Dads – They can be notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. It’s often either “I don’t need anything” because he’s already bought anything he wants for himself, or he genuinely doesn’t want much besides a day off, a couple rounds of golf and a beer.
All that said, there are a few things that just about every dad appreciates. There may be no one universal gift for all the pops out there, but these cool, useful, and thoroughly modern options are guaranteed to put a smile on his face.
The Carnivore Dad: Besides that beer, what else does Dad want? Probably to indulge in an otherworldly steak. The Banks Fish House (406 Stuart St., Boston) has his back. Don’t let the name fool you; though it serves killer dishes for piscivores and vegetarians too, this is exactly where to turn for some of the best beef in the country. The family-owned restaurant is one of the few in the region serving Brandt Beef (a ranch that sustainably raises grass-fed Holstein cows). Bring dad to dig into the menu’s filet mignon for a meal he’ll be talking about all year long. The restaurant will also be celebrating Father’s Day with a weekend special featuring a 45-day dry-aged 32-ounce Tomahawk steak. The special will be available from June 14 to June 16. To make a reservation, visit thebanksboston.com.
The Protective Dad: Sure, he stuck up for you when you were getting picked on in middle school, but now it’s time he protected himself, too — starting with his skin. Marlowe, the men-specific grooming brand features the No. 128 Daily Face Lotion with SPF 50 ($16.99 on marloweskin.com). It’s broad spectrum, water-resistant, and lightweight. It’s a no-nonsense skin damage protectant that also does a darn good job of moisturizing and discouraging breakouts, so his looks are as good as his health.
The Fiery Dad: No matter what his temperament, odds are good he likes to play with fire – for grilling, that is. The Pro 780 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker with WiFi and App Connectivity, Bronze ($799 on amazon.com) from Traeger is on the case. The WiFi-driven model is a powerhouse, and is reasonably priced compared with similar versions. Traeger was the inventor of the wood pellet grill in 1988 (wood pellets are more reliable as a fuel than gas or charcoal) and this latest model is set up to sear a steak as easily as it is to smoke eggplant for a smooth dip. Set it up and watch dad play kitchen wizard by its side all year long.
The Nostalgic Dad: He may say he lives entirely in the moment — and that may be true — but even the most YOLO fathers appreciate being reminded of memories. So make sure his desk has one of these on it: The Skylight Digital Picture Frame ($139.99 on amazon.com). The WiFi-enabled tech can load from from a phone, has a touch screen digital photo frame display, and is entirely customizable within a ten-inch black frame. A great way to make sure he knows that even while he’s thinking about everyone else, you’re all thinking about him, too.
