Written By Vicki Anzmann

Whatever your dad’s penchant or hobby you can find the perfect Father’s Day gift at one of these local merchants. Here are some classic gifts with a 2007 spin, as well as some contemporary and novel offerings. Dad is sure to love one of these cool presents on June 17.

Big Boy Toys
What guy wouldn’t love to get his hands on one of these powerful, testosterone-infused remote control vehicles? The E-Flite CX2 Helicopter ($179.95) is great for indoor or outdoor flights. Ready to fly, instructional DVD included, and upgradeable with different bodies and accessories, the CX2 is a great starter r/c. The Moose Caboose, 1341 West Liberty Road, Sykesville, 21784, www.themoosecaboose.com, (410) 795-4610.

More Power

“Firestorm,” Black & Decker’s new eye-catching line of power tools, has many impressive features. For openers, all of the tools run on the same battery source, so users don’t have to buy a new battery with each new power tool. The nifty 18 volt drill/driver features a “fast drive chuck” that allows the user to go from drilling a hole to driving a screw, without changing bits. The drill is part of a three -tool Cordless Combo Kit, with a flashlight (not shown) and circular saw. ($99.99, also available individually) Lowe’s, 777 Market Street, Westminster, 21157, (410) 857-7445.

Booking Dad

For the dad who loves to read, independent Locust Books has a sizable selection and helpful employees. All in-stock books are 10 percent off every day. The Deen Brothers Cookbook, Recipes from the Road ($24.95, less 10 percent), or Baseball on the Brain (shown on facing page, $14.95, less 10 percent) are just two of the many Dad-friendly volumes to choose from. Locust Books, 9 E. Main Street, Westminster, 21157, (410) 876-1620.

What’s Cooking?
Summer is the time for grilling, and outdoor cooking is Dad’s dominion. With this portable charcoal grill, Dad can grill while he chills in the backyard, or at a tailgating event at his favorite team sport. ($49.99) Kohl’s, two locations in Carroll County, 840 Market Street, Westminster, 21157, (410) 871-3278 and 1324 Londontown Blvd, Eldersburg, 21784, (410) 549-7707.

Last One In . . .
Forget the tie this year. As the summer heats up, Dad will make a splash in these hip swim trunks. ($19.99 each) Target, 200 Malcolm Dr., Westminster, 21157, (410) 848-6180.

Big Bertha
Callaway has pulled out all the stops with this all-titanium driver, which made Golf Digest’s 2007 Hot List. The club is designed to make it easier to hit longer, straighter drives. ($299.00) Also shown, Cobra Sport Stand Bag ($89.95), Titleist 735CM clubs ($799.95), Titleist golf balls ($8.00). The clubs are available at the Pro Shop at Wakefield Valley, 1000 Fenby Farm Road, Westminster, 21158, www.wakefieldvalley.com, (410) 876-6662, or email at wakefieldproshop@aol.com.

Go Ravens!
For the devoted Ravens fan, a Todd Heap autographed jersey ($229.99) or helmet ($159.99) will make an ideal gift. Great Moments, Inc., 140 Village Shopping Center, 531-B Jermor Lane, Westminster, 21157, www.greatmomentsauthentic.com, (410) 876-6906, offers an extensive selection of sports gifts and memorabilia, including baseball cards, bobble heads, and autographed footballs.