What to give?
Thinking about what to get that dad in your life for Father’s Day? While we usually try to plan a fun adventure or experience to celebrate, there are also times when giving a physical gift is a fun way to show our dad (or husband!) how much we appreciate all he does. Father’s Day often falls on our anniversary, so I usually do a combo gift around here, although now the kids like to contribute a little something too. Usually rocks or feathers.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite gift ideas to get your wheels turning!
Tools and Knives
While it seems a little cliche to get a knife or tool, these are honestly the most used items in our house…so you have to go with what works and actually provides value!
Hori Hori Knife – our favorite garden tool hands down. It’s perfect for weeding, digging holes, cutting small branches. Truly indispensable.
Harvest Knife – we just purchased these harvest knives this season and are loving them! High quality construction and sharp blade are perfect for a fast, clean harvest experience.
Leatherman multitools – If you’re looking for a great multitool, look no further than Leatherman. There are a million tricked out options, so I’m sure you’ll find something that fits his interests and needs!
Camping and Outdoor Gear
Currently we skew more toward the outdoor gear for working in the garden, but there was a time in life when we did a lot more camping (and we hope to still find ways to sneak away for a night here and there with the kids). It’s a little more challenging when a lot of plants and animals depend on you for their existence, but we’re continually tweaking practices to make things more systematic and automated when possible.
Carhartt Full Swing Pants – Steve loves the Full Swing line at Carhartt for their durability combined with a greater range of motion with their special 4-way stretch piecing at the knees.
Muck Boots – Everything by Muck Boots is the absolute best quality footwear for farmers, gardeners and anyone spending a lot of time outside. The Muck Master is an excellent 3-season option – it’s tough enough and warm enough to get you by even on cold winter days.
Hydroflask Insulated Water Bottle – we have several water bottles from Hydroflask and are always impressed at the insulation capabilities. We’ve left water bottles in hot cars and still had cool water to drink when we returned. A must have for any outdoor activity!
Smart Wool Socks – this great Colorado company makes high quality socks that keep your feet warm and cushioned without getting all sweaty. They keep your feet dry and are great for hiking as well as everyday use.
Coffee and Foodie Items
After working in a few coffee shops through grad school, Steve developed a more sophisticated coffee palate…which means we try to do coffee right around here. While he definitely is more of our grill master, he’s pretty darn good in the rest of the kitchen too, so here are some gadgets and tools for both!
Espresso Maker – I purchased this espresso maker for Steve over 6 years ago and it gets used multiple times daily. The built in grinder lets you reduce countertop clutter while still keeping your espresso fresh. Definitely an investment, but one that has more than paid for itself already.
Pit Barrel Smoker – while we don’t own this (yet), Steve has been impressed by this Colorado company and has it high on his wish list! This vertical smoker is portable, easy to use and has a unique vertical cooking design. Ideal for slow-smoked meats, but also functional as an all-purpose grill.
Cast Iron Skillet – we literally cook about 90% of our meals in a cast iron skillet. Lodge is a great, affordable brand made in the USA. We have them in several sizes and use them all the time!
Hammer Stahl Chef Knife – we received a set of Hammer Stahl knives a few years ago for Christmas and have been impressed by the quality of these knives. They are made of German steel and have stood the test of time (with a lot of use) in our kitchen. I love the beautiful look and comfortable, sturdy handle.
Mockmill Grain Mill – if you’re like us and are interested in not just making food at home, but truly making even your pantry staples from scratch, this is a great investment. It allows you to purchase (or try to grow!) your own wheat berries and then mill only as much as you need, keeping your flour incredibly fresh!
I hope this list has provided some inspiration as you think of ways to shower the dad in your life with an extra special gift. Happy Father’s Day!
