By Eileen Ogintz
Tribune Content Agency
Happy Father’s Day! It might still be a week or so away, but it’s not too soon to think about how you want to celebrate the dads and granddads in your life, especially those who enjoy travel, adventures, and new experiences.
All of the recent surveys suggest that post-pandemic we value experiences more than stuff. That said, I was thinking about how you can give dad things he could use on his next Great Adventure or vacation. Maybe a tennis or golf lesson? A cooking class? Or simply a promise he can sleep in for a morning and not have to play Marco Polo in the pool?
I was thinking that this Father’s Day (June 18) could be a good opportunity to gift dad something he could use to share his passion with others in the family, whether at home or on the go.
If dad loves cooking, for example, get him a cookbook featuring his favorite cuisine. “Consider How to Grill Everything” by Mark Bittman with 1,000 recipes, on sale at Amazon for $16.78. Or perhaps a book about wine: The new edition of “The Wine Bible” by Karen MacNeil is great for seasoned wine lovers as well as beginners, $44.99 on Amazon. For the Bourbon lover, “Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America’s Whiskey” by Reid Mitenbuler $27.95 on Amazon.
Maybe you want to encourage him to try something new with other members of the family—scuba diving – he could complete most of an online course and finish at a resort. Or surfing – Rise Up Surf Retreat offers all-inclusive week-long stays for beginners and seasoned surfers. For the fishermen in the family, check out Captain Experiences, which can hook you up with more than 1,200 vetted guides.
Does your dad love music and like to sing? How about a Minioke LED Go Portable Karaoke Set from Sway Premium Audio ($64.99 on Amazon). It includes a wireless microphone and LED lighting.
For the baseball-loving dad — Tickets to his favorite team, and maybe an overnight hotel stay. If he’s a Yankees fan, for example, consider a getaway at the Martinique New York on Broadway to enjoy baseball season in style. Conveniently located in Herald Square, the property is offering a Play Ball Package just in time for summer games. The package includes two round-trip MetroCards, a $25 gift card to use at the iconic Yankee Stadium, and complimentary breakfast for two guests. Additionally, with 504 newly renovated rooms and suites, there’s a well-equipped fitness center and great dining options.
Is your dad a camper or RVer? Gift him a new camp chair from Helinox, inventors of lightweight and portable furniture. Helinox products offer maximum strength with minimum weight. Their Chair Zero is comfy but weighs just 17 ounces ($159.95).
Dad might appreciate the Orion Compact Camper Roadside Safety kit complete with three professional-grade road flares, a reflective triangle, safety vest, rain poncho and 19-piece first aid kit ($34.99).
You can’t go wrong with a new shirt that wicks moisture, resists odor and dries quickly from a company like Royal Robbins. If your dad hates bugs, check out their Bug Barrier options, including socks.
Get dad a portable barbecue that’s both versatile and lightweight — great for beach as well as camping ($142 from Gentlemen’s Hardware). The company also offers a campfire harmonica ($20) and a campfire poker set ($39).
You won’t disappoint with a Hot Chilly’s Clima-Tek base layer top (a hoodie, zip-T, or crewneck) that will keep you warm and dry and look good whether you are hiking, on a cruise to Alaska or chowing down at an outdoor restaurant (starting at $70).
For your water-loving dad, if budget isn’t an issue, how about an inflatable paddleboard from BOTE (starting at under $500). It weighs just 20 pounds and when deflated is small enough to fit in a backpack. The company also makes inflatable kayaks.
Is dad a chess player? Consider the hi-tech GoChess that moves pieces without a touch and allows users to play with AI. The GoChess app connects millions of chess players worldwide through Chess.com and Lichess, providing opportunities for players of all levels to find a suitable opponent for a match (be it a real person or AI).
For fishing dad: The 6-ounce Torch Flask by High Camp Flasks (customizable $99) includes a magnetically attached 3-ounce shot glass and you can add ice. The company also makes larger flasks complete with two shot cups.
Of course, you could also send him on a fishing trip to Alaska — like at Salmon Falls Resort in Ketchikan, considered the salmon capital of the world ($1,500 a night! All-inclusive).
If dad is a cyclist, consider waterproof on-bike storage bags from Mission Workshop so he can free his pockets. ($110)
For the golfing dad, Good Housekeeping recommends a Custom Golf Ball stamp from ETSY. No one will mistake his ball! ($37). Or how about a golf practice net he can set up in the backyard ($79).
If dad has a long flight in his future, give a pair or two of compression socks. They can keep legs from swelling and also relieve aching. (With every purchase, Bombas donates to those in need. Compression socks are $28.) Dad would also appreciate a gift card to purchase a new book or movie for that long flight.
Happy Father’s Day!
(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The fourth edition of the Kid’s Guide to New York City and the third edition of the Kid’s Guide to Washington D.C. are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)
©2023 Eileen Ogintz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.