Gift Guide for Dads + Father’s Day Recipe Ideas

We’re a little over a week away from Father’s Day so I thought I’d share my picks for gifts for the dads in your life. I did consult with my husband on a few of these, and I think many of these things are right up his alley. But, I did think about some different life stages (i.e. the new dad) that a lot of my friends are going through when I rounded up my selections. I think there is a little bit of everything on this gift guide!

My husband, Ben, is a what I call a hobbyist. He has a lot of interests, and I affectionately refer to him as my “Ben of all trades.” If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably seen me post his DIY projects, making beer, prepping for hunting season, making his own bullets or tinkering around in the garage on the 240z he rebuilt.  I’m very thankful to have a handy husband who is also the best dad to Braden. Some may say that I’m lucky, but I also tell people I just chose well. 😉

1. New dad who might be a little sleepless: This book is funny, and you need a little funny when you’re lacking sleep.
2. Craft beer lover: This beer flight holder is a fun way to sample a variety of beers. My husband also brews beer…a recent hobby he started in the past few months, which basically creates happy hour in the garage for everyone on our street. He’s currently brewing three beers and a cider that’ll be ready next week when I’m 37 weeks pregnant. :/
3. Handy man: Any dad who is into DIY projects or Fixer Upper would like this hat.
4. Grilling aficionado: this grilling set would get some good use especially now that we’ve hit the summer grilling season. Plus,  it’s only $12.99!
5. Dehydrated dad: Ben definitely doesn’t drink enough water and often tells me beer has water in it. Hmmm….not the same in my opinion. I probably didn’t drink enough water until I got one of these insulated water bottles a couple of years ago. It’s hands-down my favorite water bottle, and I use it every day because I love how it truly keeps water cold for 24 hours. I am definitely getting this for my husband. It comes in a 17 oz. size and a bigger 25 oz. size, and the teakwood option sort of looks manly, right?!
6. Dad who loves games: Once upon a time my husband would play poker with friends pretty regularly, then we had a kid. 🙂 This poker set would be fun for game night with the guys or when extended family is in town visiting.
7.  Smoked meat lover: My husband has a Traeger tailgater, but after using a Pitboss, Ben says he “would like to get a larger Pitboss instead because it has more features and it’s a better design from an engineering standpoint.” Spoken like an engineer. 😉
8. Classic dad: my husband got this watch for Christmas, and he wears it pretty much every day. I shared more about it in this post. It’s a classic watch that I know he’ll have forever and the wood tone is unique.
9. Dad who loves to experiment with flavor: Lots of grilling going on around here so this rub and grilling set would be a good gift to pair with a new grill or the grilling set mentioned above.
10. Sentimental new dad: I think it’s an ongoing game to get your first child to say dada or mama first. This book is the ideal gift for a couple’s shower or just for any new dad.
11. Dad with a sweet tooth: Who doesn’t love  icecream?! This is the perfect gift for dads who live in a different state since you can get a variety pack shipped and delivered anywhere in the U.S. This brand used to be a client of mine, so I know a lot about this icecream. It’s made with premium ingredients, and they have amazing flavors including low-glycemic options.   I’d like to think I’m an icecream expert, especially lately since it’s something I enjoy daily (especially at 9 months pregnant!). The salted caramel chocolate chip is one of my fave flavors!

Father’s Day Meal Ideas

Father’s Day is a reminder to tell the dads in your life that they’re special and appreciated. So, we will usually cook at home for occasions like this. I’ve suggested a few meals below that are perfect for a memorable family get together.

My husband is definitely a steak and potatoes guy, so I’ll probably make a dinner that highlights these items since those are some of his favorites. See below for dinner and dessert suggestions, many of which I’ve made before, so I can vouch for their yumminess!

Dinner

Skillet Steak and Potatoes

Prime Rib, Baked Potatoes and Grilled Corn on the Cob with Roasted Jalepeno Butter

Cabernet Short Ribs with Parmesan Polenta

Southern Shrimp and Grits – if we’re out to dinner, my husband usually goes for steak, short ribs or a shrimp and grits dish

Dessert

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Crunch Top Apple Pie

Nectarine and Blueberry Crisp

I would serve all of these with Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice cream vs. whipped cream (or in addition to) like some of the recipes suggest. We’re pretty loyal to Bluebell around here because… well, because we’re Texan and it’s like the epitome of Texas. And, it’s just delicious.

When we’re on a date night and even on a regular weeknight, it’s not uncommon to find an old-fashioned in my husband’s hand. That said, a bourbon Ben has been a fan of lately is Walking Stick, so that might be a good gift  if the guy in your life is a fan of bourbon. It’s sold at Spec’s in Houston if you’re local. Getting the dad in your life his favorite drink ingredients or bottle of wine to enjoy with a homemade meal is always a good idea! Enjoy!