When it comes to holidays, most dads are pretty simple. They don't need a fancy Mother's Day-style affair, with brunches, spas and elaborate gifts, to feel appreciated.

"Father's Day is really a day for the whole family," according to David Bowers, author of the new "Dad's Own Housekeeping Book" (Workman, $10.95), a witty guide for guys.

"The main thing, really, is that you are a dad and you are a father," he said. "You want to be with your family."

You can pamper Dad, but do it his way, Bowers says: Have the steak ready for grilling, but let him man the grill.

Think about making a batch of his favorite dessert, like brownies, or buy treats from his favorite bakery. If he likes pies, have two, and tell him one is just for him, suggests Renee Schettler, food editor at Real Simple magazine.

Shop for the food and clean up afterward, especially if that's his regular chore.

Schettler warns that it's not the time to try new recipes or a fancy dessert. "It's not, 'Oh my God, he's so hard to please,' " she said. "He's actually really easy to please. It's just doing what means a lot to him."

If you have young kids, have them draw on paper to create place mats — maybe images of things they love to do with Dad.

Some fathers would be equally pleased with a trip to the park or a meal out. It's about acknowledging or thanking Dad, said Michael Cannell, home director at Real Simple.

"It's true that all of us do have these hectic lives driven by work responsibilities, errands and chores, and it is all too easy to let those things eclipse time with our families," he said.

"The real value may lie in institutionalizing a day in which the family can come together and actually sit down together for a meal."