Father's Day is notoriously difficult to buy for, so we put together the perfect daddy gift guide to get our dads ready for summer time.
Summer is here, and that means Father’s Day is fast approaching. Although we love them, Dads are also notoriously difficult to buy for. Sure, you could get him a case of beer, or a box of golf balls, but what’s the fun in that? Of course, there are some fathers that would some golf balls for his game. Not to mention, there are those gifts that Dad needs, but will never buy for himself. Here are our top gifts to get your Dad (or any deserving guy) this summer.
For the Outdoor DadUnder Armour Storm Polarized Sunglasses
If your Dad is like most guys, the first thing he’s doing when he hits the beach is jumping in the water. A serious no-no with most fancy, high end sunglasses. Not anymore, thanks to Under Armour. Recently released, their UA Storm collection is coated especially to repel salt water, oils, mud and pretty much everything else. Best used on or near the water, or anywhere that you encounter reflective glare, you’ll find that the UA Storm Polarized lenses eliminate glare for clearer vision, less eye fatigue and color retention. On testing, we definitely noticed sharper, clearer vision, even with the sun and glare at the beach.
Our top picks, the UA Double Down Storm Polarized in Satin Black ($184.99 on their website), and the UA Rumble Storm Polarized ($159.99) in Satin Carbon.
Oxx CoffeeBoxx K-Cup Brewer
If your Dad likes to rough it for the weekend, but can’t give up that cup of Joe, we’ve got just the coffee maker for him. OXX COFFEEBOXX, the world’s toughest coffee maker has been dropped, run over by a 1,500 pound truck, and kicked across the roughest terrain. COFFEEBOXX is relatively lightweight, rust proof, and water resistant with the convenience of K-cups, or has their own refillable eco-pod, for the true coffee connoisseur. Perfect for tailgating, RV’ing, man caves, and anything outdoors, Dad can now literally take his coffee anywhere he wants to go. $249.99 on their website.
Go Puck Rechargeable Power
With as much as Dad is on the go, keeping him powered up and plugged in can be tough. Enter GO PUCK, the world’s most versatile battery solution to charge all of his USB powered devices.
This is not your average pocket power pack, but instead is wearable power: clip it, strap it, mount it to his GoPro. Charge two devices at one time including phones and tablets. Developed by Blake Fuller, the designer and inventor of the same lithium-ion batteries used today in every Indy Race Car, Fuller transferred his expertise of movable, durable, lightweight power for racing into every day use. The GO PUCK 6XR rapidly powers up, for example, an iPhone 6S about five times or a GoPro® HERO4 around seven times. $99 on their website, GO PUCK will keep Dad going, all summer long!
Cotopaxi Sumaco 22L Urban Backpack in Seafoam
Inspired by classic mountaineering packs, the Sumaco 22L is the perfect mix between adventure and urban casual. Jam packed with pockets and features that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional, the Sumaco’s exterior flap and drawstring closure provide a unique look that also keeps your valuable safer. The exterior of the bag features two water bottle pockets, with the interior featuring a padded laptop sleeve, an internal mesh organizer, and the back is well padded-important for long hikes. In bright, fresh green with navy, we think Dad will love this nautical inspired bag, taking it from office commute to weekend at the beach. $79.99 on their site, a portion of proceeds from each bag goes back to charity. At Crave Local, we’re big fans of Cotopaxi’s ethics and social responsibility efforts. Totally worth a look for your next family adventure.
Tom & Teddy Board Shorts
What better way to celebrate Dad than with a day on the lake or at the beach? Do it safely, with UPF protected rash guards and swim trunks from Tom & Teddy. Founded in 2013, Tom & Teddy shorts are made from quick drying microfiber fabric that won’t stick to the skin when wet. Dads and sons can match or mix patterns, and the best part-Tom & Teddy rash tops have 50+ UPF, certified by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), blocking 98% of the sun’s UV rays, and protecting all your boys from sunburn. Men’s collection retails at $95, boy’s collection at $60.
Zenni Optical Photochromic Prescription Lenses
In our house, our Dad loved to ride motorcycles. However, riding from day to night can prove to be a challenge, especially if you have vision needs. If your dad wears prescription glasses (or even if he doesn’t), check out Zenni Optical‘s photochromic – aka – Transition lenses. Zenni can make any pair of frames into Transitions lenses, and given the fact that you may just leave them at Bike Week, their affordable prices are not bad, either. Prices vary, see their website.
Steve Raichlen’s Grilling Plancha in Cast Iron
As any outdoor Dad knows, no adventure is complete until you’ve cooked something over fire! The Steve Raichlen Grilling Plancha is perfect for his fresh catch of the day, and the strong, sturdy cast iron construction will both evenly create a crusty, smoky sear, as well as keep your fish, shrimp, or veggies from falling into the fire. Also great for pancakes, pizza on the grill, and grilled fruits for dessert. A must have for foodie dads, $39.99 on their website.
The Dad With Great Taste
In addition to his taste for adventure and food, Dad also knows how to unwind with a glass of something special, and a great conversation. Get him one of these classic and modern spirits to inspire his next great cocktail creation.Speyburn 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
If your Dad loves a great scotch that’s classic, reliable, and great for sipping as well as cocktails, rest easy knowing the Speyburn 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (SRP $29) is your go-to gift of choice. Always reliable, and trustworthy (just like Dad), Speyburn 10 is medium-bodied, delicate and fruity with just a little peatiness on the finish. Notes of orange peel and baking spice are present, as well as notes of caramel, vanilla, and wine grape skins. As a single malt, this American Oak ex-bourbon and ex-sherry cask aged scotch is better than most at this price point. Ice will mellow and sweeten it-don’t hesitate to try it in an old fashioned, a Blood and Sand, neat, or on the rocks. Highly recommended. – 93 Points, CL
Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Sine the 1700’s, the Teeling Family has been crafting Irish whiskey. Their new distillery is the first in Dublin in 125 years, and is now open to visitors from around the world. Their quality in craft, however, can be tasted without making the jump over the pond. Recently awarded Gold as the 2016 Best Irish Grain from World Whiskies Awards, Teeling’s single grain Irish whiskey is fully matured in Californian Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels, resulting in an intensely fruit forward, rosy amber color, and voluptuous notes of raspberry and cherries, as well dried currants and nutmeg spice on the dry, oaky finish. Expect this to be one of Dad’s favorite sippers, as at under $40 a bottle average SRP, Teeling is already one of our favorite spirits for 2016. – 90 Points, CL
Templeton Whiskey
During Prohibition in the 1920’s, in a small town in Iowa, a few locals feeling the pressure of the economy chose to become outlaws. Their contraband of choice? High-caliber, sought-after whiskey. Its seriously smooth finish earned the tastebuds of Mafia king, Al Capone, with their rye-based spirit garnering the nickname ‘The Good Stuff’, quickly bringing notoriety to the tiny town of Templeton. Paired with a gorgeous irish whiskey glass, this would make the perfect Father’s Day gift!
Although now distilled in Indiana, Templeton Whiskey still continues to make the same high quality spirit one would expect from such an iconic name. Tasting notes and aroma will reveal spicy rye and citrus, as well as caramel and oak, with just a hint of bitterness from the grain. Flavors of dried apricots and burnt sugar, as well as cinnamon and spice are present. Templeton is warm, woody, and layered, but with sweet citrus and pleasant heat on the finish. Drink it on the rocks, or in Dad’s next whiskey cocktail. SRP $39.99. – 89 Points, CL
Soltado Añejo Tequila – Serrano & Cinnamon
For foodie Dad’s that love a killer cocktail, and can’t get enough of their favorite chili peppers or that hot and spicy grillin’ sauce, look no further than Soltado Anejo Tequila Serrano & Cinnamon. Labeled by Tasting Panel’s Robert Plotkin as ‘Muy Caliente!’, with four gold medals, and critics raving (97 points – not too shabby), this 28 month aged, 100% blue Weber agave tequila is one to grab this Father’s Day. Hot Serrano peppers kick it up a notch, while Mexican canela (cinnamon) adds layers of flavor to it’s bracingly warm, smooth finish. Try it in a Mexican Mule, an Old Fashioned, or Dad’s famous Bloody Mary for a drink experience he’s sure to love. Currently $33.50 on ForTequilaLovers.com. – 91 Points, CL
Dolce Nero Espresso Liqueur
If Dad loves his coffee, especially after dinner, pick up a bottle of Dolce Nero Espresso Liqueur (average SRP $19), and sweeten his cup with the first and oldest espresso liqueur brand in Italy. Made from grain spirits and Brazilian coffee beans, it’s a welcome partner to desserts, cocktails, or just a touch in your after dinner coffee. Flavors of dark espresso beans and pleasantly rich viscosity remind one of an evening spent people watching at a Venice cafe. Color is a very dark amber, with little alcohol flavor, making Dolce Nero a great choice for not just cocktails, but granitas, tiramisu, or other coffee flavored desserts. A great alternative to your usual coffee liqueurs, Dolce Nero Espresso Liqueur is a treat we’re sure he’ll love having on hand in the liquor cabinet. – 90 Points, CL
Old School Bitters Kit
Is your Dad the dapper type, with the class and skill of a modern day barman? Look no further than Makers Kit’s Old School Bitters for an inspirational DIY kit that is sure to up his cocktail making. Complete with every root, flower, and citrus peel you’ll need, Dad can infuse his own bitters, just like Grandpa used to make. $28 on their site, Makers Kit carries lots of DIY inspiration, like hot sauce kits, DIY mason jar gardens, and more. This week, get an additional $10 off any purchase over $40 using code: DIYDAD.
The Cleaned Up Dad
All men have different preferences when it comes to shaving. Some wet shave with these cut throat shavers to avoid razor burn, others choose to use an electric razor to save time, and a few use a disposable razor. But no matter how a man shaves, they should have a good quality shaving kit at the ready to care for their beard and skin before and after a shave.
After all that adventure, make sure Dad looks his best with these great gift ideas.
Pacific Shaving Company – Caffeinated Shaving Kit
All men have different preferences when it comes to shaving. Some wet shave with these cut throat shavers to avoid razor burn, others choose to use an electric razor to save time, and a few use a disposable razor. But no matter how you shave, you should have a good quality shaving kit at the ready to care for your beard and skin before and after a shave. Yes, coffee lovers, caffeine in your skincare is a thing, and you should use it. Here’s why: already a “go-to” ingredient in women’s skincare-everything from eye creams and anti-aging lotions to concealers and moisturizers, only recently has caffeine found its way into the shaving world.
An effective vasoconstrictor and antioxidant, caffeine can help reduce the appearance of redness, tighten pore, and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Translation for shavers: say goodbye to razor rash.
Will you get a buzz every morning from ‘s product line? Probably not much (although no guarantees!), but studies show that caffeine does absorb into the skin, and this just help get you going before you even put your shorts and running shoes on. We tested a kit from Pacific Shaving Company, and let’s just say the guys-including the ones that refuse to use shave gel-won’t give them back. $15.99 at Target, or on their website, Pacific’s shaving kit is vegan, paraben free, and from our experience, guaranteed to make Dad look and feel like a million bucks after his shave.
Soaptopia – Soap of the Month Club
Starting at $48 for 6 months, give Dad the gift of serious clean, and some serious fun with Soaptopia. Our first sudsy experience with the brand was their peppermint and spruce scented, ‘Run, Forrest, Run’, and the company’s silly wit and great quality haven’t stopped since. Case in point-last month’s soap was Sudweiser, a lemon, hoppy beer infused (yes, we said beer) soap, not only manly, but also made from the best, all natural ingredients like Italian olive oil, Wild Shea Butter, coconut oil, avocado, and hempseed. Soaptopia soaps have been known to cure eczema (we’re not doctors), clear bad skin, and obviously, made you smell stupendously great, be sure to make them a must have for your favorite Dad this season.
Frownies Under Eye Gels
After all the years he’s laughed, smiled, and yes, sometimes frowned at you, Dad’s eyes may have started to show his age. Turn back the hands of time in just half an hour with FrowniesEye Gel patches.
Made from all natural skin-friendly ingredients like aloe, niacin, cool cactus collagen, and other natural vitamins derived from plant sources, he can safely reduce eye wrinkles in just minutes a day. Unlike many other anti-aging treatments on the market, Frownies is also committed to being completely free of artificial fragrances, synthetic chemicals, and toxic preservatives. $29.99 on their website.