Dads can pose a particular type of gift shopping challenge. If the men in your life are anything like mine, they can be infuriatingly pragmatic. If they really need it, they probably already bought it. It’s hard to find gifts that they’ll like and actually use. What do you get for the man who seemingly has everything?
To get the inside scoop, I took my particularly finicky husband Father’s Day window-shopping at the International Home + Housewares Show. There we checked out everything from coffee cups to whiskey stones, graters to grilling gear. Many of the items he chose surprised me. He gravitated towards practical, everyday items with a fun feature or surprising twist.
In fact, that’s a good way to describe him as a father — a good, practical guy who’s full of fun surprises. If that describes a father-figure in your life, read on…
For the Breakfast Maker:
Mastrad Express Whisk
In our house, Dad rules the kitchen on weekend mornings. He gets the coffee started, drags a couple of stools to the counter and he and the kids get started on a delicious breakfast. His scrambled eggs are creamy, velvety perfection. His egg and sausage skillets are legendary.
For the Man Who Makes Eggs, we suggest the Mastrad Express Whisk. This nifty tool uses a a pogo-like bouncy action to make quick of work beating eggs, crepe batter and whipped cream with ease.
For the Coffee and Star Wars Loving Dad:
Underground Toys Millennium Falcon Mug
If dad loves Star Wars, he’s gonna love this mug. Featuring the Death Star on one side and the Millennium Falcon on the other, this mug is a collector’s item that any true fan will appreciate.
For the Road Warrior:
Contigo Autoseal Transit Mug
Speaking of coffee, any Dad who manages his commute with one had wrapped around a cup of coffee will appreciate this mug from Contigo. This thing is totally spill-proof and will keep your coffee hot for a really long time. In fact, I filled this one morning, drank half the coffee and when I when to clean it out the following morning, the coffee was still warm! I can’t give much higher praise for a commuter cup than that!
For the CrossFit Dad:
Contigo Shake & Go Fit
If Dad is into fitness, he’s probably also into protein or weight management shakes. The Contigo Shake & Go container has a nifty little ball inside designed to expertly break up and mix in powdered shake mixes for a super smooth shake drinking experience.
For the Wine-Loving Dad:
VacuVin Swirling Wine Carafe
If Dad is a wine lover, he’ll love the VacuVin Swirling Wine Carafe. This beautiful glass decanter tucks snugly into a cork base with a spinning center piece. Give it a gentle push and the carafe spins and swirls on the table, simultaneously aerating your wine and mesmerizing your guests. It’s a thoughtful conversation piece for anyone who loves to entertain with wine.
For the Practical Dad or Dad Who Boats:
Kikkerland Cork Flashlight
If your Dad is at the top of your call list in the event of any emergency, he’ll love this sweet little flashlight from Kikkerland. Waterproof, lightweight and designed to float (cork construction), this little light is a perfect addition to an emergency kit for the car or boat.
For the Grill Master (who loves Star Wars):
Lightsaber BBQ Tongs & Darth Vader Oven Gloves
No Father’s Day gift guide would be complete without grilling gear. And this is Star Wars grilling gear! Unsheathe the Lightsaber Grilling tongs and Dad will be treated to real “Lightsaber” sound affects as he flips burgers and turns hot dogs.
And when he’s feeling the Dark Side, he can don his Darth Vader oven gloves before pulling his famous tuna casserole from the oven. Any Dad with a sense of humor will get a kick out of these.
