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

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With Halloween under our belts and Christmas fast approaching (50 days to be exact), parents are staring one of their worst nightmares right in the face: holiday shopping. Want to skip the lines and ditch the early bird sales this year? If you’re new to online holiday shopping and not sure where to start your search, don’t worry… we’ve got you covered. Pour yourself a cup of tea, grab your favorite blanket and enjoy perusing AKA Mom Magazine’s ‘Top 10 Marketplaces’ from the comfort of your own living room (or bed—we won’t judge!)

1. New Egg: For all the nerds and techies in your life. It’s our favorite geeky paradise.

2. The Grommet: All the latest consumer goods at ridiculously low prices, plus free shipping on orders of $25. It’s a win-win!

3. Birchbox: In search of beauty gifts for a certain prima donna? Look no further.

4. Gilt: No need to feel guilty about shopping here! Get insider access to top designer labels for up to 60% off. You can thank us later.  

5. Uncommon Goods: The name speaks for itself: creatively designed merchandise at affordable prices. (P.S. this is where we learned that early candles were often eaten rather than burned). Don’t believe it? Check out the website for more fun facts associated with their merchandise.

6. One Kings Lane: The be-all and end-all of home décor marketplaces. From vintage pieces to modern finds for any home, we guarantee your online shopping cart will be overflowing. 

7. FireBox: Their most popular items include a pair of magical unicorn slippers, an underwater disco lightshow, a Star Wars Death Star cookie jar, and gourmet scented pencils properly labeled ‘Smencils’. We’re not kidding. And we aren’t sorry that we love it.  

8. Etsy: The ultimate site for all things vintage and handmade. Connect with artisan vendors from around the world whose craftsmanship goes into every unique piece, from handmade jewelry to homemade soaps, Etsy truly is the best online platform for one-of-a-kind gifts. 

9. Red Envelope: When it comes to finding the perfect present, Red Envelope has what you’re looking for. But don’t take our word for it, check it out today!

10. The Man Registry: Have an alcohol aficionado in your family? Or perhaps just a thirsty uncle who knows his way around a wet bar? Don’t we all? The Man Registry has personalized gifts from engraved beer pitchers to miniature whiskey barrels perfect for the man in your life.  

The post Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The 4^th of July is always marked by hot weather and lots of outdoor activities.  Unfortunately for parents, this holiday can sometimes become synonymous with hot, fussy, tired children!  Follow my tips and hopefully you can have a fuss-free fourth!

Start the day with a nutritious breakfast with minimal sugar

If your plans include parades, cook-outs (with lots of sweets) and festivals, there is a good chance that your kids will be eating a lot of sweets and junk food through out the day.  Start them off on the right food with protein and veggie filled food like omelets for breakfast!

Pack a healthy snack

Along the same lines as the previous point, think high protein, low sugar so that your kids don’t just reach for parade candy when they are hungry.  I love baby carrots and hummus because they are OK even if they don’t stay cold!

Bring sunscreen with you

Even if you apply it before leave home, the kids (and adults!) will need it to be reapplied often through out the day.  If you are going to be near the ocean be sure to get a “reef safe” sunscreen!

Pack activities

There is bound to be a bit of waiting time, whether it is waiting for the parade to start, the food to be ready, of the fireworks show to begin and kids are easily board.  Bring a deck of cards, a football to toss, or games that travel well (no small pieces) so that you have fun things to do as a family while you wait for the next event to begin!

Schedule a nap

Depending on the ages of your children, consider planning an hour or two to go home to relax or take naps.  This can prevent a worn out, fussy family.

Stay hydrated!!

I can’t stress enough how easy it is to become dehydrated while spending all day in the sun.  Pack a cooler full of water, not sodas, sports drinks or high sugar juices.  If you want to make water more exciting try adding slices of fresh lemons, limes, oranges, or cucumbers!

I hope this helps you have a safe and fun Independence Day with your family!

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Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s time to plan an Irish meal for the family. For many Americans the first Irish meal that comes to mind is Corned Beef and Cabbage, but Corned Beef and Cabbage isn’t actually an Irish meal. It was created by Irish families after they immigrated to America. If your family would like to have a more traditional Irish meal this Saint Patrick’s Day, try this recipe for traditional Irish Shepard’s Pie.

Traditional Irish Shepard’s Pie:

• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 1 Tsp black pepper
• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3-4 large carrots, finely diced
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 glass of red wine
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 cup of stock
• 6 cups of fresh or leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 egg, beaten
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1-Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

2-Sauté carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender.

3-Add in the onions and sauté for a minute or two then add the meat.

4-Season with black pepper and thyme.

5-Cook until browned then drain the fat.

6-Add the butter and peas.

7-Sprinkle with flour and stir through.

8-Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire Sauce.

9-Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock. Allow to reduce down until you have a thick, meaty gravy. Season to your taste.

10-Remove from heat. Grease an oven proof dish (9 x 13) with butter and add the sauce.

11-Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

12-Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top.

13-Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!

For an after dinner treat, try out one of these recipes for a Shamrock Smoothie or an Irish Apple Tart:

Irish Apple Tart

To make the pastry:

• 3.5 Cups of flour
• 2/3 generous cup of fine sugar
• 1 1/2 scant cups of unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 Tsp natural vanilla extract

Directions:

Put the flour, sugar and salt in a bowl, cut the butter into pieces and work it into the flour with your fingertips. Now make a well in the middle of the flour-and-butter mixture and add the egg, egg yolks and vanilla extract. Stir with a fork to incorporate the flour evenly until you have to begin using your hand. Using only one hand, bring the dry and wet ingredients together (this might take more time in the winter). On a floured work-surface, knead the dough for a few minutes then roll into 1/4-1/2 inch thickness.

For the apple filling:

• 2 1/2 to 3 cups of thinly sliced apples
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 Tsp of cinnamon
•  a squeeze of one lemon
• 1 Tbsp of grated fresh ginger

Directions:

Mix everything together and let sit for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place bottom pastry onto plate. Fill with apples. Place top of pastry case over apple filling. Bake for about one hour. Serve with freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. 

Shamrock Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lime sherbet
• 1 cup plain frozen yogurt
• 2 ounces pear juice
• 1 Tsp lime juice
• 1 Tsp sugar
• 1/2 Tsp spearmint extract
• 2 Tbsp grated chocolate
• Mint leaves

Directions:

Combine sherbet, yogurt, pear juice, lime juice, sugar and spearmint extract. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, garnish with grated chocolate and mint leaves. Serve. Makes about 2 servings.

Recipes and images retrieved from:

Dewdropdeb, . “Traditional Irish Shepard’s Pie.” Food.com. N.p.. Web. 10 Mar 2013.

McDonnell, Imen. “Irish Recipes and Food from Ireland.” IrishAbroad. N.p.. Web. 10 Mar 2013.

Perry , Beth. A Celebration of Non-alcoholic Irish-themed Drinks. N.d. HubpagesWeb. 10 Mar 2013.

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