I agree with the know-it-all. I think that if it is for a guy, making the day special trumps giving him a chotchke. Favorite supper, or a homemade cake are some good ideas.
Of course, if you buy toys he will like them too (e.g. a 21.6 volt cordless drill or a gas powered chain saw), but if you don’t plan on spending a lot of money on something nearly useless, the costless gifts are the priceless ones.