What Dad Would Like
Like many dads out there, Dr. Pfister appreciates some nice fishing supplies on Father’s Day.
Sorry moms - I didn’t do a how-to-shop for mom pre-Mother’s Day blog because my wife does most of the shopping for the ladies in our family for me…
But since I’ve been a dad and a guy for quite a while, I thought I’d throw out some last-minute ideas that FedEx or Amazon could still deliver by Sunday, June 20th (Father’s Day). I thought it best to limit the ideas to four categories - landscaping and gardening; hunting, fishing, and camping; sports; and last but not least, wardrobe. Remember, I like to shop! So here goes my suggestion lists… arguably only my opinion, but these ideas have produced more than their share of smiles for me. And I hope it will help you convey your gratitude and love for the man who helped make you what you are today…
1) Landscaping & Gardening
When it comes to gardening and landscaping, a wheel barrel is numero uno, and please make sure it has a double front wheel. This is so important and so often overlooked! Just accidentally dump a load of mulch or flowers by cutting a corner too close with a single wheel and you’ll know what I mean. I honestly don’t know how, with a clear conscience, they can sell single-wheel wheel barrels. In the case of wheel barrels, bigger is not better. Remember, at some point dad will have to push it, preferably without a heart attack. The industry standard of 2 ½ yards is ideal. Rubber nonslip handles are also a plus.
A good shovel and spring rake can’t be beat for planting and finishing around the newly planted foliage. Hand pruners can disappear around my house like loose five-dollar bills. Get the titanium coated blades that are rust resistant. This also goes for the long-handled variety that I use for cutting grapevines and pruning larger branches.
Electric hedge trimmers are a must for controlling shrubs. The new high-performance lithium battery ones eliminate the need for dragging around 200 feet of extension cord and, when properly recharged, are quite good at Lowes or Home Depot. If you use the extension cord version, take it from one who used to cut a cord every month - get dad the highly visible bright orange extension cord! It significantly reduces shocking experiences.
And if you really want to splurge on dear old dad, I just got an electric, 54-volt lithium rechargeable chain saw that cuts up to five-inch diameter trees and firewood. It beats killing yourself or teaching your young children a new vocabulary trying to start a gas version. Ace and Medina Tractor are great places to get these. I was also surprised how useful they are and far easier to use than a hand saw. Faster too. I love mine. Enough with the chore department… let’s get to havin' fun!
2) Hunting, Fishing, & Camping
Ammo has been a bit sparse of late. 9mm can be purchased at Ace in Buehler’s, but at a buck a round. Fin Feather Fur in Ashland or Berea is probably your best bet. Or, forget the ammo and look at gun cleaning kits and gun cases for transporting your favorite weapon. We always need targets of one form or another; metal silhouettes that clang and flip are great pistol choices. Fin and Cabela’s (Avon or Columbus) have fabulous archery 3-D targets, everything from badgers to elk. Watch buying arrows - we archers are very particular, as are our bows. Stay away from sights and carrying cases unless you know the exact bow dimensions.
Every dad needs at least four pocket knives; come on ladies, could you exist with only four pairs of shoes?! A four-inch blade is standard for carrying in the pocket and a 6-8 inch for carrying on the belt. Blades over 12-14 inches, called Texas toothpicks, look great; but unless you’re Rambo, they’re not very functional. Buck is a great knife-maker and the complete Buck line is at Fin.
Fishing rods, tackle boxes, lures, and fishing vests are great gifts. A fishing vest is good for all types of fishing, but best for fly fishing. Dick’s has a good selection of gear, but Fin and Cabela’s are truly worth the drive. The pros at Fin sit at a desk in the middle of the department and are incredibly knowledgeable about everything on fishing. Bigger is not better with tackle boxes; you have to haul the darn thing around. Get a four-to-six collapsible compartmental box that weighs under five pounds and still keeps everything organized. If getting a fish net, try for a wooden handle; they look cooler, and dads like being cool…
Speaking of coolers, Yeti’s are great, but definitely pricey and heavy. Have you ever carried one full more than 50 feet? Bet not! Coleman (at REI in Orange) has newly introduced Coleman retro models that, along with Igloo coolers, are 1/3 the weight and price and will keep stuff cold for three days.
Tents, sleeping bags, and ground mattresses are great if you know dad’s preferences; Appalachian Outfitters in Peninsula and REI are tops in quality and selection. Lastly, flashlights, 300-500 lumens, or headlamps at 250 lumens, can’t be beat. Yes, they are simple, but man when you need one! Pizo makes an amazing headlamp that I took to Africa twice. It uses lithium AAA batteries and keeps your hands free to fight the snakes. I hear the dog pound clambering, so let’s look at sports…
3) Sports
The memorabilia shop on the second floor of Southpark (Dillard’s end) has some incredible signed authentic Browns paraphernalia. Drop downstairs at the same end to Books-A-Million, BAM, and go to their sports books… great Kobe Bryant biographies. Still at Southpark, go to Macy’s end upstairs and check out the team shop for jerseys from college and pro teams, along with hats, socks, and signed bats.
Speaking of signed bats, last month Channel Eight visited a guy in Cleveland that personally makes wooden bats and will inscribe a poem, verse, or whatever you would like and customize it with the recipient’s name. I think it was under 200 dollars for a pretty cool heirloom. With the Indians going to full capacity, it really opened up the ticket opportunities for this summer. In a bind, call Scott Merk of Medina’s Merk Tickets. If you need a ticket for anything Blossom to Vegas, he is the man. I’ve used him for 20 years and he can get you as close as your ears allow.
Ok, so what if dad wants to go out on the town (and not in knee socks and shorts or a white tee)?!
4) Wardrobe
When buying for dad, remember, don’t buy too young or worse, too old a style. When in doubt, go younger if dad is over 50. My boys bought me Ryan Seacrest dress pants because they thought mine were too baggy. These are tight and tapered to the ankle, not the most comfortable, but I did get good comments and probably looked younger, even if only in my mind. But bending over to pick up something was not as easy as my old faithful pants.
Macy’s has a great selection of men’s clothes and, if you look in the Columbia selection, they have great summer shirts, as does REI and Appalachian Outfitters. Make sure dad is flexible and agreeable to try something new. Like vitamins, they may be good for you, but not everyone likes the taste.
I must tell you, don’t buy socks, underwear, or ties for dad. It really shows no creativity and is a little short on love. Boumadi Men’s Clothier and Tailoring by Windfall Plaza (next to On Tap) has some interesting and creative European and American-styled clothing and is local and can hem and take in the sides for a custom fit.
Finally, if you want to really wow dad, there is Ticknors at Summit and Southpark. Here, you can lose yourself in creativity with Tommy Bahama shirts, polos, and the ultimate clothes designer for men, Robert Graham. I try to get three or four family members to go in on one shirt! They will last a lifetime (several of mine are over ten years old). They are like fine wine as they mellow with age. But please, have dad wear an undershirt so you only have to dry clean them once a year (unless he really sweats). They are not worn everywhere, but when you put one on and roll up the contrasting material cuffs, you are bad to the bone! Ticknors has also taught me that it’s not how much you spend or the designer name that is most important to looking good, but how it fits your frame that really matters. They can shorten the sleeves and take in the sides with a taper from the shoulders and dad will put Lionel Ritchie to shame.
But if you insist on buying dad socks, check out Ticknors Tommy Bahama sock collection… it will leave you speechless.
Well there you have it, a fast shopping spree of ideas for the guy we all love and respect.
I should add, in closing, a handmade gift or card is still the best ‘cause it’s from the heart and shows more love than any thing you could ever buy. Truthfully, get over to Hobby Lobby and make a statue or painting and just let the love and creative juices flow for good ol’ Dad.
Happy shopping readers!
- Dr. Pfister