12 Perfect Gifts For Every Type of Dad
The days of buying dad a novelty tie or making him a clay ashtray in art class are over. Now that you're "all grows up" you've got to put some thought into a gift that says, "Thanks for helping me get this far without too many broken bones or a rap sheet as long as your arm." To help you find that perfect gift, we've put together a dozen things any dad would love to unwrap before you crack open that 12 year-old single malt.
Toy Loving Dads: Vibe-It
Vibe-It lets dad turn almost any object into a speaker. All he needs to do is plug in a sound supply, like a tablet, smartphone, iPod or other MP3 player, then stick the Vibe-It to just about anything he wants. The science of resonance turns that object into a speaker. The larger and more hollow the object, the bigger the sound becomes. (See a video of how it works here.) Dad can entertain himself while entertaining himself by sticking the Vibe-It to the garbage can, a pizza box, his desk, his coffee mug, and more. It's the modern version of banging on pots and pans to make music. $24.95
Toy Loving Dads: Image3D
Remember the View-Master and all those picture reels you had as a kid? And how amazed you were that the images appeared to be floating in front of you in 3D? Dad probably does too. Now you make dad his very own customized 3D picture reel, complete with a viewer, from Image3D. Just log on to their online reel builder, upload your images (you can even edit, crop and rotate them), give them captions, create your custom label for dad, and choose a viewer color. And in about 5 business days Dad will be headed down memory lane, in old-school 3D. $24.95
Toy Loving Dads: Atari Arcade
Before every home had a video game system with graphics that rivaled real life, there was Atari. And whether you had one at home, or went to the arcade, dad probably spent some time challenging you to see who could destroy more asteroids using only a simple joystick and a couple of buttons. You and dad can relive those days with Atari Arcade. Bringing back Atari's classics like Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command, all dad needs to do is connect his iPad to the retro docking station, download the app, and it's game on. Dad can use the joystick and buttons to play anyone, anywhere, anytime. No more looking for quarters. $59.99
Toy Loving Dads: Stave Puzzles
Does dad love puzzles? Then skip the dollar store version and give him the puzzle Smithsonian Magazine called the "Rolls Royce of Puzzles." Stave Puzzles are meticulously hand-cut by a skilled crafter, one piece at a time, out of cherry-backed, 5-layered, quarter-inch wood, then polished to a soft shine. (Dad will appreciate the effort if he's got his own wood shop in the garage.) Stave can even cut customized names, dates and symbols into dad's puzzle to make it unique from any other he's ever attempted. And in case you're thinking these are the same as those easy, hand-cut puzzles you've seen before, Stave's Teaser line was created by their most diabolical designers with repeating pieces, confusing colors and intentional empty spaces. That should keep dad busy for a while... Prices Vary.
Tech Loving Dads: Logitech Keyboard Cover
If dad loves his tech, he's probably got a tablet loaded with all the apps that make his life easier. But what doesn't make his life easier is trying to type on the touchscreen. So get him the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover from Logitech. Made for the second and third gen iPads and the Samsung Galaxy, this incredibly lightweight, wireless, Bluetooth, aluminum keyboard doubles as a protective cover, secured by magnetic clip. When it's time to type, dad's tablet fits in the built-in stand, letting him see the screen at the perfect angle, whether he's typing or watching a movie. Life just got back to easy. $99.99
Tech Loving Dads: Nespresso Pixie & Aeroccino Plus
Has dad finally given in and started to enjoy "fancy" coffee drinks, like espresso and cappuccino? Maybe the occasional latte? Rather than pay $5 bucks a day to the barista, give dad the ability to make them at home. And thanks to modern technology, no skill is required. The Nespresso Pixie is a sleek, portable, affordable espresso machine that makes the perfect cup every time. All dad has to do is choose the pod he wants from Nespresso's wide selection, pop it in the Pixie and push the button. In a couple of minutes he'll have the perfect espresso with a nice thick crema. For a cappuccino or latte, all he has to do is pour some milk in the Aeroccino Plus, push a button and it gets frothed to perfection. Automatically. Plus they take up minimal counter space, and can hide in a drawer when the guys from work come over. $179.99 - $229.99 - Nespresso Pixie $99 - Aeroccino Plus
Tech Loving Dads: MyPower Bag
If dad loves tech, he's got gadgets. And if he's got gadgets he'll need power to recharge. Often. A briefcase from MyPower Bag can give him the juice he needs, no matter where he is. Designed with traveling in mind, these rolling briefcases come with a built-in, lightweight, rechargeable (and removable) battery pack that can handle up to 4 mobile devices at a time. The smart-charging system detects the type of device and sends the right amount of power to charge each one. Expect a thank you call every time he plugs in his depleted phone on his way from the airport to the hotel. $149.99-$249.99
Tech Loving Dads: Solidoodle
Remember making models with dad as a kid? Now dad can create his own models with the Solidoodle 3D printer. Compatible with his Mac or PC, the affordable Solidoodle "prints" anything dad can imagine (up to 6" x 6" x 6") out of plastic filament. He can create custom models, game pieces, even replacement parts for tools and machinery. In just a few minutes. First project? A model of that first model plane you built together. Or a dad bobblehead. $499 - $599
Dads who Have Everything: Underground Signs
If dad has roots in New York, Boston or Chicago -- or has spent any time there -- bring some nostalgia home with Underground Signs. Made from solid aluminum, these are exact replicas of the original subway station signs from these cities. You can also create a custom sign for dad with his name or office, and add whatever train lines, colors or symbols you like to make it look authentic. Street performers not included. From $99 for 12-inch sign, to $499 for an 8-foot sign
Dads who Have Everything: Cloud9 Living
If dad has more toys than the average 5 year-old, more clothes than the pages of GQ, and more gadgets than a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, you're not going to get him more stuff. Instead, give him the experience of a lifetime. Cloud9 Living has over 1,800 experiences to choose from, in a variety of budget ranges, letting dad live out his dream of being a fighter pilot, riding a bucking bull, driving a race car, or bungee jumping off a bridge. Instead of getting him another golf club, you can get him a private playing lesson with a PGA pro. And instead of that 6-pack of craft brew he likes, how about sending him on a 3 day boat and brew kayak tour? Because memories last a lot longer than stuff. Prices vary
Dads who Have Everything: Adopt-An-Olive-Tree
If dad's a pro in the kitchen, he appreciates top-quality ingredients. But rather than get him a high-end bottle of olive oil, why not get him the whole olive tree? Nudo, a family-run collective of 12 small, artisanal olive producers in Le Marche, Italy, wants to give your dad the chance to own a little piece of the Italian countryside. For just over $100, you can adopt an olive tree for dad, and he'll get a personalized adoption certificate and info about his tree. Then in the Spring, dad will receive four 500ml tins of first cold press extra virgin olive oil from his tree, and in the fall he'll get three 250ml tins of extra virgin olive oil from his tree infused with flavors like lemon, chile, and orange. He also gets an open invitation to come visit and water his tree in Italy. You can buy the plane tickets next Father's Day. $109 (plus shipping)
Dads who Have Everything: Beer Cupcakes
Satisfy dad's sweet tooth and love of beer in one, sweet package with a dozen Beer Cupcakes from (cacao) bakery outside Chicago. Handmade, one batch at a time, from all-natural ingredients, they are available in 2 flavors: chocolate cake spiked with Guinness stout, topped with a cream cheese frosting; and a classic white cake spiked with Blue Moon beer crowned by a sweet frosting with a hint of orange. Shipped fresh from Abe's Market, the frosting is sent in a separate piping bag to keep everything from getting soggy in transit. And you know how much dad hates soggy cupcakes. $38 / Dozen
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