Father’s Day gifts, aaaaargh. Aren’t guys just the most difficult to buy for? And Father’s Day to boot…it’s gotta be something “special” from the kids, but also something that he’ll enjoy and actually use. Here are a couple of ideas that we came up with for the Dad who has everything.
#1 Minor League Sporting Events
Did you know that you can get a fantastic seat at the Manchester Fisher Cats for $8.50? Fisher Cats primo seats top out at $9. Not to mention parking is super easy (and cheap), there isn’t a bad seat in the house and the concessions offer more than just hot dogs (I’m a big fan of the Greek Chicken Wrap). Both stadiums are always doing some kind of fun family promotion like fireworks or giveaways, between-inning entertainment and the Fisher Cats have a Golden Retriever as a bat boy. A dog! As the batboy! Finally, a day at the ballpark that won’t cost you a bundle.
#2 Grill Stuff
One day, I came upon a teal colored BBQ tool set that was so perfectly priced, I couldn’t refuse. You know who could refuse? My better half, who refused to use the chintzy, plastic set I had just recently so admired. It’s a scientific fact, men like rugged stuff when they cook meat over an open flame. For this Father’s Day, splurge on a nice grill set that’s all woody and metal and really sturdy. Do not, however, purchase an actual grill unless you know *exactly* the one he wants. It’s kind of like asking your husband to pick out a comfortable bra. Bless his little heart, but he’s never going get that right.
#3 Stocks
Otherwise known as, Legal Gambling! And you don’t have to go big—spend $50 on an inexpensive, up-and-coming business. It’s a great way to learn how the stock market works while providing a fun and educational event for the whole family. Make it a “Sunday morning thing” where the kids grab the paper or get online and have them review the stock’s progress. Stocks go up, steak and eggs. Stocks go down, cereal.
#4 The “Go-ahead” Gift
Maybe Dad’s been wanting to build a man cave, or visit a college buddy out of state or maybe drop some dough on a decent pair of sunglasses– but hasn’t done it for a myriad of reasons. Have at it! Give him your wholehearted best wishes to do something he’s been excited about and help him follow through with making it happen. Fun!
#5 Dollar Shave Club
I’m a sucker for slick marketing and packaging, which is just fine by me when it comes to the Dollar Shave Club because it sends razor blades for your special guy directly to your mailbox. Automatically. Without having to do anything. At all. They also sell really cool products like shave gels, manly moisturizers and hair stuff and everything is so inexpensively priced. Each shipment (you decide the frequency, monthly, every other, etc.) comes with a Bathroom News newsletter that is both informative and hilarious. Bonus: Your razors are now your razors only. Unless you have teenage daughters, then I don’t know what to tell you.
#6 Gone Fishing
A few Father’s Days ago, I bought us all tickets for Eastman’s Fishing Fleet out of Seabrook which has a family-friendly two-hour fishing tour from 6:30pm-8:30pm every night of the week through mid-September. It’s a ton of fun, not too long and practically everyone catches something. You can purchase a gift certificate in advance, then watch the weather and call a day or two before you want to reserve spots. Hook, line and sinker!
#7 Food & Drink
You know that bottle of 100 year old whiskey that’s in the glass case at the liquor store? Or how about the 4 inch thick filet mignon at the butcher? What about a hot-from-the-oven homemade Brownie Sundae? They say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Pick something he’d think is really, really decadent and spoil him with it.
Whatever you decide, don’t forget a sweet card that tells Dad all the ways we love thee. Happy Father’s Day!
