In fact, according to a recent report, Father’s Day spending is up a remarkable $1 billion from last year. While the day dedicated to dads doesn’t quite match up to the money spent on Mother’s Day gifts, the $11 billion holiday is not far behind- a number that is steadily increasing thanks to pricey electronics.  

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect gift for that special guy in your life, check out the list of 10 tech gadgets below for some cool ideas that are sure to impress  dad this weekend or for holidays to come.

1. Tablet 2011 has indeed proved to be the year of the tablet. Since Apple (News - Alert) began the trend in 2010 with its ever popular iPad, dozens of other tech companies have followed suit and created their own. With the release of new versions such as Apple’s iPad2, the BlackBerry Playbook and the just released Android (News - Alert)- based Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, you’re sure to find a tablet to fit the needs of any dad using any operating system if you’re willing to dish out the extra cash this year.

2. e-Reader If dad doesn’t require all the functionalities of a tablet, but enjoys reading, an e-Reader is a great alternative. Most e-Readers like Barnes & Noble’s Nook Color, even allow Internet access. 

3. New Smartphone Unless you have a trendy dad who’s up to date on all the latest technology, Father’s Day could be the perfect occasion to pry the flip phone from his hand and bring him up to speed with a cool new smartphone. Depending on his mobile needs, the smartphone possibilities are endless. For the business dad, a BlackBerry (News - Alert) is always effective for email and messaging. Or if he is a little more advanced and interested in apps, the iPhone 4 or 4G enabled HTC devices are also perfect for browsing the score of dad’s favorite team when he can’t be in front of the TV.  

4. iPhone (News - Alert) Case with Flip-out Keyboard If you’ve already managed to transition dad to the iPhone, he may be frustrated when trying to dial or text on the touchscreen keypad with his big clunky fingers. Problem solved: the TK-421 iPhone Case/Flip-out Keyboard provides dad with a real QWERTY keyboard that flips in and out whenever he needs it. For less than $40, the keyboard works with any iPhone app including e-mail, web browsing, calendar, notes, etc.

5. Grassy Lawn Charging Station For the dad that’s obsessed with his lawn, buy him a gift that can integrate his love of his most prized, green possession with his everyday electronic devices.  The Grassy Lawn Charging Station provides a cushy artificial grass base to charge dad’s gadgets while eliminating the mess of power cords in a compartment underneath.  And let’s be honest, it just looks cool.

6. iGrill Father’s Day comes at a perfect time of the year for backyard BBQ’s and dads to take charge and man the grill.  The iGrill is a meat thermometer on steroids. The grilling gadget is Bluetooth-enabled and works with its own iPhone app (Android app to come) allowing users to monitor the temperature of meat using your smartphone. For a reasonable $99, Dad can walk up to 200 feet from the grill, eliminating having to wait around while his burgers or steak are cooking.

7. RFID Blocking Wallet Worrying about identify theft might not be top of mind for your dad, but being that you are more up on the tech space, it’s your job to make sure he’s protected from the hackers of the online world. The RFID Blocking Wallet, blocks the invisible radio frequencies that are emitted from credit cards, eliminating the possibility of a hacker scanning your info using a laptop or other mobile device. Designed to look like a regular wallet, with room for six credit cards, cash, business cards and your ID, no one will know the difference but you.

8. USB Memory Watch For the super techy dad on-the-go, this dual purposed watch can not only tell him the time, but also serves as a fashionable USB device that’s perfect for transporting his files. The USB Memory Watch is available in 2G, 4G or 8G capacities and can transfer files to and from most computing operating systems. Ranging between $20-$40 depending on the file space, this gift is sure to make dad the talk of the office.

9. The Best Dad in the World App If you’re on a budget, you can go the thoughtful route and buy your smartphone equipped father with the Best Dad in the World App. This app is available for an affordable $4.99, on both iPhone and Blackberry devices, and is packed with a virtual book of quotations and quirky illustrations commemorating everything great about dads.

10. Gadget Holster Bag And last but not least, for the dad who has it all- especially if you’ve been doing your job as a son/daughter and already have him stocked up with electronics- buy him a bag to carry them all in, the Grab-it Pack Gadget Holster. This masculine bag has room for all dad’s gadgets and can conveniently be strapped around his waist and secured around his leg. Whether he is hiking up Mount Everest, commuting on the train or fighting crime, the only thing this Super Dad bag is missing is a matching cape.