Father s Day 2009

It's official - Polk County residents will be spending less on Father's Day gifts this year. That is, if they're anything like the consumers polled in a recent survey published by the National Retail Federation and BIGresearch, which found that American consumers plan to spend less on Father's Day gifts this year due to recession-related issues, like gas prices andOften, saving money on gift purchases just requires a little creative planning. Instead of buying dad the latest electronic gadget, try choosing something more personal, like a box of his favorite pastries from Deli Delicacies (4110 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland) or something from his favorite local golf pro-shop. bills.

"The fact of the matter is gas prices are high, grocery bills are increasing and we're entering the summer months when energy prices will also start to increase," said Phil Rist, vice president of Strategy at BIGresearch. "Quality time with family and friends will be important this Father's Day as opposed to larger, more expensive gifts." Here is a guide to 20 other gifts that cost $20 or less, fit to suit dads of all tastes. "A Son of the Game: A Story of Golf, Going Home, and Sharing Life's Lessons" by James Dodson. This new release tells the story of golf writer Dodson, who returns to the golf course in North Carolina where his father first taught him to play golf. The trip not only helps him reconnect with his past, but influences him to teach the game to his own son. (retail price is $24.95 but online booksellers like Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com sell it discounted).

Brighten Dad's morning with a Life is Good coffee mug. These popular mugs branded with optimistic images and sayings sell for $10 at Home Essentials (314 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland).

Kenny Chesney's "Greatest Hits, Vol. 2." This new release is a compilation of some of this country artist's most popular songs, including "There Goes My Life," "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems," "The Good Stuff" and "Beer in Mexico."Affordable swimwear is available at Target. Mossimo boardshorts come in a variety of styles and colors, and start at $14.99.