A few years back—OK, let’s call it 40—a father’s responsibilities were relegated to bread-winning, assembling toys and giving a good pep talk every now and then. Flash forward to 2014, when the average family man now changes diapers, sits on teddy bear tea parties, and hits the playground regularly. Today’s dads are stepping up their game.
To honor the man who does everything (we’ll forgive him for leaving the toilet seat up or forgetting to stock the diaper bag), we’ve compiled a list of great Father’s Day gift ideas. Whether you’re the daughter of a great dad, or the life partner of a magnificent man who’s helping you raise some rocking kids, you’ll find something here that’s worthy of the man (or men) in your life. And no, that doesn’t mean another tie, a bottle of cologne or soap-on-a-rope. Here are 10 unique and fun ways to show your love for those wacky, lovable and doting fathers on June 15.
1. Speed Demon: If your dad loves cars and racing, why not let him try out a set of wheels and live out his fantasy in style? Many companies offer exotic cars to rent by the hour or for the day, depending on your budget. (Try Gotham Dream Cars for New York, Miami and Los Angeles, or Imagine Lifestyles in the Chicagoland area)
2. Debonair and Sporty: For the dad who loves sports and looking sharp, try a set of cufflinks made from an actual baseball that’s was used in a professional game, or order him a bottle opener crafted from the wood used in the baseball bat. Tokens & Icons carries all kinds of authentic nostalgia items that are used in games from hockey to football.
3. Bubba Watson Wannabe: Just like his new Masters hero, rain or shine this dad loves the game of golf and hits the greens every chance he gets, as long as the course is open. He’ll be halfway to scoring under par with a set of new Wilson Staff M3 irons. If you want to go all-out, sign him up for some private lessons to work on that slice.
4. Cigar Aficionado: No, we don’t want to encourage bad habits. But if your guy likes to indulge in a sophisticated smoke once in a while, he’ll love a box of his favorite cigars or, better yet, a good quality humidor filled with cigars.
5. The Jokester: Remember the time he made you laugh so hard that milk came out of your nose? Well, it’s time to return the favor. Get him tickets to a comedy show and watch him yuk it up.
6. Man’s Man: Don Draper doesn’t hold a candle to this father and his good taste in the finer things. Buy him his favorite aged scotch (Glenmorangie 10 year or Glenlivet) and toss in some whiskey stones to keep his drink cold without watering it down. Cheers to you.
7. The Carnivore: Guys’ tastes are simple, so why muck up a gift with too many options? Find a restaurant, such as Ruth’s Chris, that serves great steak and treat him to dinner. Or visit your local butcher, purchase his favorite cut and let the man put that grill (last year’s Father’s Day present) to good use.
8. Hunter and Gatherer: For the outdoor sportsman, a round of clay pigeon shooting or a few sessions at an indoor range translates into an exciting afternoon. Make his day, Dirty Harry-style.
9. Gadget Geek: He’ll be the coolest guy at the next tailgate if you get him a Spin C hill. This gizmo attaches to a beer can and spins it in a cooler of ice. The spinning action will not make the beer fizzy, but it will chill it faster than you can say beer bong.
10. Sentimental: For your own dad, sort through some old pictures of you and your sibling(s), find one that strikes a chord and see if you can re-create the photograph with all of you fully grown doing the same pose. Hint: Try to coordinate the outfits to somewhat match the ones in the old photo. Place the photographs side by side in a nice frame. Dad can set his new frame on his desk and smile every time he looks over at his kids all grown up.
For more Father’s Day gift ideas from Red Typewriter, visit our Pinterest page. Did we miss one? Share any ideas you have with us.
2014/05/21 at 3:23 am
Great Father’s Day ‘s. Suggestions.