Father's Day comes and goes every year. It's easy to get complacent and go to the card aisle at the local grocery store for a Father's Day gift and call it a day. But what if there was a way to make the day more memorable or productive for your dad?

The trick to making your dad's Father's Day a little more special than usual is by doing something that's appreciated or unexpected. Whether it's tackling long-standing projects or giving a public shout-out, there are many ways to give your dad a productive and exciting Father's Day.

1. Get Involved in Father's Day Contests and Brands

There are all sorts of appealing promotions and product contests that come out around Father's Day. Some of these contests simply involve entering a name into a proverbial hat or participating in a vote. Others involve more fun and interactive entry method.

For example, Ace Hardware recently announced a contest in which the winner receives a custom-made pair of grilling shoes and a grill. The relatable and fun aspect of the contest is the stereotype that dads often have a pair of "grilling shoes." These "dad's grilling shoes" are typically beaten down, grubby, semi-retired athletic shoes. Rather than just submitting your dad's name into a portal, entry into the contest requires a photo upload of his grilling shoes. So if your dad's grilling shoes are a long-running joke in the family, snap a photo and get him in the running for cool prizes.

National contests aren't the only option. A wide variety of local contests can be a fun way to celebrate your dad. Radio contests for various holidays and events have been going on for decades, and Father's Day is no exception.

But with most radio stations operating corresponding websites, contests can be more interactive. From father-son lookalike contests to entries that require you to write about your dad's qualities, you can show off your dad in a public space. At the bare minimum, you can find that embarrassing family picture of your dad and share it with the world.

2. Tackle the Honey Do List Together

There's a popular joke that can be found on various merchandise, from keychains to t-shirts. I saw this on a cool Father's Day mug on Pinterest — "If a man says he'll fix it, he will. There's no need to remind him every six months."

While the sentiment is clearly for laughs, most dads do have a long list of repairs around the house or yard. Depending on your dad's personality, he might either avoid the honey-do list at all costs or just struggle with finding the time. Either way, he might be far more excited about completing some projects if you offer to help. As a bonus, you can form valuable memories of working and learning with your dad in a low-key way.