Father’s Day Gift Ideas

It’s almost time for dad’s to get their day of recognition (June 21st) this year. On that note, I decided to put some things together from free to high for the man/men in your life. *Note: a couple freebies are below for child(ren) to make with your assistance for their dad/grandpa*

I’d also like to take a moment and say: this year will be eight years of not having my dad here to splurge on, make fun of, laugh with, and really just see him and get that huge bear-hug which engulfed me and made me feel three all over again. I was/am/always will be a daddy’s girl. I miss looking into my dad’s crystal blue eyes that were so mesmerizing and kind – to everyone. Had he not been my dad, I still would have wanted to know him. He was that great. Ask anyone. He lives on in my stories that I share with the kids and in my heart. I just wanted to say “I love you, dad” and if you were here we’d so be watching some western movies or Steven Seagal *lol*. He’s not here physically, yet, he is here: within me, my heart and soul and in my kids. He’s part of my daily thoughts (still seeking and so close sometimes that I feel as if I could just pick up the phone and ring him up) and he never has and never will let me down or allow me to fall/fail. He’ll always by my biggest and loudest fan. I miss him [words fail to describe properly].

me with my dad (circa 1974)

 

It seems (among the dads/fathers that drink) that more and more are wanting to try their hand at ‘making their own’ at home. Here are a few that you can order with varying prices, styles/tastes:

Home Brew Beer Kit
food52 price range $110-$165
Full kit ~ has everything you need; including bottling equipment. Features: American IPA, Weizenbier, Belgian Pale Ale.

Gluten-Free Amber
Craft A Brew $48 (makes a gallon)
Contains Sorghum Extract in place of  Malt Extract…slightly sweet Amber Ale reminiscent of a Belgian Dubbel.

 

Try also: MoreBeer! and MidWest Supplies for other options/flavors such as Maple Bacon and Irish Red Ale to name a few (peruse around all sites as the varieties seemed endless)!

Gone are watches of the day I gave to my dad growing up or remember seeing strapped around his wrist. Nowadays it’s like “Bond. James Bond” is true-to-life. There’s something for both platforms and prices vary as much as the ones I’m listing (and for each of those there are even more I wasn’t able to show) ~ almost daily new ones are thought up or appear on market:

Apple iWatchSport and iWatch
[not listing the iWatch Edition ~ those start at $10k]
***No description necessary IMO***
WatchSport starts at $349 and is available in 10 models
Watch starts at $549 and is available in 20 models

 

Pebble (both platforms and more)
Pebble Steel $199 Email, messages, text. Seven (7) day battery life. Music. Run/Walk/Bike/Swim/Sleep. Water Resistant 5ATM. Comes with leather band ~ metal band sold separately ($20 more).
Pebble Watch $99 Same as above only not the band. Comes in seven (7) varying color combinations for face/band or for $15 more get a Nato strap instead of the silicone strap [three (3) colors] that comes with the base price.
Pebble Time not yet available – SOON (end of July…?). This will have a microphone so you will be able to talk/take calls and more.
All are available at various BMS (brick & mortar stores) listed on their webpage.

Android SmartWatches
Too many to just list outright. I’m going to put the names in with prices and you can peruse and see what may work best for your better half, dad, or brother etc. The Moto360 is currently on sale starting at $149.99 (reg $249.99); the LG G Watch in white or black on the LG site $229.99 (showing on Amazon in black $138.56 reg $229.99 or white $149.99 reg $229.99), the LG Watch R is currently unavailable on Google store and varies at AT&T/Sprint/Tmobile; the Martian Notifier SmartWatches start at $129, Passport $299, Victor $299, and G2G $249; the Sony SW3/SWR50  is currently $194.99 on Amazon reg $299.99 – there are more styles available on the Sony page; and so many more! I kid you not there are just too many to list that are waiting to come out any day now like the Huawei … but I must stop and move along.

Men’s Cleanse, Moisturize, and Shave
Lately men have almost as many choices as women do. With that being said, I keep finding myself back at Kiehl’s. They carry everything, and I mean everything for men. From anti-aging products, eye/lip care, to body products and all the in-between. If you’re not sure if your hunka-burnin’ love would be willing to even dabble at doing an nth of what you do, order the starter kit for $43 (all products for your man: cleanser, moisturizer, body scrub soap, hand salve and shave cream) ’cause we all know when you’re not looking he’s smelling your shampoo AND using your bath products and more. It’s when you finally get him his own since you want him to smell strapping and all man-ly when deep down he wants to smell not flower-like … but like you. This way it can be a trade off of sorts; he can use yours and you his and switch off too. Win-Win! Complimentary ground shipping $35+ code: SHIPNOW / express shipping $75+ code: SHIPFAST ends 5/31/15

Camping Camping Camping
Why not get something the family can enjoy too? If you camp as a family or you’ve wanted to – well, now is the time. Cabela’s has an eight (8) person tent {above} that is on sale for $119.99 (reg $169.99) or your hubba hubba hubby or dad can go with his friends and they can just bring this grand daddy tent or he can throw his recliner in with it!
You have to eat! Whether y’all are at home or camping under the stars … and what better way than fishing/fly fishing! I know this bag is more for fly fishing but I think it’s design is just schmoozing and calling my name (I can fish.fish just not fly fish *lol*) and if your dad or loved one just needs something for all his gear (so he can catch dinner!!!), I must say that the Finn [Utility] items are on a plateau by themselves. The Essex Side Bag is $229.95 and is at states: simplicity at its finest. Facebook: Finn [Utility]

Telling ghost stories around the fire might be fun but some get frightened (young and old alike). When they start asking what was that or did you see that … and you don’t have enough flashlights or lanterns to go around then this Coleman Quad LED Lantern will definitely come in handy ($79.99); it’s one big mamma-jamma LED lantern that allows you to basically turn it into four (4) LED flashlights (that will recharge when popped back onto the base). It doesn’t get hot no matter how long it’s been on. So, did you see that? I didn’t but let’s go check it out (when really you’re planning on coming around the other side and scaring everyone) … happy camping!

Java Time!
I’m new (or late) to the par-tay when it comes to coffee. I would drink it when I was very young (age four (4) maybe a tad before / some after) and it was exciting to get up super early with my dad. My dad made a point to say: ‘our time’. We’d sit and talk about his upcoming day and what he had to do; we’d read the newspaper together. Those are still some very cherished memories I have. I stopped drinking coffee until last year. My sister-in-law got me hooked on her ‘style’ and I’ve had at least one cup a day since (when I’m with her it’s all I drink – all day long; whereas at home it’s tea, sweet sweet tea *lol*). I’ve always loved the smell of coffee and walking in or sitting and chatting with friends at coffee houses and the like and taking in the smell (even when I didn’t partake). I’ve always owned a coffee maker for guests and family too. The Krups XP1600 Coffee Maker and Espresso Combo just makes me giddy. The reviews are very mixed so I looked at other brands from other places … up high and up low and all of those reviews were the same: mixed. So I’m posting this one… delicioso! It’s also on sale, so hurry and order: $99.99 (reg $165).

While we’re talking about coffee (don’t get me started on flavors and brands and ground and this or that because I think I’m Ms.Fancy.Pants now *wink*) you have to get your loved one this ingenious cup that was made for every man. You know … the ones that are incapacitated when they get a “man.cold.cough.cough” or is just so tired from having to *adult* all.day.long ~ well now if he doesn’t take his coffee black and adds milk or creamer etc, he can flip a switch! He won’t have to exert ANY energy on stirring! There are several designs and places to order these gimmicky cups; however, your loved one can have the force with him and be all badamawhamalam “I AM YOUR FATHER” with this one! Star Wars Darth Vader Novelty Self-Stirring Mug $24.95 (reg $39.99)

There are just so many things, easy things actually that you can get your dad/father/loved one for Father’s Day because in all honesty they’re easy to shop for. Is he a carnivore? Then he’d be happy with you picking up some steaks and asking him to grill it for y’all. That makes him happy (usually) and it’s that mentality that usually makes it where when your day of the year rolls around he makes some bad choices; not always, not every man, and sometimes you have to actually cut it out and show him and he still gets it wrong … but he tries. He tries really hard. That’s why you love him. That’s why you forgive him and say nicely: “oh thanks for the vacuum” or the polyester suit that you think his mom would prefer *lol*. He’ll mow the lawn and blow leaves or maybe he is techie and he can hook up the surround sound or fix the PC or wash the cars and change the oil, and he may try to wash clothes and your new white blouse is now spotty sickly-pink and five sizes too small *but* when he wraps his arms around you, well, you feel safe. And loved. It’s that smell, that comfort, that ooh-ooh-ahh-ah that would do anything for his family (even though he’s snoring on the sofa with chip crumbs and suddenly bolts up and screams SCORE/TOUCHDOWN and jars you into next week while he asks “did you see that!” and within the next minute or two zzzz’s are whistling again). That’s who you’re celebrating with on June 21st. That’s who you/your family will recognize/honor that Sunday. Some surrounded by not just you, but with kids/children. Maybe their own fathers; if they’re still here. Their moms (same). Brothers… But again … YOU. With that in mind here are a meandering of other things that may help in case you’re still stumped or because he really does have everything:

1. A great idea for kids to do for their dad/grandpa [whatever names are used in your home] is this great and FREE printable [pages] to make a book! You’ll need to purchase a cheap 4×6 photo album and anything else to decorate and have pictures to put in. This looks adorable and I love this idea. This one comes from Eighteen25 and all the instructions are listed along with an easy click for each page you want to print out and use: “A Book for Dad“. Follow Eighteen25 {as there’s all sorts of ideas for teachers among other things} on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+
2. Another cute and FREE printable is the “Father’s Day Questionnaire” from Daffodil Design. You can write the questions down or print it out the way you want and have your kid(s) answer or just ask them and write down their responses then type it up and print out on decorative paper or design some theme yourself (pick up some custom designed paper or pages) put it in a frame and have your child(ren) decorate. Super easy and I find it humorous the younger they are! Follow them on: Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. If you’re not good at writing/formatting you can find a form on Pink Peppermint Paper with the same questions just a different layout (dad/grandpa forms) by clicking here ~ follow them on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
3.  Is he a huge PC gamer? If so, the Alienware Alpha is awesome! Through Steam Big Picture he can play thousands of PC games on his big screen tv with a wireless xBox controller (included) ~ that’s right, no keyboard or mouse needed (unless he wants, as that is an option); really I could write a huge article on this PC console but I won’t. You can and you’ll see that the base model, well, it’s great! You can choose from popular blockbusters to hardcore independent titles and more all without online subscription fees; and so much more. Available for purchase through Dell with limited time pricing that starts at $499 these babies rock ‘n roll! You may want to say Happy Christmas and birthday too but he’ll be in heaven if he is still PC gaming! Shop the four (4) configurations here.
4. Hammocks. Swings. He can relax or you can relax together. Or the kids pile on with him. I’m partial to the Roo by Kammok ($99) but there are so many varieties out there, not to mention fluffy cushion-y swings (some from hammock companies). If you don’t want to order online stop by a home and garden store or Pier 1 (all outdoor furniture currently 20-50% off), Lowes, Home Depot among other b&m stores.
5. Gift cards. Why not? Bass Pro Shop; Cabela’s; Dick’s Sporting Goods; or any place really. Maybe he goes with his buddies to a sports bar once a month? Gift card for that *easy.peasy* So many varieties – just choose the amount and you know he’ll use it.
6. Concert or movie tickets. Make it for date night or a weekend/night for the two of you to get away and jam out to your fave group that’s coming or a short-drive away. Mix it up.
7. Trackers. Everyone has them it seems and there are so many of them. Here’s a few samplings: Misfit Flash ($49.99; various colors); Jawbone UP3 ($179.99; black/silver) or go with the Jawbone UP2 ($99.99; black/light grey) click customize on either UP3/2 then scroll up to choose your color and add to cart; the Polar M400 starts at $199.95 or with the heart rate sensor $249.95, accessorize with various colored straps for an additional $21.95 or the Stride Sensor Bluetooth® Smart add-on $79.95. Again, these are just a few trackers. There are so many to choose from that it gets really confusing. Best bet is to see which looks more like your loved one – that he would wear or fit his sense of style since they’re tracking basically everything (depending on which) ~ some do food as well.
8. Tech gadget(s) for the car. If your loved one travels a lot via a car then maybe the iSimple BluClick ($27.12 Amazon) would be beneficial. Allows him to pair with iOS or Android (Windows does not work currently) hands-free by this nifty gadget on the steering wheel: music, activating Siri/Voice, and navigation++. There are a ton of tire pressure gauges out there; however, I chose the NorthOne(tm) Digital Tire Pressure Gauge based on amount of reviews of great to bad and it’s just $9.99 through Amazon (reg $18.99).
9. Grilling Accessories. Always an easy and wanted gift. Check out Weber’s page for some ideas/place an order. The tactical chef apron from ThinkGeek is $29.99. How about spices, sauces, and/or dipping for fruit and veggies – even salsa? Head over to SpecialSh** and check out their gift-boxes (something for everyone – no matter your budget) or select individual items. No sh** it’s great sh**! The Gator Therma Meter is strong and sturdy for outdoor grilling/bbq’ing or in the oven – available on Amazon currently $17.86 (reg $59.99)
10. Tools. Let’s face it: men like tools. Whether they use them or not they have them/want them/need them. The Original Surge by Leatherman is a multi-tool powerhouse currently $70 (reg $109.85); Pressure/Power washers from electric to gas at varying prices from Sam’s Club (or other retailers); or just head over to Craftsman and see all their items on sale for Father’s Day (also available at b&m stores).
11. Online Ordering. About those steaks. How about Omaha Steaks with Father’s Day packages starting at $49.99 *drool worthy*! Harry & David has Father’s Day gift boxes from sweets to meats and in-between. Wolferman’s is a fave of mine for over 20 years now and they offer everything from breakfast/brunch to gourmet sweets, muffins and more for Father’s Day. Maybe dad likes to kick back sometimes and enjoy a fine Cigar. If so there’s Cigar of the Month Club which starts at 24.95 plus s&h.
12. Shaving. I still feel that Harry’s has and makes one of the best razors and replacement razor heads to this day. I’ve been using them (although geared to men) myself for four (4) years now. They’re offering a Father’s Day gift set for $40 (limited edition) or just purchase an amazing razor then if your loved one is hooked, set up the shave plan to have replacement items sent (free delivery) on your schedule (easy to modify). Plus, I love their mission and how they partner and give back. Read more about what Harry’s has going on right now with their current partner (and other organizations too) City Year here.
13. Home Security. Piper has no monthly subscription fees and a basic unit starting at $199 (it goes up depending on bundles or night vision, door/window and extra Piper’s) knowing your loved one(s) and your home is safe and secure (ability to see them/home ~ plus audio so you can speak to one another!) this is peace of mind: balance of security, video monitoring, and convenience for your family. Connects to your smartphone or tablet. Check it out as there are too many features to list (home or business ~ also available at b&m stores)!

I’ve glossed over a ton of items. A ton. I’ve left a ton off as well. I hope this gets you started or set in the right direction if you’re still trying to figure it out. I’m sure no matter what you give (even a hand-made or purchased card) will be with love for the man and men in your life. That’s what matters.

 

Happy Father’s Day to all the men out there this June 21st 2015!

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