Meaningful gift for Dad who turns 60?

[Smiley124]

My dad is turning 60 and I'd like to do something really special, but I can't figure out what! I am on a VERY tight budget, so high ticket material items are out. I need something cheap, but sentimental. I know I am going to bake him cookies (he asked for them) but obviously that isn't going to cut it. My only idea right now is to write him a letter with 60 reasons I'm grateful he's my dad, or something like that. I was thinking if I can keep it short and sweet somehow, I can frame it with a pic of the two of us or something. But then I think -- he's a guy, he's a dad. What's he going to do with that? Where's he going to hang it? He's retired, so he doesn't have an office.... Oh, what to do? Any ideas? I need your creative minds! If I had more money I would surprise him by showing up on his birthday (they live in another state), but that's not going to happen.... Help me, please! I'd appreciate any ideas! Unfortunately I've been putting this off and am running out of time. I need to get something in the mail by March 2nd.

[Chimichanga]

I think even a dad would love something like a scrapbook. Pictures of you and him (and other siblings if applicable) growing up. Include some of your memories with each photo. It doesn't have to be something super elaborate; a quality scrapbook can run $20-$30 and copies of pictures will vary, but make sure it's something that will stand the test of time.

He might not be outwardly gushing, but inside I know he will. I made my dad a mix tape (before CDs were easily burned) when i went away to college with all of our favorite songs. He didn't seem to care about it too much, but my mom said he listened to it every day for the first month I was at school. ;)

[pride&prejudice]

I'll have to second Chimichanga on the scrap book. I made something similar for my dad's 80th. It was a nice card that I had made, and I wrote him this nice note. My mom and I also surprised him with a cookout at our house. Since I was in college and on a very limited budget, that is what I could afford. :)

We are planning his 90th now, and I plan on getting him a framed picture of the father daughter dance, along with a nice little picture book of pictures of me and him from birth on up. We are also doing another surprise cookout/get together along with this.

The other thing, is does he have any hobbies that the 2 of you like to do together? Say its golf, you could take him out for the day, etc. My dad loves to read, so for his birthday a few years ago I took him to B&N, let him get a few books that he had wanted, and then we went to dinner, just the two of us. He loved it, because it was time that we actually got to talk.
Good luck! :)