2022 Holiday Gift Guides: Day 5 — “Dads & Dudes”
I’m going to start today’s guide by prefacing that I usually hate all the “Dad & Dude” gift guides out there. It always drives me nuts whenever I read gift guides for men (or skim Hallmark cards) and see every “Dad-related” falling into: Camping, Golfing, Fishing or Being a Lazy Couch Potato categories. I know A LOT of Dads and I guess I just don’t see most of them as these MacGuyver-wielding “87-uses-for-a-survival-knife” tool carriers. But maybe that’s just me?
So here are some practical, useful things that stand a chance of actually getting used and enjoyed. Oh - and you won’t find any beer making kits on here because I’m pretty sure 99% of Dads who’ve tried those things have had a really sad and sobering (pun intended) realization that they’re not cut out to be a brewmaster — and you don’t want to be dealing with that disastrous mess of yeast all over the basement. (Do I sound like someone who’s been there? Maybe!)
GIFT GUIDE DAY 5: DADS & DUDES
My husband is a coffee snob and really knows his stuff when it comes to equipment. This Zojirushi Stainless Steel Insulated Mug truly keeps coffee hot for hours. My husband has been using one for years on his commute but it’s just as useful around the house when there are countless interruptions on weekends and you just want that coffee to still be hot when you get a quiet moment to sip!
Slipper season is upon us and while those shearling-lined loafers are cute and practical, they really reek by mid-season.
I have two ideas (both washable!) that will give the gift of snug AND scentless:
Bombas Slipper Socks and
Charleston-based Bittermilk has been popping up in gift guides for a few years for good reason. I was introduced to the brand years ago when I was offered an Old Fashioned. I don’t usually go for bourbon or whiskey based drinks but this was a winner! They have other delicious combos like Tom Collins mix with Elderflower and Hops, Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour, and Charred Grapefruit Tonic with Bull’s Head Bay Sea Salt, to name a few.
The Yeti Coolers are WORTH. THE. HYPE. We use this portable cooler (called the Yeti Flip 12) for road trips, in hotel rooms when we want to bring cocktails from home, to keep food cold after shopping market hauls, and even as a cooler to hold drinks when we have friends over outside. It’s versatile and the perfect size. It comes in a broad range of colors. I wish we had this one in Nordic blue!
I realize socks as a gift is not the most novel category that existed but true or false: the dude or Dad in your life hasn’t bought new socks since Obama was in office? Plus, Bombas are worth the investment for winter wear. They are so warm and comfortable. Bonus: you can do good while you shop. Did you know Bombas donates a pair of socks for every pair purchased?
This is another tried and true toy! Cocktail hour is more fun with round ice. I promise. My husband has a solo sphere mold but this mold for four feels like a better bet for a crowd.
Is it a sneaker or a dress shoe? My husband swears by these Cole Haan Oxfords that I’m calling a party on the bottom for comfort and business on the top. Plus - they’re currently on sale!!!
The unicorn winter glove - waterproof, windproof, withstands temps up to -30 degrees, it’s anti-slip and touchscreen friendly.
This fair isle sweater is giving me vintage ski sweater from the 80s vibes and I’m HERE. FOR. IT. I love the fair isle style and to up the cuteness factor it’s available for Dads AND Lads, meaning you can buy a matching set for little dudes.
Have you heard of a Looft Lighter? It’s the shortcut tool for starting charcoal grills, campsite fires, and fire pits in seconds without the hassle of lighter fluid.
