Gift Ideas For Dear Old Dad
Father's Day is June 19. Here are some gift ideas from around town.
Father's Day is just easier.
Perhaps it's because dads don't fall victim to the Hallmark hype. Or maybe it's because they're not controlled by raging hormones. Whatever the case, for most of us June 19 will be a relaxed, enjoyable day with maybe a BBQ.
Still, we can't forget the old man entirely. After all, where would we be without him? So here are some gift ideas from around town for dear old dad.
For the baseball-loving dad
When I asked my husband what he would like to do for Father's Day, he didn't want a fancy brunch or flowers. He simply asked that we go to Buffalo Wild Wings so he could eat with his family and have a cold beer while watching the Tigers play. (The outdoor patio at BWW has six flat screen televisions for dad's viewing pleasure.)
That's easy enough. If any of the other dads are Tigers fans know this: the Tigers are out of town that weekend but have games against the Rockies at 8:40 p.m. Friday, 8:10 p.m. Saturday and 3:10 p.m. Father's Day.
Other great venues for sports viewing include Limelight, Grand Tavern, Mr. B's and The Hills. Now don't say dad's not easy to please!
For the wine-loving dad
Fieldstone Winery has a truly cool wine holder that would rock any Man Cave. It's red and says "Made In Detroit." It's $160 or you can have it customized for an additional charge. It's glossy and sleek, and yes, it is made in Detroit.
For the golf-loving dad
Check out 1001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die at Catching Fireflies. The title is self-explanatory but I can also tell you that it's 960 pages with 650 full-color photographs — and fact boxes for each course. If you've got one of those kinds of dads, it's $34.95.
For the tailgate-loving dad
If your dad has team spirit and he's not afraid to show it, The Silk Worm has a variety of fun gifts. Whether it's a University of Michigan ice bucket ($23.95), a Spartan coffee mug ($15.95), or, my personal favorite, a Central Michigan Sportula ($26.95), The Silk Worm has you covered.
For the grill-loving dad
Borders has a huge selection of grill cookbooks to inspire anyone willing to take on the flame. The Silk Worm also has a collection of fun little cookbooks with 101 ideas of what to do with cheese or beer or pretzels.
For the cowboy-loving dad
The Oscar-nominated western True Grit is out on DVD and Blu-ray. Target has it for $17.99. You can also get the 1969 original with John Wayne for $7 on DVD. Cowboy hats and eye-patches are optional.
For the cookie-loving dad
Every summer Oreo puts out limited-edition cookies. Don't you think dad should get some for his own? Get him a bag of the Berry Burst Ice Cream Oreo at Meijer for $2.98 and make his day. Tell him he doesn't have to share.
For the dad who has everything
It's called ProToast and it toasts your favorite team's logo on to your bread. Meijer has it in Tigers, Red Wings, University of Michigan and Michigan State. It's $29.99. It will make that Father's Day breakfast in bed just that much more special.
Laura Cassar
4:33 pm on Tuesday, June 14, 2011
I just heard that Rockin' Cupcakes is going to have a special treat this weekend for Father's Day. Details to follow....
Tiffany Dziurman Stozicki
11:35 am on Thursday, June 16, 2011
A nice selection of gifts, Laura. Thanks for finding them!
Joshua Raymond
12:23 pm on Thursday, June 16, 2011
A few thoughts of my own that a dad might enjoy -
* A gift certificate to Burgrz at Adams and Walton. Medium-rare burgers and spicy onion rings scream 'MAN'.
* Drive dad to Dillman & Upton and let him pick out the tool he needs for his latest project.
* Take dad on a father-daughter date to Sanders and get some ice cream with him. Walk around downtown.
* Sample wines with him at Papa Joes or buy a bottle of his favorite at Red Wagon Wine Shoppe. It's hard to miss with a Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
* Spend some time with him on the Paint Creek Trail.
* Give him a pair of tickets to a show or concert at the Meadow Brook Music Festival. Weird Al, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Bob Dylan, or a magic show; they've got it all!
There are so many options in this area to find something for dad. I'm looking forward to three excited girls with homemade cards and giant squeezy hugs.
Kristin Bull
2:54 pm on Thursday, June 16, 2011
Great ideas, Joshua. Thanks for sharing. But I have to ask ... Weird Al, really?
Joshua Raymond
3:14 pm on Thursday, June 16, 2011
Well, if you and your friends were looking for "a girls night out that involves bad 80's music", he has all of that covered.
I enjoy his amalgamation of comedy and music and am a fan of parody and satire. I do prefer him in small doses as listening to him continuously would be akin to listening to the same joke over and over.
Living close enough to Meadow Brook Music Festival that we can often hear the music, I do find his lack of sexually-laden lyrics and profanity refreshing.
Barb L
2:30 pm on Friday, July 29, 2011
Well said, Joshua!
Also, Weird Al is brilliant!