to shop for men. They rarely give clues as to what they want. If Dad is a golfer or tennis player, head for the nearest sporting goods stores. They stock hundreds of items that could make up a great gift basket. For the golfer: golf balls, tees, videos that show how to improve his game, and all other gadgets. Gather up similar items for the tennis player. Kids love to help with these projects.

The Bombay stores offer unusual items at value prices and the quality is good. There's a Bombay store in the Boulevard mall that I very much like. The current catalog (sent regularly after a purchase is made) has a number of interesting items on sale: a Mahogany-finished pen, letter opener and magnifying glass set is $29.

A Sir Hawthorne the Hound chair and side table is a practical and humorous gift. The molded resin hound's mouth holds a mahogany-finish shelf ($119). No pats on the head or walks are required, and check out the the antique cherry-finished valet ($119).

Catalogs are available at the Bombay stores along with the merchandise.

There's still plenty of time to shop the Internet or buy by catalog. Both choices offer fast delivery.

One of my favorite catalogs for men's gifts is Hammacher Schlemmer. I always visit the 57th Street store when I'm in New York City. They have the best gadgets. No bargains, but plenty of exclusive stuff. How about a Total Fitness machine at $12,499.95 -- shipping charges $750. No? OK, how about a hand-held, two-mile spotlight that "penetrates darkness" even through rain, fog or smoke ($49.95).

Certain to please Dad is a radio-controlled desktop clock and weather station ($99.95). This cordless wonder uses microchip technology to let you monitor time and a sensor for the weather. The clock is controlled by radio waves set to the U.S. Department of Commerce atomic clock in Boulder, Colo. It's said to be the most accurate clock in the country.

Set the clock once and it will automatically set itself, even allowing for daylight-saving time. It displays the time on an LCD screen, in any one of the four U.S. time zones, plus the day and the year.

The remote weather station sensor can be placed indoors or out. Of course, this fascinating clock and weather station has other features as well.

To order an HS catalog or any gift call (800) 543-3366 or visit the website -- www.hammacher.com.

Some gifts cost little. Let the kids shine all of dad's shoes (not the sneakers). Give dad the television remote and tell him it's his for the night and let him change channels as often as he likes.

Or do the unexpected and cook dinner for him. You'll make his day.