Father's Day is coming up June 18, and
it's time to answer one of life's
perpetually troubling questions: What to
buy the dad who has, well, practically
everything.
Thanks to the ingenuity of store owners
at Chandler Fashion Center, gift givers
will have more options this year than
just what color tie to buy.
Here are some ideas you may want to
consider, along with prices and a list
of stores waiting to help you make up
your mind.
Although we joke about the stereotypical
necktie, remember that it has been—and
likely will continue to be—one of the
“most-received” gifts on Father’s Day.
Keep in mind, though: If you are going
to give a tie as a gift, do it right.
Don’t go for dark drab stripes. Instead,
find a tie in this season’s greens or
purples. Banana Republic makes it
easy with stylish hues and patterns for
dad (from $59.50).
As to other apparel, the experts say
warmer weather invites fabrics that
breathe, such as linen. If you don’t
think dad will warm up to this material,
start him out slowly with a linen shirt
or jacket.
Grab a pair of Tommy Bahama linen slacks
from At Ease in black or white
($95). Neutral colors go with so much
more and might be more realistic for men
who haven’t worn this material before.
Good quality polo shirts in good
condition are perfect for work when worn
with a sports jacket, or for a weekend
evening out.
J. Crew
offers a wide selection of short-sleeve
original-fit Repp Pique polo shirts
($39.50, sale: 2 for $50) in colors
ideal for mixing and matching. Pick a
perfect hue for dad to pair with slacks
for the office or for jeans for that
laid-back and casual touch.
If your dad likes to wear running shoes
to every casual function, stop him now.
He can lace up a pair of Aldo Yccels
($79.99, sale $49.99), an athletic
classic tennis shoe updated with suede
and a choice of blue, green or red
trims.
For a more polished look, he can slip
into a pair of Aldo Nygels sure to
complement his business attire,
available in both black and brown
($99.99).
Jewelry typically does not come to mind
for Father’s Day, but don’t forget to
look at the selection of cuff links.
With French-cuffed shirts back in style,
dads might want a few new ways to
freshen up their look. Bailey, Banks
and Biddle has cufflinks for both
playful and professional looks. Add a
touch of sophistication with a sterling
silver pair or, for a more whimsical
approach, ornament his wrists with a
pair of dice or elephant-shaped styles
(starting at $199).
Your dad is the man, so help him
feel like it by introducing him to
serious skin-care designed specially for
men.
Present him with the Limited Edition
Shaving Face face saving shave kit from
Origins – it’s a mouthful but
it’s well worth the skin. The kit
includes a frothy face wash, pre-shave
oil, energizing shave cream and more
($29.50).
Is your dad king of coals—the type who
grills in rain, snow or sleet. Here are
a few gadgets that will arm him with
whatever he needs to face the flames and
encourage him to keep up the good work.
Sharper Image
offers grilling gadgets that will aid in
dad's grilling technique, but still
leaves the flavor to him. The 25-piece
stainless steel set (on sale now $44.98)
will keep dad busy in the back yard for
hours. Or, let dad enjoy carefree
cooking with the wireless remote Talking
Meat Thermometer from Brookstone
($75).
If your dad is the type to buy the toy
on the shelves that has the biggest
number of parts--just for the fun of
putting everything together--then you’d
better make certain he has the proper
tools to get the job done.
Sears
has a great gift for Mr. Fix-it or Mr.
Break-It-then-Fix-it. Add to his tool
collection with the Craftsman 28-piece
ratchet driver set (on sale now $49.99).
He has the latest in technology
already--or so he thinks? Update his
cell phone or MP3, or find a few
accessories for his laptop or iPod. Is
he still holding his cell phone while
driving his car? Keep him safe with the
latest hands-free cell phone.
Yet another idea: Take his iPod to the
next level. Apple iPods aren’t just for
music anymore; the latest versions come
with video capability. Now dad can view
some of his favorite websites, download
his favorite sport shows, sitcoms and
pod casts (starting at $299).
You already know he loves to meet his
friends at the gym or on the course, so
scout out a few gifts that might improve
his game – or at least let him look
stylish while trying.
Finally, dad can look cool and stay cool
in the Grid Polo from Under Armour.
The lightweight micro fiber blend
absorbs perspiration which aids in
keeping the body cool (available in four
different colors, $49.99).
— Munira Smith is senior marketing
manager for Chandler Fashion Center |