Help dad brew, chill and sip the summer away
Last year, I would have recommended taking your father to a game or restaurant. This year, we’ve got to be a bit more creative. I polled my friends on social media to find out what they think dad might want this year and it was a mixed bag: large burger flipper and grilling apron, pressure washer, and a pasta making kit were a few responses. It seems like my friends want to put dad to work on his special day!
I’m taking another route: why not choose gifts that he might not buy for himself, but allow him to be cool dad at home? Whether the day is spent visiting, either in real life with physical distance, or virtual, or even a telephone call, it’s about connecting and getting creative with your gift-giving so he feels loved and appreciated. These are my picks for things that will keep him happy on this special day and beyond.
THE CENTRAL ENTERTAINER
Turn up the cool factor in dad’s living room and change the way he lounges, lazes and entertains. Say hello to the Sobro smart coffee table, which features a built-in refrigerated drawer, dual Bluetooth speakers, undertable LED lighting, two USB charging ports and four standard power outlets. Topping it all is a sleek tempered-glass top with an integrated touchscreen. Are you ready to turn dad into a cool-tech dude?
BREW AND FROTH
We all know dad likes to show off with his fancy coffees during the holidays (Baileys and whipped cream, anyone?), so how about giving him a machine that allows his barista skills to excel by making hot, cold, foamed or black espresso and coffee beverages. The Kcafé machine (from Keurig) checks off the list of most popular beverage drinks and includes a hot or cold milk frother to finish off drinks with a pro-barista look. FYI: the cold-frothed milk is delicious on fresh summer strawberries or to top a milk-based cocktail — fancy!
THREE DADS WALK INTO A BAR
Help dad have fun preparing the best cocktails, from classic to extravagant and experimental. I found a very thorough bartender kit from online experiential kit retailer Packitup (the bartender kit was curated by the École de bar de Montréal) that has all the essential tools and instructions to master new skills in bartending. Need the perfect lemon squeezer, muddler or fancy large ice cubes? It’s all in the beginner’s kit that will help make dad the star of summer pool parties. Add a lemon, lime and a bow, and you are good to go.
A FEW OTHER SUGGESTIONS
Sometimes experiences say (and mean) more than a gift. If you can’t get out to pick something up for dad, here are a few thoughtful items he might enjoy on his special day.
1. Organize a beer tasting ZOOM party for dad, friends and family.
2. Pre-cook dad a few of his favourite meals and deliver for a week of no cooking.
3. Give dad a free car wash or lawn mow certificate. It’s the perfect way to take on a chore and still social distance while dad hangs on the front porch.
Karl Lohnes has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years.