Father’s Day Gifts 2014 Edition

Cary, NC — No idea what to get Dad for Father’s Day (which, incidentally, is this Sunday, June 15, 2014).  Fret not, we have your answers right here.

Father’s Day Gifts, 2014 Edition

Father’s Day gifts generally fall into several general categories, but the offerings change every year.

Match up your Dad (or husband, let’s be real here) with the category that mirrors his interest and you have an idea for a novel, satisfying gift.

But keep the return receipt just in case.

Sports Dad

Dads like their sports. Some Dads, anyway.

If your favorite Dad has a sports allegiance but no apparel or memorabilia, this might be your opening.

If you’ve gotten Dad a piece of sports apparel for the last 4 years in a row, move on to the next idea.

For memorabilia, try Cardiacs Sports & Memorabilia, just opened last week in Cary Town Center.

Techie Dad

Techie gifts have got to be a big category in Cary, NC.

Check out Automatic, a $99 app that plugs into your car’s data port, knows where you park, suggests ideas to improve mileage and a whole lot of other goodies.

Foodie Dad

Gourmet ingredients are nice, but they tend to get stuffed in the ‘fridge and forgotten.

If your Dad likes to grill, consider a non-stick grilling basket. Great for roasting vegetables like squash, carrots, zucchini, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes as well as shrimp or chunks of meat, poultry or fresh tuna.

All the flavor of skewers without having poke anything with a sharp stick.

Stylin’ Dad

Last year it was all small fedoras and skinny pants. This year, it’s all about facial hair.

Whether your stylish Dad likes a clean, smooth shave or is growing a rally beard, luxury shaving products are all the rage.

For some Father’s Day gift ideas, look no further than The Art of Shaving. You’ll find Silvertip Badger brushes, razor stands, shaving soap and all manner of manly grooming products.

Watches

AskMen.com had watches as three of the top 25 Father’s Day gifts.

Slim and round in dark colors with many dials seems to be the style. Health-tracker wristbands that look like watches are also popular this year.

AskMen also had a meat thermometer that plugs into a smartphone (cool!) and a striped tie from somewhere (not cool).

Athletic Dad

Watching sports is one thing. But if your favorite Dad has a longtime interest in sports or fitness, chances are he has some worn-out gear.

Just take a look at his stuff- is his gym bag beat to shreds, shoes cracking or gloves frayed?

Perhaps he’s wearing the wrong height socks for today’s basketball player, or needs some proper golf threads.

If Dad is an active guy and you’re still not sure what to get, go for a gift card at a local sporting goods store or specialty shop.

Old running shoe by Adam Piotrowski.

Local Dad

Some Dads are into the go-local movement. Choices abound in the greater Cary metropolitan area.

For cooks, we can recommend Whisk, a kitchen goods and gourmet store in Waverly Place. For gardening Dad, a visit to Garden Supply on Old Apex Road is sure to please.

For craft brew Dad, look no further than Fortnight, Cary’s first brewery. For caffeine Dad, try some locally roasted beans at Crema or Muddy Dog.

For a fun time and a little unexpected fun, consider IndoorGreens, Cary’s 18 hole mini golf course in Cornerstone (corner of Davis and High House).

For something funny or nostalgic, check out Rocket Fizz in Shoppes of Kildaire.

For something sweet, swing by La Farm on Cary Parkway or Sugar Buzz on Kildaire Farm Road.

Black Forest cupcake by Sugar Buzz.