Dads are a special breed: To the kids, they're a source of unexpected delights, as well as comfort and love; to their partners they're a pillar, a sounding board, a sometimes-better half. Such extraordinary contributions to the family deserve to be rewarded with more than an ordinary Father's Day gift. Lucky you: We've created the guide to finding the perfect gift for the perfect guy. Whether he's the outdoorsy mountain type or an indie film geek, you'll find just the way to thank the Mindful Papas in your life for all they do throughout the year.
Editor's note: Tell us about the Mindful Papa in your life and enter to win a pair of AON Speakers!
Recession Busters (under $60)
For new and soon-to-be dads, the Being Dad DVDs
are the perfect crash course in the nuances of parenting—from a man’s perspective. Leaving the touchy-feely talks for the Lamaze classes, the Being Dad guys tackle everything from birth, finances, and sex to sleep deprivation,
safety, and even what not to say to your pregnant wife, all over a few beers. I had to laugh out loud, watching half a dozen guys with brews in hand talking about the intricacies of pumping, but loved the down-to-earth attitude of the film as well as the practical information it provided. ($25.99) Mindful Mama Exclusive: Enter the code MAMA20 at checkout for 20% off your order!
Known for his satirical works and wild lifestyle, Neal
Pollack’s Alternadad
is a personal memoir of his transition from hipster to
hipster dad. Funny and in-your-face, this book is a great addition to the
“parenting” stack, giving both of you a breath of reality—with a few
twists. ($14.95)
Have a papa who travels a lot, or a grandpa who lives
far away? Make a custom photo book—either brag book size or larger—to help him
bring the baby smiles with him wherever he is. If you have an Apple with iPhoto, making a custom book is even
more simple. ($4–$40)
For the eco-minded, dog-loving papa who wears his heart on his sleeve, the Reduce Your
Carbon Pawprint tee from Planet Dog says it all. ($29.95)
Is he more of a go-with-the-flow kind of guy? REI's Green Label Life’s a River T-Shirt speaks to both the fisherman and the
take-it-easy papa—and is made from organic cotton. ($30)
We also love Patagonia’s Live Simply Tee Shirt
collection, which is also made from organic cotton and features simple designs,
including a guitar, footprints, or an open birdcage, with the bold directive to
Live Simply. ($30)
By giving him the sleek solar-powered BOGO light made by
Sunnight Solar, you’ll not only light up his night, you’ll also light up someone
else’s. BOGO stands for Buy One, Give One; upon checkout you can choose from
nearly a dozen different charities to benefit from your purchase. ($59)
The recycled purses from English Retreads have quite the cult
following, but your man doesn’t have to be left out. Made from recycled inner
tubes, the English Retreads Wallet is simple, practical, and speaks to the recycler in all of us. ($55)
If the dad in your life prefers a simple money clip to
the standard bi-fold wallet, the Vintage Buffalo Nickel Money Clip from the
Sundance Catalog is the perfect option, featuring authentic coins minted
between 1913 and 1938, adding a bit of flair to a fashion standard.
($48)
For the film buff in your family,
check out the savvy and green Earth Cinema Circle DVD club. For $17.95 every other month, he’ll
receive four environmental and entertaining films—including full-length
movies, documentaries, and shorts—that not only enlighten but also support independent film makers.
($17.95)
Music lovers rejoice: The Aon Box Speakers are fun,
transportable, made from renewable materials, and practical (not to mention
affordable), allowing him to listen to music on the dock, deck, or
even at the office. ($20) Mindful Mama Exclusive: Enter coupon code GREENSOUND at checkout to receive 30% off your order! PLUS: Brag on your man and enter to win a pair of AON speakers! The 15 most popular entries will win.
Have a child who loves to draw? Encourage her artistic
talent, and share it with dad or grandpa with the Doodlebook Frame available at
the MOMA store. Featuring eighty blank pages, this 4x6 frame is the perfect way
to showcase your kiddos’ smiles as well as their creative masterpieces. ($18)
Worth Every Penny ($60–$200)
Although golfing occurs on the green, it isn’t really
“green” in the environmental sense, due to the ubiquitous use of water and
pesticides (especially in dry climes). But, it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact,
golf courses have the unique opportunity to preserve and highlight natural
habitats. To find a green golf course he’ll love, check out Golf and the
Environment’s and Audubon International’s Certified Golf Course List,
recognizing courses that preserve, protect, and conserve natural resources and
wildlife.
Baby carriers can be a bit, well, feminine, so for the
man in your life, look for a carrier cover that speaks more to his style. We
love the Peekaru from TogetherBe ($79.95)—which comes in a warm fleece vest for cooler weather
as well as the Ozone ($44.95)—perfect for keeping babe safe from the sun.
For the adventure-seeking papa, Patagonia's MLC Dawn
Patrol Backpack (made with recycled materials) is the perfect choice. ($140) Large
enough to hold supplies for three days, yet small enough to accommodate
airlines' rather stringent carry-on standards, this pack travels almost too well. Just be sure to pack it with
stuff he loves, like a new vintage-looking flask from Sigg. And, if you really want to make a statement, customize his Sigg at CafePress.
Home brewing is a great outlet for dads (and moms!),
allowing them to get creative and have fun while making refreshing brews. With
Seven Bridges Cooperative’s Organic Beer Brewing Kits, he can make beer the way
he likes it—all flavor, no pesticides. ($129–$299)
He deserves a break—and probably a nap. Encourage him to
unwind in the Ultimate Hammock from Gaiam, made from recycled soda bottles. A cold
beer and a good book are optional. ($189)
For the serious, on-the-go tech guy, the Solio Classic
Universal Hybrid Solar Charger from Solio can charge everything from his cell phone and
iPod to his digital camera—all from the sun’s rays. How bright is that? ($99.95)
For only 80 bucks, the National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Annual Pass gives him (plus three additional adults, hint,
hint) access to the most beautiful and scenic parks in the country. The pass is
valid for one year. ($80)
To encourage kids to appreciate the great outdoors, it’s
best to lead by example. Plan a Father’s Day camping trip, and outfit papa with
a new Kelty sleeping bag—they come in a variety of weights, depending on what
type of weather you might encounter. ($75–$500)
Does the man in your life take driving green seriously?
Outfit him with the PLX Kiwi, a unique device that calculates not only your MPG
(teaching gas-saving techniques), but also the cost of driving different
distances and different speeds. ($89–$299)
For some serious—and fun—bonding time, buy papa a gift
certificate for Music Together classes for birth- through kindergarten-age kids.
Spoiled Rotten ($200+)
The outside of the stylish messenger Noon Solar Sawyer
Bag features a paper thin, flexible solar panel, collecting energy to supply
power to all your guy's portable devices. ($377)
For a non-leather option, check out the solar bags available at Reware. ($250)
For earth-lovers, the yard—and the mowing that goes with
it—is always an uphill battle. A push mower is certainly earth-friendly, but it can turn a chore into a chore. This year, outfit the man in your life with the innovative Neuton
CE 6 Battery Powered Mower—which provides the same cutting power as the gas-guzzling
variety, but without the pollution or noise. ($499)
I love watching my hubby play on the Wii. Sounds strange,
but it gives him the opportunity to bring out his inner-child (and gives me
ample time to laugh as he tries to decrease his “age” score on the Wii Fit). Good luck honey! (Just kidding.) ($249)
Whether he's old school or more mod, a bike from
Pacific Cycle (their products include both the Schwinn and Mongoose lines) is
sure to inspire a quick adrenaline rush—and perhaps a newfound commitment to a
bike-commute. Either way, it’s a great way to encourage more activity.
($200+)
Having a child is a great excuse for a new
camera. I’m pretty sure, in fact, that we took more than 500 photos of our
daughter during her first month of life. We love Kodak's Z Series
Digital Cameras for their ease of use, picture quality (cameras range from 8 to 15
megapixels, and come with up to a 24X zoom), affordability, and printer
compatibility—making prints quick and fast for instant gratification. ($200–$400)
For an eco-adventure of the luxury variety, schedule a stay Sundance Resort in Sundance, Utah, (home to the popular Sundance Film Festival) where you can escape from the rat race whether biking, hiking, fly-fishing, or relaxing at the spa. Meals feature predominantly organic and local fare, and the property takes great pride in maintaining its eco ethos. (Rates start at $300/night.)
If you’re looking to surprise him with a trip of a lifetime, book a weeklong stay at King Pacific Lodge, a floating lodge located on the west coast of British Columbia. Gourmet meals, eco-adventures (including ocean fishing, whale watching, kayaking, and hiking), and spa services round out this all-around blissful experience. (Starting at $4,700 for three nights.)
Free
If you ask most papas what they’d really like—it’s a
night with you. Book a night with a sitter, have a nice dinner, and take some time to celebrate all that
parenthood is, and everything the mindful papa in your life brings to the family.
Melissa Williams, a contributing editor for Mindful Mama, plans to spoil her husband, Steven, rotten this year.