As mums, we get showered with love and luxuries on Mother’s Day (as well we should), but when Father’s Day rolls around, Dads often get another tie, bottle of aftershave, or even socks.  So because we appreciate all the Dads in our life, we’re sharing our list of favourite Father’s Day gifts that are outside the (tie) box.

for the BBQ boy
The backyard grill daddy would love some chillies, or other spices and unique ingredients to make a barbeque sauce or rub, and a great BBQ book.  One of our favourites is Rockin’ Ronnie Shewchuk’s Barbecue Secrets DELUXE!.  We like the simple tips and tricks, the mouth-watering photography, and we cannot say enough about the Tidewater Coleslaw and the Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

for the techie
The wired dad will love the KODAK Pulse Digital Frame. It’s easy to set up, and (bonus) has no software to install … just set up a custom email address for the frame, and friends and family can send in their favourite pix. Plus, Dad can conveniently upload from KODAK gallery and Facebook. The only issue he’ll have is making sure no one sends any embarrassing pictures from ‘the old days’…

for the oenophile
The grape-loving dad will flip for a membership to Hemispheres Wine Guild. This subscription-based co-operative buys and supplies unique and difficult to obtain premium bottled wines from around the world — at surprisingly reasonable prices. The wines are shipped directly, and come with serving recommendations and more.  We’re sure Dad would be willing to share a bottle or two as a sign of appreciation!

for the grooming dad
If dad really cares about the skin he’s in, treat him to some decadent “just for him” men’s products from Momentum Grooming.  We’re particularly fond of the Edwin Jagger Sandlewood Shave Cream , which would be nice paired with a badger brush, and the full skincare line ranging from moisturizer, to eye cream, to NICKEL Bio face scrub.  All products are phthalate-free and work great on mum’s skin too … in case Dad is willing to share.

for the stylin’ dude
If dad is more into t-shirts than blazers, why not hook him up in style with Threadless? Threadless is a community-based company that prints designs created by independent designers and chosen by fans. We love the cheekiness of the designs and type tees, and we think a great gift would be a t-shirt for dad with a matching tee for the little person in his life, and maybe even one for mum for the complete matched set.

If you are looking for options for dad that are a bit more locally focused, we have some great ideas for that too!

for the altruistic dad
Why not celebrate Father’s Day with some outdoor exercise for a good cause? Register for the Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer. This fun 5K walk/run takes place at Ashbridges Bay Park in the Beaches. Lace up those sneakers and head out for some family fun that supports all the daddies and men in your life!

for the brunch-loving dad
Treat Dad to a special Father’s Day brunch in a real castle at Casa Loma. Dress up in your best prince or princess wear and be prepared to eat like kings and queens.  Just make sure your clothes have elastic waistbands to allow for rapidly expanding bellies! Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, (416) 923-1171