Think Outside the (Tie) Box: The Father's Day Gifts Dads Really Want

Courtesy of Molly Miller

Hi Friends,

The one thing most dads can agree on? They really just want to spend time with their kids. This Father's Day, forgo traditional gifts. Instead, make June 18th all about fun experiences and quality time together. Here are some meaningful Father's Day gift ideas we're all about this year.

Take him to a baseball game.

aceshot

Or another sporting event. Between Nascar races, horse races and golf and tennis tournaments, there's plenty of choices for sports-loving Dads.

Buy tickets to see his favorite artist in concert.

Yuri_Arcurs

Bonus points if you score tickets to the show of a legend who rarely tours.

Go on a canoe trip.

Strevell

Canoes and kayaks are relatively cheap to rent if you don't own one.

Do yard work for him.

Flynnside Out Productions

Give Dad a break for the weekend and tackle his outdoor projects.

Eat at his favorite restaurant...

monkeybusinessimages

Food and conversation make for a Father's Day well spent.

Or make his favorite meal.


It's kind of like the grown-up version of a homemade card.

Take a brewery or distillery tour.

subman

Get your buzz on! Dads who appreciate a good brew or whiskey will enjoy a tasting tour.

Go fishing or hunting.

monkeybusinessimages

Spend the day in the great outdoors. Even if you don't catch anything, at least it was time spent with Dad.

Visit a car show.

carolo7

Take it easy, and mosey through rows of collector cars. A monster truck rally is another great option if you can't locate a local car show.

Play golf together.

MichaelSvoboda

Even if you can't tee off to save your life, Dad will appreciate your company.

Hunt for vinyls.

urbancow

Make a game of it, and see who can find the best bargain.

Participate in his favorite hobby.


No matter what Dad is into these days — bird watching, woodworking, gardening — get involved with something he enjoys doing.

Take a ride around a go-kart course.

BanksPhotos

Make him feel 20 years younger on a thrilling go-kart ride.

Enroll in a class together.

franz12

Whether it's cooking, music lessons or blacksmithing, sign up for an activity that Dad always wanted to master.

It's all about quality time...

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Live well,
Yvonne

12 Father's Day Gifts for the Adventure-Loving Dad

Courtesy of Erica Reitman
Photography by ©iStockphoto.com/Aleksandar Nakic | Graphic: Erica Reitman

Hi Friends,

We’ve rounded up 12 of our favorite ideas for the daddios out there who have an incurable case of wanderlust.

1: Portable Hammock

via Amazon

For the guys in your life who love to go camping or like to just simply hang out in the great oudoors, this portable hammock is an amazing gift. It's easy to set up and will provide your dude with hours of relaxation.

2: Acousticsheep Sleep Headphones

via Amazon

If your guy is addicted to listening to music, podcasts or audio books as he drifts off to sleep, these headphones are a must. Designed to allow you to be comfortable and keep your headphones out of the way, it’s the perfect solution for the dude who always seems to be drifting off to sleep with his headphones on.

3: Bluesmart Carry-On Smart Suitcase

via Bluesmart

This "smart" suitcase is worth a splurge for the dad in your life who is constantly on the go. There's a built-in digital scale, USB chargers, a digital lock, and 3G and GPS coverage. Plus, the whole shebang can be controlled by an app on your guy’s phone. And no more lost luggage; if your dude loses his suitcase, he can easily find it by simply tracking it with his app.

4: Portable Charger + Battery Pack

via Amazon

Now that many of us have multiple smart devices, it’s much more of a challenge to keep everything charged and ready to go when we’re on a trip. If you have a dad on your gift list who fits this description, a portable battery pack might be the perfect gift.

5: Canon PowerShot G9X

via Amazon

For the guy in your life who’s not quite ready to take on a bulky DSLR, this chic camera is a fantastic option. While it doesn’t quite fit in a pocket, it’s still sleek enough to easily fit into a small bag. And best of all, it has built in wifi, so your guy can easily transfer pics from his camera to his phone or computer on the go.

6: Packing Cubes

via Amazon

Packing cubes are one of those travel necessities that you don’t realize you need until you try them. They’re a gamechanger for anyone who travels a lot and favors using carry-on luggage. You can easily keep your items organized and accessible, and the cubes help to reduce the space your clothing and toiletries take up in your bag.

7: Parabo Press Gift Card

via Parabo Press

If you have a dad on your list who loves to document his adventures, a Parabo Press gift card could be the perfect solution. The site offers a number of different options for your photos, including books, larger engineer prints and even newsprints. And you can easily upload your snaps from your computer or a mobile device.

8: Digital Luggage Scale

via Bed Bath & Beyond

With all of the additional fees airlines have been instituting, you definitely want to make sure you’re never going over the maximum luggage weight. But it’s difficult to figure out without the proper tools. Enter: the digital luggage scale. This handy gadget will allow you to easily weigh your luggage so there are never any unexpected surprises (or fees!) at the airport.

9: Hoodie Pillow

via Bed Bath & Beyond

A neck pillow is always a must-have on long flight, but this one really takes it to the next level. This comfy neck pillow will allow your guy to catch some extra shuteye on his flight by blocking out the light and providing a bit of extra privacy.

10: Travel Wine Bag

via Amazon

Airport liquid restrictions have thrown a real wrench into the travel experience for wine lovers. Gone are the days when you could bring a few choice bottles of wine back on the plane with you. However, these travel wine bags are the best way around that.

11: Car Mount for Phones

via Amazon

If your guy is often in a rental car in a strange city or country, they’re likely using their phone as a navigation tool. This portable mount would really be an ideal gift, as it allows you to easily mount any smartphone in the air conditioning vents of any make or model car.

12: Leather Earbuds Cord Holder

via Etsy

There’s nothing more annoying than opening up your bag and finding that your earbuds are in a tangled mess. This simple leather cord holder is a great solution for avoiding that. And if your guy has several pairs (one in the car, one for his travel bag, etc.), you might want to consider giving him a few.

Give Dad the gift he ALWAYS needs but never has on hand...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Father's Day Gifts for the Griller

Courtesy of Erica Cohen

Hi Friends,

Whether the man in your life is a hot dog guy or a gourmet BBQ-er, he’ll be all fired up about these finds from HGTV Magazine.

Laid-Back Grill

Weber owns 100 percent of the rights

Comes in a fun color and has a built-in thermometer. This grill is on fire! One-Touch Gold 22 1/2"-diameter porcelain-enameled and steel charcoal grill in green, $159, weber.com

Super-Serious Grill

Photo By: Manufacturer

Fit for a grill king, with three burners and a warming rack. Kenmore Elite 550 Series stainless steel and porcelain-coated gas grill, $750, sears.com

Laid-Back Condiment

Photo By: Manufacturer

A spicy twist on the burger’s classic sidekick. Heinz Hot & Spicy tomato ketchup, $2.50 for a 14-ounce bottle, grocery stores

Super-Serious Condiment

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D, food styling: Khalil Hymore

Slather on a signature sauce with ease. Basting and BBQ glass and silicone brush set, $16, prepara.com

Laid-Back Apron

Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

A decked-out cheeseburger emblazoned on white fabric. More Hamburg, More Burger cotton blend apron, $24, zazzle.com

Super-Serious Apron

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Tough-as-nails leather with deep pockets for utensils. Outset grill apron, $50, dillards.com

Laid-Back Basket

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Form perfect-size sliders with the press, then cook nine of ’em at a time. Deluxe Mini-Hamburger slider set, $20, worldmarket.com

Super-Serious Basket

Photo By: Manufacturer

Cook both sides of a whole fish with a flick of the wrist. Nonstick steel grilling basket, $20, cuisinart.com

Laid-Back Cleaner

Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

The ergonomic handle makes it easier to muscle through messes. Charcoal Companion Compact rosewood and stainless steel grill brush, $13, casa.com

Super-Serious Cleaner

Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Pop open a beer and relax: This grill-cleaning robot does all the work. 9"-diameter heat-resistant plastic and brass grill cleaner in blue, $120, grillbots.com

Laid-Back Brander

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D, food styling: Khalil Hymore

Pick a team and brand it on a hot dog. Home run! Pangea Brands MLB hot dog metal brander in New York Yankees, $21.50, wayfair.com

Super-Serious Brander

Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D, food styling: Khalil Hymore

Slide the letters onto this cool tool to create a custom message on a steak. BBQ metal branding iron set, $15, thinkgeek.com

Laid-Back Tool Set

Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

This colorful set has all the essentials. Stainless steel and thermoplastic grilling tools in blue with glove, $25 for a 4-piece set, cuisinart.com

Super-Serious Tool Set

Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

A tool- and gadget-filled briefcase. Mr. Bar-B-Q Prestige stainless steel tools, $40 for a 21-piece set, amazon.com

Laid-Back Accessory

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Because no backyard BBQ is complete withoutcorn—or corn holders. Mr. Bar-B-Q Mixed Theme corn skewers, $9 for a set of 4 pairs, amazon.com

Suepr-Serious Accessory

Photo By: Manufacturer

Shred pork or chicken like a pro. Charcoal Companion stainless steel meat claws, $15 for a set of 2, chefscatalog.com

Happy grilling, Dads...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Make a Cool Father's Day Card

Courtesy of Melissa Phillips

Hi Friends,

Tell Dad you think he's the coolest with a hip, handmade card.

Materials and Tools:

• gray cardstock
• orange patterned paper
• blue patterned paper
• palm tree, star, road sign and flourish die cuts
• chipboard motorcycle
• blue button
• green button
• 2 sugar-coated brads
• rub-on "cool guy" phrase (or permanent pen)
• hemp or twine
• pinking shears
• glue stick, glue dots or adhesive of choice
• sandpaper
• sewing machine or needle and thread (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut gray cardstock to 8-1/2" x 4-3/4" and fold in half. Cut orange patterned paper slightly smaller than card front, ink edges and glue to center of card.
   
   
2. Cut blue paper slightly smaller than orange paper and trim edges with pinking shears. Attach blue paper to card with glue and lightly distress the paper's surface with sandpaper.
   
   
3. Cut a 1-1/4" strip of patterned paper to fit diagonally across the card front, ink edges and glue just below center. To give the card more texture, machine or hand-stitch around edges if desired.
   
   
4. Adhere palm-tree die cut by using adhesive and then attach blue flourish and road sign to upper area of palm-tree die cut. Write "cool guy" or apply rub-on phrase.
   
   
5. Make a small hole in the card's spine and feed hemp or twine through, wrapping it around the card front twice. Thread buttons through hemp and tie in a knot to secure. Thread hemp through chipboard motorcycle and tie to secure. Finally, attach star die cuts to card front with sugared brads.

The Father in you home will appreciate the special card you made just from him...

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Live well,
Yvonne

9 Father's Day Gifts That Will Leave Him Smiling, Crying Or Both

Courtesy of Louis Baragona

Hi Friends,

Dads are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for, especially because they tend to be evasive when it comes to what they actually want in a gift. Which means buying a Father's Day gift is pretty much always a gamble.

The conversation tends to go something like this...

"What do you want for Father's Day?" you’ll ask him, hoping this time he'll give you a straight answer and tell you something specific instead of making you guess. He'll pretend to think (if he's in a congenial mood) and then say, "Nothing. I'm happy as long as I have you." It's flattering, but it doesn't help you narrow down the long list of things you're considering buying him.

Fear not! These nine Father's Day gift ideas won't end up with a regift or return with a receipt. Instead, they’ll end with a laugh, a tear or both. Bye bye, guessing game!

1: Grill Master

Amazon.com

If he loves cooking on the grill and is always checking out new recipes, this set of spices will help him heat things up. Try buying a few cuts of his favorite meat to go with it. Don’t offer to cook though. It might be his day, but his grill skills can’t be matched.

$24.99; amazon.com

2: Classic Man

Jack Black

Is Dad’s beard getting a little out of control? This grooming kit from Jack Black (no, not School of Rock, Dad!) will help him change direction from Duck Dynasty to dapper without too much muss or fuss. This gift will keep it simple and save him a trip to the barber.

$35; getjackblack.com

3: Friendly Reminder

Etsy

Get him a mug that can do double duty. In this case, the personalized, engraved beer mug serves not only as a sentimental gift but also a reminder. He’ll never forget your birthday with this brew-based cheat sheet.

$17; etsy.com

4: Pampered Pop

Lush

Dads need a little "me" time, too. Let him relax with a bubble bath that not only cleans and revives dry or dull skin but also energizes and revives. Maybe he said you gave him a few grey hairs as a teenager; this will help him recharge.

$36.95; lushusa.com

5: Hey, DJ

Urban Outfitters

If he can’t get enough of his favorite old-school hits, give him a little spin-spiration with a new record player. Let’s face it, he’s not figuring out Spotify and/or the aux cord anytime soon. As a bonus, give him copies of his favorite records. Extra points for vintage finds. Signed copies will seal your deal as the golden child.

$169; urbanoutfitters.com

6: Adventures Ahead

World Market

Maybe you’ve loved traveling and seeing new places with your old man. Give him this gorgeous globe as a reminder of where you’ve been and the places you’re still planning on visiting. If you’re feeling extra sentimental, including a copy of Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go will take it the extra mile.

$24.99; worldmarket.com

7: Father's Day Flashback

Man Crates Store

Beat him to the “back in my day” with this crate of ‘80s throwbacks. His sweet tooth will thank you. Remember: It’s his day to indulge, so NO lectures about eating healthy or watching weight. Eat up!

$79.99; mancrates.com

8: Fond Memories

PersonalizationMall.com

Add some photos to this personalized album and try looking through it without getting a little misty-eyed. Fun notes, old photos and other pieces of family memorabilia will keep the stories and memories flowing.

$19.99; personalizationmail.com

9: Quality Time

Overstock.com

Father’s Day just got a little bit cozier thanks to this warm and welcoming fire pit. He’ll be so excited to see his backyard go from normal hangout spot to family party homebase, even if he pretends to mind having to fire up the grill every time.

$146.99; overstock.com

It's time to treat Dad to something truly special...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne