Let’s face it, sometimes shopping for men can be a tricky task. But with Father’s Day right around the corner, we’ve got 15 creative gift ideas to make your life a little easier.
Whether you’re shopping for your dad, grandfather, stepfather, or father-in-law, we’ve created a unique list of local Father’s Day gift ideas to choose from. So, if the father figure in your life is a sentimental type, a foodie, or an adventure lover who lives for an adrenalin rush, we’ve found a perfect pick.
THE SENTIMENTAL DAD
Give your dad this hand-stamped keychain from Regina Lynn Design, and he will always remember how much he’s loved.
Personalized Dad Keychain from Regina Lynn Design, $29 at Etsy.com.
Capture a special moment with your father or father figure by booking a portrait session with the ultra-talented photographer Ginger Smith, owner of Snap Image Photography. If your dad isn’t a fan of prolonged photo sessions, Smith even offers “mini shoots” that last fifteen minutes but still include ten digital images and professional editing.
Photo Session, options starting at $99 at Snapimage.com.
Surprise him with this personalized tape measure from Holly Randol’s Woodruff Mills Creations. Not only will he put it to use, but it’ll also serve as a reminder that he’s adored beyond measure.
No One Measures Up Personalized Tape Measure from Woodruff Mills Creations, $20.99 at Etsy.com.
Celebrate your dad by acknowledging the many roles and jobs he tackles so well with this picture book. As an added bonus, he can read it together with the littlest loves in his life.
”Great Job, Dad!” Book, $16.99 at Homespunindy.com.
Treat your favorite guy to this fun insulated coffee mug from Melissa Bernero’s Nolan James boutique.
Coffee Mug, $24 at Nolanjames.net.
THE FOODIE DAD
Surprise a sports-loving guy with a sweet treat that spells out one of his greatest roles — Dad. From Chef LaCretia Allen’s Cretia Cakes, each order comes with four delicious butter cookies topped with decorative icing.
Dad Cookies, $20 at Cretiacakes.com.
It’s no secret that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This subscription-based box from Turchetti’s contains an assortment of pasture-raised Indiana protein including chicken breasts, sausage, and ground beef. The best part? It can be delivered right to his door every month.
Small Combo Protein Box, $69.99 a month at Turchettis.com.
Being a parent isn’t always sunshine and roses, so give him a cold one to unwind with from Bad Dad Brewing Co. Not sure which flavors to try? Start with cheekily named favorites like “I’ll Turn This Car Around” and “The Sodfather.”
Bad Dad Brewery Craft Beer, starting at $7 at Baddadbrewery.com.
As most parents most likely know, coffee can be essential to parenthood. Gift the man who raised you a subscription to Tinker Coffee Co., where exceptional bags of coffee will ship right to his door each month.
Tinker Coffee Co. Subscription, $30-$50 at Tinkercoffee.com.
If your father figure loves all things spicy, try treating him to some “Scorpion Honey” from Metal Honey: It’s pure Indiana honey infused with a blend of peppers including Trinidad Scorpion peppers and Thai chilis for a delicious kick.
Scorpion Honey, starting at $5.70 at Metalhoney.com.
THE ADVENTUROUS DAD
For something that’s sure to give him an adrenaline rush, gift your dad an introductory thirty-minute trial lesson at the Helicopter Academy.
30-minute Helicopter Trial Lesson, $150 at Helicopteracademy.com.
Editor’s note: This lesson is no longer available, but you can find a local introductory helicopter lesson at Freedom Helicopters; call (317) 432-4525 for pricing information.
Set aside 2-3 hours this Father’s Day for an adventure at Go Ape! in Eagle Creek Park. The property boasts 40-foot-tall platforms with ziplines and numerous unique obstacles. Think of it as a big kid’s play area.
Go Ape! Treetop Adventure, starting at $54.95 at Goape.com.
Have a dad who is obsessed with cars? Treat him to a 30-minute private tour of “The Basement” of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where the museum houses their most precious and priceless automotive artifacts and vehicles.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Basement Collection Tour, $150 per person at Imsmuseum.org.
These socks from Kristin Kohn’s Silver in the City will help your dad remember just how awesome and adventurous he is.
Adventure Man Men’s Crew Socks, $15.50 at Silverinthecity.com.
Give your father figure the opportunity to ride along in or drive a supercar with Xtreme Xperience. Vehicle options at the Putnam Park Road Course include a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Corvette, to name a few.
Ride-Along or Supercar Xperience, starting at $79 at Thextremexperience.com.
Samantha Kupiainen is a regular Indy Maven contributor who has had her Father’s Day gift planned for going on eight months now.
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