Father’s Day is a great time to appreciate the men in your life who share all of those silly jokes, have crazy dance moves, and own more polo shirts than Ralph Lauren himself. So why not treat those special guys to something special? Here are a few favorite gift options for every type of dad out there!

Razor MD

For the dad who loves his beard, look to Razor MD to provide him with all the things he needs to keep his beard trimmed, silky, and smooth. They have everything from great razors to essential oil based products that help style and condition his beard. Help him take his beard game to the next level with all of the tools and accessories he needs!

Photoshoot

Grab your semi-pro photographer friend, find a fun spot-think large field, wall with cool street art, etc- and get the kids dressed up for a photoshoot! Bonus points if there’s a theme! While it may take an entire day, 12 juice boxes, and 20 bribes to get them all to pose, it’ll definitely be worth an adorable picture of everyone. Plus, you’ll be able to use this as a Father’s Day gift for every dad in your life, and it doubles as a gift for you too! If you want to turn to a professional photographer, look to Groupon to find great deals on pros that’ll help you take beautiful pictures!

Annie B’s Popcorn and Caramels

For the dad who just wants to snack and watch the game, get him something truly delicious to try from Annie B’s Popcorn and Caramels! They offer a wide array of popcorn flavors like Jalapeno, Triple Threat, Original, Sea Salt, and Sharp Cheddar, along with an incredible number of different flavored caramels, such as Coconut and Cappuccino- yum! Pair this with his favorite beer and you just won Father’s Day!

Bespoke post

If you want to get him the gift that just keeps giving, try Bespoke Post. You can get him monthly subscription boxes that include limited edition products he wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else! You can also peruse their online store to find beautiful gifts that he’s sure to love!

Custom Pint Glass

These are the perfect edition to any man cave/ living room after the kids go to bed. The Wild & Free Prints shop on Etsy has a ton of options for customizing the perfect pint glass, wine glass, or even mason jar! The glasses are etched and made to order, so you can truly make it his own.

Turn their artwork into a gift

Take your mini Picasso’s artwork and turn it into something really special that won’t just get put on the fridge! Use a site like Shutterfly.com to help you put their artwork on mugs, pillows, and even on an actual canvas. All you have to do is scan or take a clear, high resolution photo of the artwork, then peruse the website for your favorite way to display it!

The post Get Dad what he really wants this year! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When my son was nine, we were watching a baseball game together on television. As the camera panned over the cheering fans, he asked me why the kids in the stands were so excited. I said that the players are heroes to those kids. I suggested that someday one of those players might be his hero. He paused and said, “They may be my hero someday, but you will always be my first hero.” The message was clear — we are our children’s first heroes, whether we want that responsibility or not.

A hero is seen as a protector, one who safeguards you from danger. Above all, we as fathers have to ensure that we maintain our hero status with our children by ensuring that we have earned their trust, and if it has been hindered or damaged, it is our responsibility to regain it.

1) Celebrate victories. Celebrate achievements and victories by taking your kids for a treat. Before immediately running to the next dilemma, take time to enjoy accomplishments as a family. This will validate your child’s self-esteem and importance to you.

2)  Confer regularly with your Inner Child. When our children struggle, stop and think about what you wanted to hear from your father at that age. Let that compassion shape what you say and how you say it.

3) Be curious. Show interest in your children’s lives by simply asking how they’re doing and what’s new with them.

4) Monitor your Inner Critic. If we grew up with an Inner Critic telling us all the things we’re doing wrong in life, chances are high we will pass this Inner Critic to our children. We need to take responsibility, as I did in my book, The Problem Was Me. We need to silence our own Inner Critic and become mindful of behaviors that could pass this intrusive voice down to our children.

5) Choose your battles. We must relinquish our need to always be right in our conversations with our children and instead choose closeness. Take a step back and identify with your children’s struggles and listening to their feelings.

6) Permit mistakes. Let your kids know that mistakes are part of being human. Affirm that they can fail at times without becoming a failure. If we deny our children compassion when they stumble, we negate their humanness. If they lose compassion for themselves, they will lose compassion for others as well.

7) Provide a safe environment. Be the person they can come to with anything. Allow them vent, cry on your shoulder, or confide in you their mistakes.

No one is perfect, but we can do our best to try to be the hero that our children see or hope for.

*Parenting and relationship expert Thomas Gagliano is the author of The Problem Was Me and his newest title, Don’t Put Your Crap in Your Kid’s Diaper: The Clean Up Cost Can Last a Lifetime. www.thomasGagliano.com

The post Seven Father’s Day Tips to Regain or Maintain your Hero Status appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Dad can be hard to shop for sometimes. Of course, he can never have too many ties, coffee mugs or tools. But doesn’t the man who taught you how to ride a bike, to play catch and to always try your best deserve something more personal and unique.

Sure, he will be happy regardless of what you get him, but why not help him enjoy more time with the interests he has outside of being a great father. Here are some Father’s Day gift ideas for every kind of dad – from the grill master to the car enthusiast and the clean freak to the hygiene centric and every kind of dad in between.

Let Dad Stand Out with a Million-Dollar Shine

Your dad can now achieve the million-dollar appearance of Barrett-Jackson car auctions in his garage. Their Premium Auto Care line includes washes, waxes and detailers formulated with synthetic hydrophobic polymers and genuine carnauba wax for lasting brilliance and easy application. Learn more about how to bring a long-lasting and brilliant, deep shine to your dad’s car at Barrett-JacksonAutoCare.com. Barrett-Jackson Premium Auto Care products, which range in price from $5.49 to $17.99, are available at retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Pepboys, Menards and select Home Depots, and through online retailers including Amazon.com. For the ultimate gift, go a step further and wash his car for him.

For the Dad Who Loves to Drive

What do you get a dad who loves his car and truly loves to drive? How about something that connects him to his car, like a shoe that enhances his driving experience? While comfortable and stylish enough for everyday wear, the Piloti Spyder S1 driving shoe features patented Roll Control heel technology, superior red suede and mesh panels for maximum comfort and flexibility as well as the perfect combination of support, size, grip and feel. Check out the Spyder S1 ($150) as well as Piloti’s complete line of luxury, casual and performance driving shoes at Piloti.com.

A Gift Dad Can Sink His Teeth Into

Make Father’s Day complete with a dinner he’ll remember for years. The Omaha Steaks Father’s Day T-Bone Gift package is a meal dad will be willing and eager to fire up the grill for. The package is headlined by two 18-ounce T-Bones and includes four Brisket Burgers and four Gourmet Jumbo Franks along with Omaha Steaks Seasoning. Regularly $194.95, you can now bring the family together to enjoy this incredible fare for just $69.99. For more information, visit omahasteaks.com.

A Spotless Man Cave, Workshop and Car

It’s the ultimate gift for dad and his man cave. The Dirt Devil FlipOut™ is a premium cordless hand vac, perfectly designed to keep his man cave, workshop or set of wheels spotless. The 16-volt, fade-free lithium battery means faster charging, longer runtime and continuous power. It’s compact and lightweight, and has versatile tools for quick and easy cleaning. The FlipOut is $49.99. For more information, visit DirtDevil.com.

Power Dad’s Smile

Be the power behind dad’s smile this Father’s Day with the Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity. The brush connects to the Oral-B App, which provides real-time guidance while brushing and records brushing activity that can be shared with dental professionals. With six different cleaning modes, it removes 300 percent more plaque compared to a manual brush. Upgrade your dad’s oral care routine and visit oralb.com for additional details.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

*FF

The post Dad’s Day Gift Ideas appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Buying gifts can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Especially when you’re shopping for people who are as picky as a porcupine or seem to have everything.

With Father’s Day around the corner, you’re might be revving up for the big day if you haven’t already purchased anything. And though gifts aren’t needed to show appreciation, they’re certainly a great way to express gratitude. To this end, you want to be sure that the special man in your life receives a special gift, one that shows your thanks and appreciation! And most importantly, you want to be sure that your gift is something that he can truly appreciate, something different than the standard tie or pair of socks.

The following list comprises a few travel-themed gifts that are a bit off-the-grid. They’re perfect for the thrill-seekers, go-getters and adventure-hounds in your life. They’re also great for fathers who are a bit pickier—or who seem to have it all already. And the best part is that they’re all wholly unique. Enjoy!

Cork Globe

This globe will highlight his travels in style! That summer you both went wine tasting in Italy or Oregon? Pin it! That’s right—pushpins and earth tones allow for a three-dimensional memory of where he’s been and where he still wants to go.

Portable Briefcase BBQ Grill

Not only does he look good going to the office, now he can turn heads while barbequing as well! This grill shapes up to look like a stainless steel briefcase, making it the perfect gift for portable dining. Take it to the beach, lake or even in the backyard.

WiFi and USB Cufflinks

Though cufflinks can rank right up there with ties as far as what fathers get all too often, these cufflinks are definitely cool! He can look good and listen to good sounds, or get a bit of work done all via a set of silver cufflinks. Be careful, though. These bad boys jut might have him thinking he’s the next James Bond!

Titanium Multi-tool Collar Stays

Collar stays are something that have withstood the test of time. With this titanium version, he’ll withstand the test of fashion and time! What’s more, these collar stays are multi-functional, meaning he can also crack open a bottle of beer with them, use them as a handy screwdriver or find other ways to use them and be his own MacGyver!

Shot Flask

Flasks might come a dime a dozen, but his doesn’t have to. The ever-handy shot flask adds a shooter into the mix! Most appear as an embellishment in the center of the flask. When he’s ready, he can simply pop out the shot glass and pour a measured dose of the good stuff!

Stainless Steel Beard and Mustache Comb

Feel good, look good and look good doing it! Now he can keep his facial hair groomed while on the go and all with a stylish, portable comb.

Power Card

These sleek and efficient power hubs have been all the rage for some time now. Maybe it’s time that the father in your life had one too. Power cards allow for recharging at the drop of a hat, and as such, are extremely versatile. Find a wallet-sized card with power and beauty and give a gift that’s both functional and fashionable.

Anywhere Travel Guide

This isn’t your average guide—the Anywhere Travel Guide has guts! In reality, the guide is a pack of 75 cards that provide prompts for you to act on while traveling. Instead of lugging around a tome about the gardens of a city, why not dive into fun and whimsy by pulling out a random card and acting on the instructions? Fathers are sure to love the excitement of this guide. And the great thing is that it can be used anywhere and at all times!

The post Travel-themed Gifts for Father’s Day appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Got a dad with exquisite taste, refined palate, serious swag, or keen eye for art and aesthetics? If so, don’t settle for an ordinary gift for him! Instead, perfect your present-picking skills with our guide to snazzy gifts this Father’s Day.

The “Shaken, Not Stirred” Dad – Get your old man the ultimate guide to cocktails that are sure to put hair on his chest with Old Man Drinks: Recipes, Advice and Barstool Wisdom, a book for the thirstiest of fathers. This book is a throwback to old-school, party-starting cocktails and concoctions crafted with seriously strong spirits.  He’ll love the no-bullshit approach to the art of American masculine drinking culture with its timeless recipes, cheeky advice and unorthodox wisdom. We’re sure this gift will be a match made in heaven!

The “Mister Hipster” Dad – Has your dad recently grown a beard, squeezed himself into skinny jeans and started shopping at thrift stores for vintage leather jackets and oversized scarves? If the answer is yes, then more likely than not you’ve got a hipster on your hands. Hipster dads appreciate the finer things in life, especially when it comes to fashion and accessories. Indulge his sense of style with a genuine leather backpack, laptop case, portfolio or messenger bag from Jill-e Designs ‘Jack’ line for men. These upscale accessories are perfect for business casual looks that your dad is a pro at pulling off so effortlessly. Trust us, he’ll be lusting over his new leather looks!

The “I Wear My Business Suit to Sleep” Dad – Chances are this type of dad is all work and no play – not that there’s anything wrong with that! He’s serious about two things: closing deals and providing for his family. But perhaps he needs a little spontaneity in his life, including his wardrobe routine.  Festive bowties should do the trick! Our favorites include Beau Ties, a swanky and sophisticated line of ties for the CEO in your family. KorBata ties and bowties truly stand out among the rest. Handmade with 100% cotton in Guatemala, KorBata blends old-world charm with modern style for an artisan look that your fancy father is sure to love.

The “Motor Mouth” Dad – Got a dad with cars on the brain? If the garage at your home looks more like a showroom for his fancy foreign cars, shift into gear and start shopping online at Strut. Spoil him with some luxury car accessories he can really show off to his friends! It’s like a jewelry collection for his car, but with a lot more bling! Choose from custom grilles, wheels and interior accessories that are sure to be the perfect match to his luxurious lifestyle.

The “Arts and Crafts” Dad – Even fancy father’s agree – there’s nothing wrong with getting your hands dirty every once in a while! If you’re looking for inventive ways to build a bond with dad while building something with your own hands, Cooper and Kid has you covered! With a monthly subscription to Cooper and Kids, a shipment of themed projects will arrives at your door full of innovative and creative projects for dads and their kids. Want to learn more about the genie in the box? Check out Cooper and Kids today, and start building memories tomorrow!

The post The Fancy Father’s Day Gift Guide appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Father’s Day is a time of reflection and nostalgia for not only parents but children as well. Reminiscing about yesteryear and the collective memories that have shaped who you are since your childhood to your present self as an adult with kids of your own. Perhaps it’s the memories of traveling with your family, or that epic summer spent camping in the woods. Or maybe it’s a simple game of catch you played with your father out on the front lawn on a warm spring day.

Playing catch is like a rite of passage in cultures around the world; a particular style of bonding for children – both boys and girls – that creates lasting memories with their fathers while throwing a ball back and forth. It might sound boring, but these moments are what create emotional, physical and psychological connections between a child and his/her parent.

Keeping memories such as this alive can seem nearly impossible, as the days quickly turn into years and vibrant moments you think will last forever slowly fade into grey. It’s for reasons like this that inspired the designers of Make-A-Ball to create a fun, colorful and personalized way to preserve those precious moments between children and parents.

At MakaABall.com, you can choose between seven different types of sport balls to customize a keepsake for the perfect Father’s Day gift this year. This touching gift allows you to design your own ball by uploading family photos and adding personalized text that make memories truly last a lifetime.

Know a soccer mom that deserves a one-of-a-kind gift? Make-A-Ball is the perfect place to order a special gift for her this Mother’s Day.  You can even surprise your children’s coach with a personalized ball from all the kids on the team. Remembering that big win or all-star event has never been easier!

For special discount codes and to begin customizing a Make-A-Ball for someone special, visit MakeABall.com.

The post Make-A-Ball: A Personalized Present for Dad This Father’s Day appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Father’s Day is the time of year where we celebrate the most important man in your family—good ol’ Dad.  As you head out to find your dad a meaningful and extra special gift that shows him just how much you love him, why not think ‘out-of-the-socks’?  How about going for something more unique and memorable?  As a father to 7 kids, I’ve seen my fair share of Father’s Day gifts, and that does mean a lot of ties and socks but I’ve also been given some amazing ones.  Dad always appreciates anything you give him, but something he loves is even better. Here are a few ideas to show your dad he’s #1 to your family:

• Putt Putt Golf Outing with the family followed by ice cream
• Family Day at a baseball or semi/professional soccer game (give him the official jersey to go along with the game you’re going, as well!).
• Plan a family outing doing dad’s favorite activity or bobby such as golfing, fishing, or boating (maybe rent a pontoon for the family and bring picnic along and fishing poles, etc.).
• Don’t skip the tie, just make it special by ordering tie designed by the kids
• What dad couldn’t use a new key ring?  Get him a “#1 Dad: or “My Dad Rocks” key ring with the kids’ names engraved on the back
• It’s ok for dad to wear some bling when it’s a cool dog tag necklace featuring his kids’ names and birth dates
• Track down dad’s favorite baseball or football card, comic book or magazine from an important time (childhood, his birthdate, a rare collector’s item)
• Give dad the experience of doing something he’s always wanted to do like the race car lesson/experience, rock climbing with a pro, diving/snorkeling lessons, or airplane flying lessons.  It’s living out a dream while also giving a super memorable gift.
• Sign him up for a beer or wine of the month club and throw in some personalized pub glasses, too.
• Give him a collection of his top 5 movies, but not just any movies, get them in hi definition/blue ray.
• Make a homemade video for him with the kids dancing, playing instruments, reading a poem for dad they wrote, etc.
• Give him an autographed photo of his favorite sports star or actor.  It will go well in his man cave!

Happy Father’s Day!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Parenting Expert and father of 7, Robert Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for every stage of fatherhood, and the Daily Daddy Blog.  He is also the creator and producer of “My Life as a Dad,” the groundbreaking new web series that showcases celebrity fathers offering their personal experiences and parenting tips.

The post Fun & Unique Father’s Day Gifts appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

For the Athletic Dad:

Golfer’s Dream Gift Basket Golf Gift Basket

www.gifts.com

UNDER ARMOUR Men’s Closer Stretch-Fit Cap

www.sportsauthority.com

CamelBak All Clear™ Bottle

Pure Blue: 90783

CamelBak All Clear turns nearly any tap or clear natural water source into potable drinking water in just 60 seconds, letting you hydrate on the spot.

www.camelbak.com

Nike+ SportWatch GPS

www.nike.com

For the Sophisticated Dad:

Ermenegildo Zegna Parfums 

Essenze’s Haitian Vetiver ($195) is available at Ermenegildo Zegna boutiques, and is available online at BergdorfGoodman.com, NeimanMarcus.com and Zegna.com.

Bombay Brown Leather Journal with Tie 6″ x 8.5″

www.barnesandnoble.com

Smathers & Branson – Martini & Olive Needlepoint Flask (6 oz)

smathersandbranson.com

Silver Rings Carbon Fiber Double Pen Set

Item #: 1821 – Free Personalization & Fast Delivery

www.memorablegifts.com

Saddle Leather & Canvas Hanging Toiletry Case

monogramming available – free shipping

www.potterybarn.com

For the Stylish Dad:

Ben & Sons – The General Limited Edition Matte Blue Ceramic White Dial

Style: 10001-BLB-22

www.ewatches.com

Kenneth Cole New York – Cognac Leather Perforated ‘Listen Up’ Loafers

Style# 326767702

www.bluefly.com

Scotch & Soda – Straw Beach Hat

www.scotch-soda.com

Outdoorsman Craft by Ray-Ban

www.ray-ban.com

For the Manly Man Dad:

ManCan – Candle scents designed to appeal to a man’s senses.

*Sawdust, Gun Powder, Hot Cocoa, Fresh Cut Grass, Cigar, Campfire, Bacon, Coffee and many more scents.

Man-cans.com

MUG BOSS from Bucket Boss

Item# 99981 D24

www.amazon.com

Sur La Table® Round Steak Button Thermometers

SKU: 901116

www.surlatable.com

Sir Francis Bacon Chocolate Peanut Brittle

SKU: choc 8oz box

www.baconpeanutbrittle.com

BioLite Campstove

www.biolitestove.com

For the Tech Savvy Dad:

RAVI RATAN – Gold 2GB USB Flash Drive Cufflinks

Item Code: RR-409-GL

www.cufflinks.com

MEN’S FIRE HOSE IPAD FOLIO

Item 19505 – Free Shipping

www.duluthtrading.com

Thinksound ts02: black chocolate in-ear headphones

http://store.thinksound.com

Sanctuary4

*charges up to four devices simultaneously

www.bluelounge.com

The post Father’s Day Gifts perfect for him! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Psst…we’ve got a little secret we want to share with you about Father’s Day. No matter how grateful they may seem, dads don’t want a tie on their special day.  Nor do they want anything that reminds them they have to go back to the office on Monday. That includes fountain pens, coffee mugs, picture frames, brief cases and yes, neckties.

What dads really want is a daily reminder that the weekend is coming and that it’s going to be glorious – all because of your gift.  So this Father’s Day, think outside the gift box and give dad what he really wants.  We suggest one (or all) of the three c’s – cocktails, charcoal and cars.

No, not a real car (though kudos if you can swing it!) – think more like accessories.  A new stereo, a GPS system, a charging dock for his cell phone or even a roof rack perfect for bikes, kayaks, surf boards or whatever recreational sports he enjoys.

Nothing says the weekend’s here like a good, old-fashioned libation. And speaking of old-fashioned (we’ve got bourbon on the brain), why not give him the chance to perfect his bartending skills with his own cocktail set.  With a healthy supply of spirits for handcrafted cocktails, he’ll be the host with the most at the next backyard barbeque.

And speaking of barbeques, what’s the one thing no Father’s Day is complete without? Grilling.  Let’s be honest, he doesn’t want to get dressed up and go to brunch with his in-laws. He wants to stay at home and barbeque steaks for his friends and family.  This year, splurge and get dad the latest and greatest barbeque to get Father’s Day (and summer) started right.  But be sure to ask whether he’s a charcoal or propane kind of man first!

To get the ball rolling, here’s a few of our favorite links and great gift ideas for dad:

http://www.grillcharms.com/

http://www.bbqguys.com/content_content_17956.html

http://www.carid.com/

http://www.lightinthebox.com

http://www.homewetbar.com/

http://www.stirrings.com

The post The Three C’s of Father’s Day Gift-Giving appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Personalization is a leading gifting trend, meaning more people are skipping generic gift options and creating sentimental presents that instantly become cherished keepsakes. Gifts that convey meaning and embrace special memories are sure to make a lasting impression. Even for the most time-starved among us, the following quick and easy ideas are guaranteed to make your loved one smile:

One-of-a-kind card:

Make her blush or brighten his day with a customized card that features fun photos and a touching message. Creating a wonderful, one-of-a-kind creation takes just a few minutes when you take your camera or photo card to the nearest KODAK Picture Kiosk. In various formats and sizes for less than $2.00, photo cards are very affordable and have loads of sentimental value. Choose from tons of exclusive modern, creative layouts from designers like Bonnie Marcus to delight every parent, grad or bride-to-be in your life.

Personalized flowerpot:

Beautiful blooms and warm weather are the perfect pairing, and giving flowers is always a classic gift. But why not take it one step further and make a personalized flowerpot that can be used season after season? Perfect for Mom, Grandma or anyone with a green thumb, flowerpots can be decorated with a favorite photo and then painted for a one-of-a-kind homemade design. Finish by adorning with a colorful bow that matches the beautiful blooms held within the pot.

Photo collages:

A carefully crafted photo collage of special images can make a stunning gift that tugs at the heartstrings and only takes minutes to make. Thanks to advanced printing technology, you can skip the scissors and paste and create a professional-looking collage for less at your local photo printer. For mothers, add photos of special family moments from a recent vacation, or for grads, add photos from different grades as way to reflect on how quickly time flies. Place the collage in a frame and pair it with a card for a gift that will be cherished long after the party is over.

Creative handprints:

Every person’s hand and fingerprints are unique – use them to create crafty gifts that convey the special love your family shares for each other. Hand impressions in clay stepping stones make unique presents that can be placed in a garden or displayed on a shelf. Or, adorn a family picture with a matte featuring the kids’ handprints. Use paint or ink and carefully press hands to the matte so it doesn’t smudge. You might want to try a few times on a practice piece of paper first before adding handprints to the matte. Choose one color or let kids each pick their own favorite hue to represent their unique personalities.

Photo blocks:

Impress loved ones young and old by creating special photo blocks that display favorite images from the past year. Start by buying wood blocks at your local craft store. Usually four or five is a good amount. Then order prints – any time, anywhere by downloading the free My KODAK Moments App, which makes it easy to access images from your phone or social media sites like Facebook or Instagram. Once materials are collected, cut each photo to the block size and attach with spray adhesive. Add a special message on the corner of each block with a marker or stamp. Some people write out “mama,” “love” or another special word to add a personalized touch to this easy-to-make project.

The post Giving from the heart: Simple tips for creating personalized gifts with deep meaning appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.