From cheering you on at your soccer games to helping you with your math homework, dear ole dad deserves the best. Spoil him rotten this Father’s Day, just as he’s always done for you.
For the Oenophile: If you have a wine-loving lad for a dad, nothing could be better than a new accessory to go with his favorite cabernet or chardonnay. We suggest stopping into one of Phoenix or Scottsdale’s Sportsman’s Fine Wine & Spirits for the latest in wine accessories. Choose from decanters, Riedel Stemware, Laguiole Corkscrews and more—and don’t forget to pair it with dad’s favorite varietal, as Sportsman’s carries a wide selection of wines from around the world. www.sportsmans4wine.com.
To really put a smile on his face this year, pick up the EuroCaveWine Preservation System from Saks Fifth Avenue. This superconvenient case will store, chill and keep uncorked wine fresh for up to 10 days. $400. www.saksfifthavenue.com.
For the Outdoorsman: For a man who loves the great outdoors, what better gift than something that allows him to enjoy his favorite pastime, whether it be hiking, biking, rock climbing or camping. Paradise Valley and Tempe’s REI stores are chock-full of gear and gadgets for every kind of outdoor activity imaginable. Treat dad to some new equipment or clothing for his choice activity—think a durable camping and climbing backpack; hiking or running shoes; swim trunks; a cycling helmet; or even a water-resistant, sweat-proof watch. www.rei.com.
For the Golfer: Resorts have officially entered their summer season, meaning cheaper summer rates. Treat dad to a peaceful round of golf for one or join him at one of the Valley’s best resorts. Here are a few resort courses he’s sure to love: Westin Kierland ($70 Monday through Thursday, $80 Friday through Sunday with additional twilight rates), The Phoenician ($60 Monday through Thursday, $70 Friday through Sunday with additional twilight rates), JW Marriott Desert Ridge (from $69 everyday; $49 twilight rate), and Troon North Golf ($75 before 10 a.m., $55 after 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday; $90 before 10 a.m., $65 after 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday; $45 after 2 p.m. everyday). www.kierlandresort.com, www.thephoenician.com, www.jwdesertridgeresort.com, www.troonnorthgolf.com.
Rather gift dad with something that may potentially improve his game? Try the Garmin Approach G5, the waterproof touchscreen GPS system designed specifically for the golf course, including thousands of preloaded golf course maps and individual shot distances so you can know exactly how far you have to hit every time. $499. www.garmin.com.
For the Grillmaster: There’s nothing better than the smell of smoky meats and veggies on a warm summer evening. Want to get dad something that he can enjoy while cooking up a barbecued feast for the fam? Williams-Sonoma has plenty of manly grilling gifts to choose from. Consider the Monogrammed Steak Brand & Carving Board, Forged Barbecue Skewers perfect for kababs or even the Ultimate Grilling Rub Collection.
If pops is in need of a little kitchen know-how, try the “Williams-Sonoma On the Grill” cookbook. www.williamssonoma.com.
For the Perfectly Groomed: If your dad’s not exactly the rough and tumble lumberjack type, but instead one who’s freshly shaved and showered, a gift that enhances his clean-cut look will do the trick. Kiel’s, available at Nordstrom, has plenty of masculine products to pamper dad. Try the Kiel’s Luxury Gift Collection, which includes Amino Acid Shampoo; Men’s Herbal Toner; Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream; Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash; Facial Fuel; Original Lip Balm, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve; All Sport Foot Cream; and the “Ultimate Man” Body Scrub Soap. $135. www.kiels.com.
Want to give dad a relaxing experience he’ll remember? The Boulders Resort & Spa is offering up a special Father’s Day spa package at their famous Golden Door Spa. www.theboulders.com.
For the Sportsfan: If your dad’s the type of guy who would rather sit in the stands watching the action first-hand than at home in front of the TV, purchase a couple tickets to a Diamondbacks game for you and him to enjoy together. While our home team is away on Father’s Day, presenting him with tickets for an upcoming game will give you and him something to look forward to.
Even better? Pair the ball game tickets with something he can use right away, such as a brand-new Diamondbacks hat, jersey or T-shirt. www.arizona.diamondbacks/mlb.com.
For the Techie: To impress even the most high-tech dad, give him the latest and the greatest in techie toys. One option (if you’re really looking to spoil this year) is the Bowers & Wilkins iPod Speaker. Shaped like a football, this award-winning speaker system offers the very best in sound quality and can adapt to any iPod model without the use of adapters. While this luxe speaker will set you back about $500, there are some boys’ toys out there that are highly desirable and not as highly priced. Try the newest model of the iPod or iPod shuffle and get personalized by engraving a special message on the back from the online iPod Engraving Gallery. Apple is also full of iPod accessories he’ll dig, like the new sports armband or Altec Lansing BackBeat 906 Wireless Headphones. www.bowers-wilkins.com, www.apple.com.
