Gifts for Dad Made in the U.S.A.

Well, May was all about Mom and next up is Dear Ole Dad. This year get him something unexpected and forego another necktie. It's kinda like giving a kid school supplies for their birthday...bummer.  We searched out to find some really cool stuff that Dad's would love to get. I decide to see what items I could find that were all Made in the U.S. A. Here are just a few, but there are hundreds of ideas out there!

Cycling Dads will love this specialty cleaning and care kit.  "Keep wheels (and legs) thriving with this portable set of travel-sized stainless Steel, chrome and tin polish, wash and wax, sprocket and gear oil and natural insect and bug repellent made to help you blaze your own trail. A thoughtful gift for the roadie and off-roader alike, this handy kit keeps your ride in top condition without slowing you down--now that's the perfect road partner. Set of four 2 oz. bottles. Made in Atlanta."

Cycle Care Kit - uncommongoods.com

For the Thinker Dad, this beautiful hand crafted leather sketchbook/iPhone case: "theGOODbook™ 5 is a leather wallet, iPhone 5 case and sketchbook all in one. Designed to consolidate the many items we carry in our pockets everyday. Comes with one replacement sketchbooks. Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon USA."

Wallet/Sketchbook/iPhone Case - redcloudscollective.com

For the Backyard Dad, this tournament horseshoe set:  "Approved for professional and tournament play by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association, this American Presidential edition includes everything needed for 2-4 person play: two 24" solid steel stakes; a rulebook with court layout, a handsome mahogany-finished pine carrying case with built-in handle, and 4 forged-steel American horseshoes with longer, weighted tips, tapered leading edges, ringer breakers and finger holds—all designed to enhance success. This Tournament Horseshoes Set ensures backyard fun for generations to come. Made in the U.S.A."

Tournament Horseshoe Set: - smithsonianstore.com 

For the Fishing Dad, The Lure Locker: "Use this innovative product to safely secure your lure to your fishing pole and leaving no exposed sharp hooks! Simply fold it over your rod and lure. Easily conceals your lure from getting snagged!"

Lure Locker - duluthpack.com

For the Biker Dad: Gatorz Kegger Sunglasses: "The wrap around will define your sunglass and how you will be holding the toilet after the ladies continue to refill your red cup all night. Keep em’ close, so you can shield the blinding sun as you stumble into the morning light. Specially designed to provide the sharpest, clearest vision possible, Gatorz Eyewear are a must for riders, racers, or extreme sports enthusiasts who demand the best."

Gatorz Kegger Sunglasses - bikersden.com

For the Fix-it Dad, Personalized Hammer: "Short hammer (or other tool) with a custom designed, hand engraved personalization of your choice."

Personalized Hammer - etsy.com

For the Outdoor Dad: The American Classic Coleman Cooler: "The Coleman Steel Belted® cooler has the same great performance as the original from 1954. Large 54 qt. capacity holds up to 85 cans; thick insulation keeps items cool for hours. Solid steel latch secures the lid; stainless-steel hinges and screws resist rusting and breakage. Large, sturdy stainless-steel handles with rubber grips are easy on the hands and make transporting simple. Rustproof, leak-resistant channel drain lets you empty water without having to tilt the cooler.  Base, lid and liner of the Coleman Steel Belted cooler are easy to clean"

Coleman Cooler - REI.com

For the Nautical Dad: Repourposed Sail Cloth Duffel Bag: 'This duffel has the weekend get-a-way in mind. It's perfect for that weekend regatta or a weekend in the city. It's also airline carry-on regulation size. Easy to spot on the turnstile. Ocean durable.'

Sailcloth Duffel - ellavickers.com 

For the BBQ Dad: Knox Rub Gift Basket: "All 4 Knox's Spice Co's regional seasonings and our Knox Bro's. Middle Eastern Market Style Kabob seasoning and South American Fruit Spice. The 4 original dry rubs; Chipotle BBQ, Jamaican Jark, Cracked Pepper and Yummy Chicken. Great for a BBQ or grilling enthusiast. A unique gift for the foodie who thinks they have everything. Carefully arranged in a towel lined basket and filled with hickory chips, shrink wrapped and tied with a red cord. Personalized card and recipes supplied."

Knox Bro's Rubs - knoxspice.com

For the Rocker Dad: El Dorado Guitar Strap: 'Our “Vintage Plain” model guitar straps are designed for the guitarist looking for all the quality, durability, and comfort of our hand-tooled straps, but in a “dressed down” version. These straps are fashioned from sturdy top-grade stitched saddle leather. The shoulderpads are backed in plush sheepskin shearling, providing unsurpassed comfort even with the heaviest instrument. The bucklework is chromed solid cast zinc."

Original Guitar Strap - eldoradostraps.com

Happy Father's Day!

Etchings From the Man Cave: John Varvatos

johnvarvatos.com

This guy is just plain COOL. Maybe I'm partial to John Varvatos because he is a Detroit native (ok, I am), but lets face it the fella defines "swagga." As an award winning fashion designer. His influence is definitely old school motor city rock and roll, not in a glitzy glam way. Varvatos designs with an aesthetic that is true to his Midwest roots. Its a mans-man style that is functional and comfortable but tough and has a beat all its own. Clothes a guy would actually wear. His pieces are on trend but not trend-y.  He made the lace-less Converse popular and continues to design cutting edge looks for the classic brand. His latest campaign features musicians Gary Clark, Jr. and the legendary Jimmy Page. Pretty solid endorsement, don't ya think? 

Now, John Varvatos has taken on the ultimate homage to Detroit through his collaboration with Chrysler on the Limited Edition John Varvatos Chrysler 300C and he is legit. This isn't just a "here's my name now go market it" venture. Varvatos is a car enthusiast who even spent time working for the automaker during his youth. The signature details in the vehicle include all the elements that his fashion line is known for. "The seats match the rich leather of jackets.  The dashboard mirrors the face of timepieces. The metal trims are inspired by the titanium bottle accents of fragrances." -johnvarvatos.com

If a Varvatos 300C isn't in the budget, you can still impress the ladies Varvatos style. This week curl up on the couch with your gal and turn on "Fashion Star." You can impress her with your knowledge of the wickedly talented John Varvatos, one of the shows celeb judges. You'll probably earn some points for watching it with her of your own free will too. The bonus, you can absorb more of J.V.'s signature style pointers and impress your lady at the same time! (Just a little insider tip from yours truly. Glad to help.) Rock on!

Gifts For Guys: Get Personal With Books

Valentine's Day is around the corner. Let's be honest, there are hundreds of ideas and marketing campaigns targeting women, but finding a unique present for your guy may find you kinda stuck. I think the most impact a gift of any kind has on its receiver is making it truly personal. Valentine's Day is a time to show your fella that you have been paying attention. Ask yourself, what is important or interesting to him? Now, how do you translate that into a gift? The answer is a book. The possibilities are endless. Even better there are gazillion beautiful collectible or "coffee table" books. Not only are they wonderful to explore, they can actually be displayed in your home, in the man cave, or in his office. I checked out a family owned book shop, The Morris Book Shop in Lexington, KY and here are a few suggestions:

The Fender Telecaster: The Life & Times of the Electric Guitar That Changed the World

Star Wars Art: Illustration

Whiskey Opus

The Art of Video Games: From Pac-Man to Mass Effect

Cycling's Golden Age: Heroes of the Postwar Era, 1946-1967

Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile

Brought to Light: Photography and the Invisible, 1840-1900

Motorcycle: The Definitive Visual History

The Great American Cereal Book: How Breakfast Got Its Crunch

Thats just the tip of the book stack. No matter the topic, I am certain there is a fabulous book out there that is a perfect token of your affection. Shop local, if possible, you will enjoy the experience and they will be happy to help you find exactly what fits. Finally, whenever I give a book I always write a message inside. For years to come, your Valentine will read the inscription and appreciate that you took the time to get-him.  “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ― Winston Churchill. May the love of those closest to you be the biggest gift you receive this Valentine's Day. Ta! THM

Controlling The Clutter: Ear-Buddies!

One of my biggest challenges is from one of the smallest items in my house. Earbuds  They just don't stay put. Its like they have "Cirque du Soleil" powers and contort into a hot mess no matter where I stash them. Thanks to Pinterest and Google, I set out to find some ideas to contain these little circus performers.  One of the most original I found was this retro styled (of course, I love all things retro inspired) thread spool by Fred and Friends®.  It retails for about $8.00, which can add up if you have as many earbuds floating around as we do. With some ambition you can make them yourself. It is pretty easy and only requires a few tools, but you will need to hunt down some good old fashioned wooden spools. However, I think there is an adaptation out there that can be done using new fangled plastic or styrofoam spools, but I haven't attempted it yet. You must tell me if you try it out! Here is a good tutorial on how to make your earbud holder. Click the link below the photo.

DIY Wooden Headphone Keeper Courtesy of etté studios

Not a DIY-er but still want a way to control the pile of spaghetti?  I found a couple ideas that are super fast, cheap and effective.  A bonus is that these are more kid friendly, especially if things go into the backpack never to return again. You aren't out any time or money. 

Courtesy of natalme

Find somewhere else to store that mix tape that your hubs made for you back in college. This is an awesome idea! For those of you that have never owned one of these or, gulp, don't know what it is...I have another option. 

Courtesy of iheartorganizing

This is made from a small travel size Q-tip® holder. I love the addition of a little sticker. You could embellish either option with endless possibilities. In our house we always confuse our earbuds so adding a personal touch to the case will keep them in order. You can bling them out or man them up with a team logo.  Moms, add an initial sticker on each case and no more who's who? You could even make this a rainy day project and let the kiddos decorate their own.  Which ever route you take, be creative and make it uniquely your own. Feel free to share your creations here! Ta!

Etchings From The Man Cave: All Shined Up

I married a car guy. One of his favorite unwinders is polishing up the cars and keeping them running efficiently. He finds it relaxing and I don't mind my cruising in a well detailed ride. If you have a guy like this at home, then you also have a shelf full of creams, sprays and liquid potions for every inch of the car. Some of these products, especially waxes and "finishers" don't come cheap. When I found this box o'goodies, I knew it was too good to pass by. Remember though, as I always say, this is only a bargain because we use the stuff. Don't buy it if your idea of Saturday work on the car is getting a Venti to sip on while in line at the car wash. Here is what we got in our Armor All gift pack: 

1. Armor All Ultra Shine Butter Smooth Wax 16.9 fl oz
2. Armor All Cleaning Wipes 25pk
3. Armor All Ultra Shine Wash & Wax 1 pt
4. Armor All Ultra Shine Tire Foam Protectant 18oz 
5. 1 Glass Cleaning Towel 
6. 1 Microfiber Towel
7. 1 Plush Microfiber Sponge
8. 1 Wheel Cleaning Brush
9. 1 Armor All Air Freshener

From what I can find this is only available in Target stores. We did a rough estimate on the value of the items individually. The Butter Smooth Wax (which according to my fella is the "good stuff") alone in the store was $8.94. We came up with a value of about $40.00. The gift pack retailed over the Holidays for $35.00. We paid $10.50 for the whole box! Not to mention I got a free car wash and a relaxed and happy hubs! Cha-ching for me!