Columnist Muriel Stevens: Dad doesn’t like to be tied down

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | 8:21 a.m.

Remember when giving Dad a tie on Father's Day was a big deal? Not anymore. Dad wants to be pampered just like Mom.

Consider gift certificates to day spas, golf courses and trendy men's shops. Make certain that any gift cards you buy do not charge a fee if the card isn't used by a certain date. There ought to be a law against such legal, but shady, practices.

Porsche for Dad: Dad or a grad would be mad about an exclusive gift from the name that makes male hearts beat faster: Porsche.

Porsche Design sunglasses are cool. Four new sunglass designs are offered this season, including a pair of "foldable" sunglasses with an exceptional folding mechanism that allows them to go completely flat when folded. Price range for these intriguing specs is $185 to $325.

Porsche Design small leather goods features a selection of briefcases and document cases as well as wallets, credit card holders, key cases and adjustable-length belts.

Writing tools, accessories for smokers, elegant watches and luggage are all part of the collection.

Look for Porsche Design products in high-end department stores, exclusive retail shops and exclusive specialty stores.

Givenchy and Guerlain for Dad: Spoil Dad with one of three gift packages from the venerable houses of Givenchy and Guerlain.

L'Instant de Guerlain Pour Homme by Guerlain is the newest Guerlain fragrance for men. A gift package that includes eau de toilette and a deodorant stick valued at $73 is $58. It is available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillards.

Two other value-priced packages -- Givenchy Pour Homme Blue Label ($52) and Pi ($55) -- are available at Macy's, Dillard's and Robinsons-May.

Free standard shipping from Red Envelope: Order exclusive gifts for Dad from Red Envelope's Father's Day catalog by June 7 and receive free standard shipping on orders over $80 per shipping address.

Among the many gifts exclusive to Red Envelope are a "magic" wallet ($25). The design originated in France to help waiters secure their money. Sleek brushed nickel accessories boxes have see-through lids, multiple sections and are handsome enough to be used as display cases. Two sizes ($45-$60).

Game aficionados will have a ball with the horseshoe set ($75). Included are two brass and two chrome-plated cast-iron horseshoes. The stakes are also chrome plated. A rope-handled wooden crate is included.

A bocce set ($65) includes chrome-finish playing balls, one brass target ball and instructions. And just in case Dad isn't up on bocce trivia, pass this tidbit along: Bocce was invented by the game-loving Greeks, but it was the Italians who put their imprint on it.

One of the wildest gifts is the barbecue belt ($40) designed for grill-crazy dads. This is the ultimate tool belt. This barbecue version keeps all the seasonings, sauces and tools right at hand. There's even a holder for a can of beer or a soft drink. One caveat: It fits a maximum waist size of 47 inches.

There are many exclusive gifts for grads. My favorite is the graduate's tassel frame ($50). The quality frame includes acid-free matte board and an engraved 2005 tassel peg. A lasting memory of the special day.