Men are one of the hardest family members to shop for … period. Some are reluctant to give you any gift ideas, saying they simply don’t want anything, while others truly have everything they “need.” In reality, Dad’s getting a gift whether he wants one or not. We’ve done the legwork for you and curated a list of gifts that speak to the dad or father figure in your life, because let’s face it, we’d probably be nowhere without our dads. Father’s Day gift guide loading in three..two…one.
THE GRILL MASTER DAD
1. Daredevil Brewing Co.
Daredevil Brewing Co. is a locally owned brewery that distributes its IPA across all 92 Indiana counties. Lift Off delivers a clean and crisp finish in every bottle, perfect for every grill master to have in hand during a summer cookout.
4-Pack Lift Off IPA, $11 at toasttab.com
2. Engelking Country Beef
Engelking Country Beef Shop was established in 2006 by Robert and his wife, Darlene, but their family has been in the farming business since 1937. The filet comes in sizes from 0.3 – 0.6 pounds. In addition to the filet, the shop sells chuck roast, ground beef patties and New York Strips.
Filet Steak, $9 at engelkingcountrybeefshop.com
3. Midwest Blackened Rub
This 2 oz jar of cajun-style seasoning is packed with flavor and without a lot of heat. Sprinkle it on the steaks this summer for an elevated dining experience.
Blackened Rub, $5.99 at mwfresh.com
4. United State of Indiana tank top
This United State of Indiana original design stands for unity and passion. It’s designed, printed and packed in Indiana and is produced using eco-friendly, water-based ink that won’t peel or crack. Most importantly, it’s the perfect Saturday cookout attire.
Vintage USI Flag Unisex Tank, $25 at unitedstateofindiana.com
5. Reversible apron
Level up Dad’s grilling game with this reversible apron (and maybe get his mini-me a matching apron, too!). The front uses batik fabric and features a pocket, while the back is lined with upcycled flour sacks.
Reversible apron: Teal Fishy Turtles, $36 at globalgiftsft.com
6. Sandals (stout footwear)
Stout’s Footwear is an Indianapolis staple, having roots dating back to 1886. These Olukai ’Ohana flip flops are simple, yet luxurious, and easy to slip on to go check on the grill.
Olukai ’Ohana, $74.95 shoestores.com
THE DAD WHO PREFERS EXPERIENCE GIFTS
1. Bad Axe Throwing
Help Dad release some anger or spend some quality time with the family (your choice) with some good ol’ fashioned axe throwing, in a safe and controlled environment, of course. Even though it has designated walk-in hours, it’s recommended groups book a session ahead of time.
Bad Axe Throwing, $26.98 per person at badaxethrowing.com
2. Sailing Academy
The Indianapolis Sailing Club offers its sailing academy to teach adults how to sail, which includes classroom training and on-water training. The class is free to Indianapolis Sailing Club members and $500 for non-members. The next available academy is July 6, which includes two classroom sessions and four on-water sessions.
Sailing Academy, $500 for non-members at scm.indianapolissailing.org
3. uPaint Pottery Studio
uPaint Pottery Studio is a pottery studio in Noblesville, Indiana, where you, well, paint your own pottery. Have the kiddos paint Dad a personalized mug, plate or their favorite animal figurine (just dropping some suggestions!) that screams how much they love him.
uPaint Pottery Studio, starting at $20 per painter at upaintpotterystudio.com
4. Escape Room USA
Escape rooms are perfect for the sentimental dad who loves time with family. Each room is a different theme and the point is to find the key to, well, escape. Additionally, each escape room is a private experience, so you’ll never share a room with someone outside your group. Escape Room USA has locations in Indianapolis, Fishers and Westfield.
Escape Room USA, starting at $30 per person at escaperoomusa.com
5. The Handle Bar Indy
The Handle Bar Indy is a pedal bar that takes you and your friends around town. The pedal tour length is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Individual tours run at $29.99 per person, and $274.99 for groups.
The Handle Bar Indy, $34.99 per person at handlebarindy.com
6. Pure Speed Racing
Pure Speed Racing takes you for the ride of your life with its dragster blast ride along. Participants are taken in one of its high-powered 2-seated dragsters, reaching speeds of more than 140 mph.
Pure Speed Racing, starting at $199 at purespeedracing.com
BECAUSE MEN ARE HARD TO SHOP FOR
1. Socks
Friday Sock Co. mismatched socks are just like they sound — socks purposely sold mismatched. Each pair features two different socks with a similar theme, such as socks featuring ketchup in fries and burgers. All are ethically made in Italy.
Men’s Mismatched Socks, $13 at silverinthecity.com
2. Beard Grooming Kit
Sure, Dad’s probably received a grooming kit before, but he’s probably never received one like this. Each kit features natural beard oil, beard balm, a solid beard shampoo bar, a wooden beard comb and lip balm. The “Dark” scent featured throughout the products has notes of tobacco, honey, caramel and rose.
Dark: Beard Grooming Kit, $82 at shop.homespunindy.com
3. Plan of Indianapolis travel mug
If you’re going to have a travel mug, at least make sure it’s a cute travel mug. Each mug features a plan of Indianapolis from 1876 and has a custom Cuppow lid that allows for easy sipping.
Plan of Indianapolis Travel Mug, $45 at jamesdant.com
4. Truffle Box
Gifting chocolate isn’t just for women, you know. This truffle box features 15 decadent homemade chocolates that Dad probably won’t want to share (they’re that good).
15-Piece Truffle Box, $47 at newfangledconfections.com
5. Bluemind Roast Coffee
These coffee beans are a medium roast and boast notes of cherry, chocolate and caramel. This roast works well in automatic and manual devices and is also suitable for espresso.
MIDTOWN Colombia Cauca El Tambo, $6.50 at bluemindroasting.com
6. Father’s Day Card
For the dad that’s sentimental and loves a good ol’ fashioned card, Homespun Indy features a variety of cards sure to speak to his heart. Each card features a blank inside, so you can include a personal greeting instead.
Design With Heart Beer Cheers To You Dad Greeting Card, $5.25 at shop.homespunindy.com
Samantha Kupiainen is a regular Indy Maven contributor.
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