* Thanks to the following companies for providing products for us to test out.
Father's Day is June 18, 2017. Less than a month away!
Here are my top ideas for practical gifts that he'll use all year long.
But not just any flip-flops! Columbia's Montrail Molikai II recovery sandals are specially-designed to help comfort and cradle aching feet after long training runs, hard mountain bike rides, or hours of standing in the office, courtroom, or classroom. Built with arch support and plentiful squish, he'll be glad to sink his feet into these after a day's work.
If he is a runner, he's probably run one too many miles in his current shoes. Surprise him with a brand new pair of shoes from a trusted running brand. Brooks is a leader in running shoes, apparel, and accessories - and you can't go wrong with a pair from their current collection.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 is a trail running shoe that offers cushion, support, and style. Pictured in Anthracite/Silver/Electric Blue.
A manly option for the mountaineer. The henley is a classic long-sleeved t-shirt with buttons up the chest. The casual design is ideal for outdoor wear, but can easily be dressed up for a ball game, date night, or business meet-up.
We love that the Mountain Khakis trapper henley is supremely soft and available in a deep hunter green.
Beach bum? Check! Hiker? Check! Traveler? Check! Sunglasses are a great gift for anyone who lives for the outdoors, loves to go on adventures, and/or resides in a sunny climate. Bolle makes stylish specs that are loaded with features - anti-fog, scratch-resistant, polarized, etc. If you want options, you'll like Bolle. Choose your frame style/material, lens color, and more. Pictured: the lightweight and classic Keywest.
Nothing screams Father's Day quite like a hammock. He can nap poolside or soak in the sun all afternoon. Vivere offers hammocks in all shapes and sizes - including hammocks like the one above, made from durable Sunbrella fabric. With 3,700+ reviews on Amazon and almost 5 stars, the Sunbrella Brazilian Double Hammock is highly rated for longevity, good looks, and ease-of-use. Fits two adults or three kids for hours of family relaxation and fun.
No trees? No problem! Vivere's metal stands compress down for easy shipping and can be set up absolutely anywhere.
Take the pain out of shaving with Philip Norelco's 5700 electric razor. Special features include a 10% power boost for a faster shave, 5-direction flex heads for a smoother shave, and an easy clean system at the touch of a button.
If you ever catch yourself saying, "shoes aren't made like they used to be" -- then you will love discovering Samuel Hubbard's line of shoes. Crafted with high-quality leather, these shoes feel (and smell!) like a cobbler's pride-and-joy.
Samuel Hubbard's 24 Seven dress boots features full leather lining, Vibram soles, plentiful arch support, and a memory foam insole for optimal comfort. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, these shoes are built to keep your feet in good health. They are also the epitome of gentlemanly style and grace. A boot that can take him through the workday and into the weekend.
Campers, fishermen, and men in chilly/rainy climates will appreciate the gift of a well-designed poncho. Namely The Honcho Poncho by Therm-a-Rest. The breathable, easy wear poncho is waterproof, weatherproof, and provides great insulation. He can cinch in the hood for additional warmth and keep his hands toasty warm in the kangaroo pockets. If he needs a blanket in a pinch, the poncho magically transforms into one. Plus, it packs into its own storage pocket!
Here's your gift pick for conspiracy theorists and end-of-the-world preppers!
Pelican's 8060 LED Flashlight is a full-size, full-power, rechargeable tactical flashlight. Impressive to hold and magnificent in brightness. The beam's clear white light covers significant distances and is practical for a myriad of uses - late night walks, outdoor adventures, and unexpected emergencies.
Even if your dad isn't creating an underground bunker for bad times, he'll still love the durability of this light. Ideal for campers, hunters, hikers, nighttime walkers, law enforcements officers, and military personnel!
A smart-looking dress shirt is always a good way to go for Father's Day, but why not opt for a short-sleeve version that is more fitting for the sweltering summer months ahead? Choose a classic color and he'll wear it all summer long.
We love the deep navy Cottonwood Short Sleeve shirt by Mountain Khakis. He'll wear this one untucked for a groomed and modern look. Contrast trim if he wants to roll up the sleeves.
Another smart pick - Columbia's rugged Southridge Short Sleeve Hemp shirt in a burnished sunset red. Mottled coloring and chest pockets add interest.
A rust-resistant, nearly-impossible-to-break, insulated water bottle is a gift of hydration and good health. Pelican's bottles offer extreme heat retention (12 hours hot) and extreme cold retention (24 hours cold) so he can enjoy his drinks at exactly the right temperature in any kind of weather. Whether he wants hot coffee for his daily commute or icy water for an outdoor project, Pelican bottles work hard right alongside him. Don't fret about the higher price tag - Pelican bottles come with a Lifetime Guarantee.
Grilling dads will appreciate knowing exactly when to pull off their steaks, fish, and poultry - thanks to Thermapen. Rated #1 by Cook's Magazine, ThermoWorks' Thermapen takes fast & accurate readings (2-3 seconds), is waterproof, and has a long-lasting battery life (3,000 hours). This is a tool we use 2-4x/week for perfectly cooked meats (medium for him, well-done for me).
* Note: No-one in our family likes their meat cooked to 94 degrees. That was the outside temperature at the time of our photography session!
If your dad, husband, or brother is a reader, he will be in awe of The Folio Society's hardcover boxed set of "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. With gorgeous hardbound covers in a summery shade of green accompanied by eye-catching gold swirls, these books are (almost) too pretty to read. He'll proudly display them as decor and talking pieces in the living room.
Men who like to have wind in their hair and salt in their skin will appreciate a Father's Day gift from Bass Pro Shops. The gigantic store has an almost endless supply of fishing gear.
He's sure to love the lightweight and super strong Johnny Morris Patriot Casting Rod in a stately electric blue. Made right here in the USA! Shop Bass Pro Shops' huge collection of rods and reels.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, choose a Bass Pro Shops gift card and you'll be golden. Bass Pro offers something for almost every hobby - camper, backpacker, swimmer, sailer, hunter, or hiker.
Before he heads out in search of dinner (organic meat!), buy him a new camouflage sweatshirt. Bass Pro Shops offers a variety of options for different kinds of terrain, but we're spotlighting the Redhead 1/4 Zip Hoodie above. Detailed and satiny with a great drawstring hood, he'll stay warm and hidden no matter where he wanders.
What Father's Day gift ideas would you add?