This Father’s Day gift thing isn’t really that complicated.

Dads like what they like — yes, even the “Three Stooges” — and that’s just the way it is.

Take it from this Dad, if you get a gift that falls into his personal interest zone, you’re going to be fine.

But what if Father’s Day 2012 is staring you down and you’re still at a loss about what to get? Don’t sweat it. There’s still time.

Here are some last-minute, easy-to-get, gift ideas that are better than a necktie and will be appreciated by nearly every father — well, by many of them, anyway, including (hint) me.

And check out our links at the bottom of this article for more great ideas.

 1.   Food. A Sunday brunch may be the way to go on Mother’s Day, but Dads are different (you know, the whole Mars vs. Venus thing). Think steak, or maybe seafood. Make a reservation, if needed, and make sure the meal involves dessert. Check out our restaurant directory for ideas.

2.   Time Out: How about a simple picnic, nature walk, or family bike ride? Even better, a day at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Lake Lanier, or a ballgame? (The Atlanta Braves are home against the Baltimore Orioles this weekend; and the Gwinnett Braves host the Columbus Clippers). Or, why not stop by Andretti Indoor Karting & Games for a little friendly competition with a race around the track or hours of besting each other at arcade games? If you're dad is more of a movie buff than a racecar guy, head to see something on the silver screen at Studio Movie Grill or Aurora Cineplex - heck you could even play a little putt-putt at Aurora before the show starts!

3.   Gift Cards: You think a gift card reveals your ability to procrastinate (well, it does). But Dads love these, especially if they are from stores they like. And now that almost every store has dozens of gift cards for sale — gas stations, iTunes, Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods, etc. — it’s an easy score. Just tell Dad you’re going to the store to get some bread and milk and pick one up.

4.   Cool tools: I have loved every flashlight, multi-tool and grooming device I’ve ever received, maybe because they’re so easy for me to misplace. A word of warning: Don’t buy a gadget that takes those coin-shaped watch batteries; they’re a pain to deal with.

5.   Beer! Now that it’s legal to purchase beer on Sunday, you can wait until the very last minute to make a purchase. Many microbreweries, like Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewery, offer combo pack with their best varieties. Publix and now Trader Joe's let you build your own six pack from quite a few brand names. If your dad is more of a wine guy, swing by Roswell Provisions for a great selection of fine wines in every price point.

6.   Cigars: So you're dad's not a smoker - that's okay. Even non-smokers occasionally enjoy a cigar on the backporch. And, hey, it's a holiday, right? The Cigar Merchant carries a wide selection of premium cigars for you to choose from.

Need more ideas? Check out these links:

• Limefish Studio has a great list that includes do-it-yourself projects.
• Gifts.com was a wide-range of items, and while it may be too late to order online, there are some great ideas you can take to a local store.
• Esquire Magazine has style in mind in its last-minute gift feature, including a surfer’s watch.
• Inhabitat.com has a list of gifts for the “procrastinator’s Papa,” including planting a tree in Dad’s name.
• Gottabemobile.com has some ideas for techies in its list of 15 gift ideas.
• Flavorwire.com has a list of 20 Father’s Day gifts that don’t suck.
• A full haircut experience leads a gift-idea video on Dailymotion.com
• If you are looking for a craft or a creative gift that will cost you nothing or close to it, check out Pinterest. Type Father's Day in the search box. You will find hundreds of ideas.
• Is your dad a TV or movie fiend? Then a Netflix subscription might be just the thing. Dad can watch TV shows and movies all day long for one monthly fee. Right now there's a first-month-free deal running.

Got an idea to share? Tells us in the comments box below.

Scott Bernarde is an associate regional editor for Patch.com