We love bold gifts that break from the usual – and this 3,800+ part LEGO kit of the Star Wars Death Star ($399) certainly meets the out-of-the-ordinary dad gift criteria.  If sci-fi is not your guy’s style, then consider Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater LEGO kit for architect lovers, or Mindstorms Robot for dads who like to tinker.

Here’s a story of how one resourceful dad fixed his Bugaboo, and also the amazing future of 3D printing.

Duann Scott’s Bugaboo recently developed a problem with the handle lock on the pram, and the official replacement parts from the manufacturer are priced at $250. That price seemed outrageous to Duann, since the broken part was simply a small metal plate. Thankfully, Duann is a do-it-yourself kind of guy, so he was able to model a replacement part himself. After the design was complete, it was simply a matter of uploading the design to Shapeways where it was 3D-printed in stainless steel for about $25. Once the parts arrived in the mail, Duann popped them into the hinge, making the pram as good as new again– and the Scott family had saved themselves $225.

Read the whole story at Geek Dad, and see the step-by-step repair at Instructables.

image by Duann Scott

Here it is, the ultimate Christmas gift for dads who love their toys – the Parrot AR.Drone.  Let’s sum this up quickly because it shouldn’t take any longer to convince you that this is the dad toy of the year.

1. Remote controlled by your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad
2. Helicopter – actually a quadicopter – four blades
3. Fly solo or battle with friends
4. On-board camera that transmits to your iPhone or other Apple device

That’s it.  Now, wives, go out and get one for your man.

Parrot AR.Drone |  $299 at Amazon.com

Were you a new dad with a hip designer daddy diaper bag?  And after the new dad label wore off, did you start realizing that there were perfectly suitable alternatives that didn’t have to be a “daddy diaper bag”?  If you were like me, I traded in my daddy bag for just my black Northface backpack.  Worked just fine.

Well now, here’ three cool bag alternatives for dads (and other guys, too) that have even more personality as you evolve away from your new dad bag.

The Carter Duffel ($195) from Property of …, made of washed and coated cotton – big enough to carry most of dad’s and baby’s needs for the day.

Farm Ruck Sack ($160) from Makr Carry Goods – made of natural heavy cotton duck and un-dyed leather, includes unique exterior closures, multiple pockets and leather washers/reinforcements.

Finally, the Kelly Moore bag ($199) is on top of my wish list because it’s a “camera bag” that refuses to look like one.  They have bags just for mommy photographers too.

(PS to new dads – From one dad to another – all those diaper bag “essentials” aren’t really necessary, so convince your wife that you prefer a cool bag over a diaper bag.)

Check out our 2009 Father’s Day Gift Guide.  Hint to my wife – in all ways, this is really my gift wishlist good for any time of the year.  For other lucky dads, it’s a gift guide that’s got a equal bits of tech, design, gear, and art that’s just perfect for a stylish modern dad.

Visit the Coochicoos Father’s Day Gift Guide shopping page.

Found a couple great Father’s Day gift finds over at The Daily Etsian.  The Wrench Clock is my current favorite while, the custom silhouette prints from NellaDesigns is for less tool-headed dads.

See more Father’s Day gifts recommended at The Daily Etsian.

Your home will be the envy of all the neighborhood kids (and dads too) if you could reproduce this Batcave-themed home theater.  Holy Bat Smokes!

Your home will be the envy of all the neighborhood kids (and dads too) if you could reproduce this Batcave-themed home theater.  Holy Bat Smokes!

Stumbled across this and couldn’t resist posting it.  Sony’s 007 Sony TX 007 Spy Bundle is a "toy" that may make dads lust with gadget madness.  After all, minivans, diaper bags, and even the coolest stroller can’t make up for a toy like this.  So Moms, if you have an extra $3900 laying around – go ahead and make your man’s day.  If not, then an afternoon matinee to the new Bond movie without the kids will make it up to him.

The bundle includes: 

- VAIO TX 007 ultraportable PC with 11.1″ screen
– Sony Cybershot T50 007 branded digital camera
– Privacy screen
– Aluminum attaché case
– Exclusive 007 welcome letter
– Serialized glass photo certificate

Sony 007 Spy Gear Bundle  |  Pre-order at $3900 at Sony Style 

Stumbled across this and couldn’t resist posting it.  Sony’s 007 Sony TX 007 Spy Bundle is a "toy" that may make dads lust with gadget madness.  After all, minivans, diaper bags, and even the coolest stroller can’t make up for a toy like this.  So Moms, if you have an extra $3900 laying around – go ahead and make your man’s day.  If not, then an afternoon matinee to the new Bond movie without the kids will make it up to him.

The bundle includes: 

- VAIO TX 007 ultraportable PC with 11.1″ screen
– Sony Cybershot T50 007 branded digital camera
– Privacy screen
– Aluminum attaché case
– Exclusive 007 welcome letter
– Serialized glass photo certificate

Sony 007 Spy Gear Bundle  |  Pre-order at $3900 at Sony Style