Splurges and steals

Our hearts belong to Daddy

Published On: May 27, 2009

You may be thinking that the economy will be good for one thing this year—getting out of hunting down the perfect Father's Day gift. Well, think again. With the big day fast approaching, check out these items, splurges and steals—perfect for any deserving dad.

For the dad who wants to get away
Get out and Golf

What dad doesn't need a weekend away? Whether he goes with mom, the guys, or all by himself, a weekend at the five-star Lodge at Torrey Pines (lodgetorreypines.com) in San Diego is the perfect place to unwind. Beautiful landscaping and world-class restaurants make this the ultimate destination for male pampering. Include a day or two of golf on the world famous course—guests can take advantage of a guaranteed tee-time—and dad will come home radiating relaxation. (Room rates for Father's Day Weekend begin at $305/night; book a Torrey Pines package at Belle Meade Vacations, 386-9876, and receive a $100 gift certificate towards a two-night stay.)

Pack up!

Every father on-the-go needs a complete travel storage system. This three-piece canvas and leather luggage set ($998.00, FM Allen, 472-8734) includes a weekender bag for quick trips ($598), a garment bag for business travel ($475) and a leather Dopp kit for all occasions ($178).

Quality, not quantity

Not ready to shell out for a vacation package for dad this year? Capture the sentiment without the hefty price tag with a gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (basspro.com; 514-5200). Pack some sandwiches and use the drive to Opry Mills mall to catch up on quality time with dad.

For the wine connoisseur
Let it Breathe

Make any dad a wine maven with the Vinturi wine aerator. For $45 (at Levy's, 383-2800) you get a cool gadget that makes any bottle of red wine taste like it came from the most established vineyards—plus it makes a great noise when you pour a glass. Excellent conversation starter! Comes with a stand and carrying pouch (for nights out on the town or travel) and is easily cleaned.

Drink Up!

What gift could be better for dad than the 2006 Efeste Big Papa Old Vine Cabernet? Straight from Washington State's Columbia Valley, Big Papa is made from 100 percent Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon. Beginning with a burst of anise and olives that gives way to hints of blackberries and plums, Big Papa's velvety texture is unmistakable and just plain yummy.

( $49.99 at the Wine Chap, 386-0133)

Can't skip this

For the dad who takes wine appreciation to the next level, the Viden Decanter and bottle opener by Artel ($577 for the set at Corzine's/Richter's, 385-0140) make the perfect present. Artel's quality Bohemian crystal is made "the old-fashioned way," allowing each individual piece to take on a story of its own. Bring your dad the Viden set this father's day, and let your family's stories being to form.

For the dad who has everything
Lay the Smack Down

Don't even try to think of a logical reason for the No.1 alligator flyswatter by Col. Littleton ($310 with an additional $9 for engraving, Abernathy Road, abernathyroad.com.)—it just ain't there. Made just like the Colonel's original 31-hole model, the only difference is that this paddle is made of American Alligator backed with calfskin. Handmade American oak handle with leather lanyard; 20 1/2" long; nickel silver engraving plaque. Available personalized with three initials. For "uptown" flies only.

His Better Half

Father's day is a great time to tell dad to buck up—spell it out for him with these "Buck Neked" boxers ($20, Fabu, 383-0505). 100% cotton boxers available in a variety of irreverent sports themes; sizes range from small-extra large.

For the coolest dad on the block
Rock n' Roll

He went to every Stones concert, he lived for the Dead. Now, help him recapture the memories with the skull and dagger sterling silver necklace and "Tears of Joy" sterling silver cuff wear from Scott Kay ($325 and $465, Levy's Clothing.) Not only are these handmade skull-shaped pieces ultra-hip, they also come with a lifetime guarantee. Rock on!

Send a message

Let dad wear his heart on his chest this Father's Day with this soft and stylish slogan tee ($48 at Billy Reid, 292-2111), which shows his support for the Southern Foodways Alliance.

Be the first

Just in time for Father's Day, Lexus has rolled out their coolest convertible yet—the new IS250 and IS2 350, debuting June 18 (Lexus of Nashville, 221-5000, price upon request.) Aside from its ultra-sleek design, both models come with a power hard top that retracts into the trunk in just 21 seconds, and—a Lexus first—a brand new climate control system that detects when the top is up or down, automatically adjusting to keep the interior at the desired temperature. And for the dad who needs power, the 350 comes with a 306 horsepower engine that will leave the gift-givers standing in the dust.

For the serious business man
Write On

Does your dad love racing? Travel? Plain old quality products? Then consider the Chopard Mille Miglia racing pens, ($300, available exclusively at King Jewelers, 724-5464) that commemorate the famous Ferrari race in Italy. Made of sleek resin and rubber, Chopard writing instruments add a touch of class to any desk.

Brown Bag It

Send dad out the door in style with this dark brown leather portfolio bag ($625, Billy Reid, 292-2111). Details like an exterior antique brass buckle closure with a double zipper, double handles and a removable shoulder strap make it clear that this is a 'man-bag' to be reckoned with. The bag's interior one-zipper compartment leaves lots of room on both sides, so dad can keep all those important files perfectly organized. Bag measures 17x14. Made in Italy.

Tick Tock

The perfect desk top adornment, this pendulum clock ($80, Fabu, 383-0505) is both green and great looking. Made from a recycled bicycle chain ring, chain, cog and wheel rim, this clock keeps your father on time and ahead of his time. There's no time like the present.

For the do-it-yourselfer
Fall into place

Summer is here, the leaves are green and lush—which means fall is just around the corner. Make dad's life easier with the Stihl BR 380 D Backpack Blower ($329.95, Ace Hardware, 662-6767). This ultimate power tool keeps the leaves and debris moving. Even better, this model features reduced emissions, an easy grip throttle control with cruise control and a smaller tube diameter for a higher air velocity. Easy to operate and easy on the environment.

For the super chef
Get Messy

Let dad "go wild in the kitchen," with a Haute Host apron ($175, hautehostessaprons.com). Available in five different patterns, the Haute Host apron is designed in the traditional chef style for a look that translates from the kitchen to the living room. Added bonus—dad may just whip up a gourmet dish to show you his appreciation.

Bring out the Grill

The "Grill Daddy" grill cleaning tool is the perfect gift for the daddy in your family. It uses the power of steam to break up caked on food residue, and its specially designed heavy gauge stainless steel bristles clean in between grill grates and surfaces. Mom will thank you too when she sees the removable brush attachments that make for easy dishwasher cleaning. (Available at Hart Ace Hardware, 662-6767, $19.99 for the "Grill Daddy," $24.99 for the "Grill Daddy Pro" (larger version)).