Dear Dad
Compiled by Meda Kessler and Babs Rodriguez
No two dads are alike, but we’ve never met one who was easy to buy for.
We know they’d rather have us mind our budget than spend money on them, but there’s always pleasure in making a secret wish come true — whether it’s a getaway somewhere indulgent, a sporty pair of shades or a vintage bottle he’d never buy for himself. And always, the gift of time — having a good gab at a game or sharing a contemplative cocktail hour — is appreciated. Of course, if you’d like to take his car out to be detailed, he probably wouldn’t say no to that either.
Who needs a fancy ice machine when you have a beechwood mallet and a sturdy canvas bag? The bottle’s not included, but you can include a fifth of bourbon if you’d like. $30, shop.bulleit.com Photo courtesy of Bulleit Distilling Co.
Let him live that island life with a worry-free Bahama Coast Fronds IslandZone camp shirt that is lightweight and wrinkle resistant. $118 to $138 (for Big & Tall sizes), Tommy Bahama. Photo courtesy of Tommy Bahama
Electric bikes are here to stay, so why not add a Specialized \Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ hybrid model to Dad’s two-wheel collection. Both the powerful motor and slim battery are integrated into the frame, almost disguising the fact that it’s an e-bike. Another bonus? It only weighs 33 pounds. $4,750; check with your local dealer or go to specialized.com Photo courtesy of Specialized
Since dress shoes have been relegated to the back of the closet, sneakers are No. 1 with a bullet. We especially like ones you can dress up or down, like these canvas slip-ons from Ermenegildo Zegna. $595, Neiman Marcus. Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Top Gun celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and a pair of shades such as the Randolph Engineering aviators should help bring out Dad’s inner pilot. $349, Adair Eyewear Photo by Meda Kessler
The Angler’s Pint glass should inspire sharing a fish tale or two. It’s bigger than a traditional British or American pint and hand-painted by Maine artist Karen Talbot with different species. $19.95 each, Orvis. Photo by Meda Kessler
If Pop is a National Public Radio nerd, he’ll no doubt be happy to tip his retro-chic Long Live Radio bucket hat or Radio Forever ball cap to NPR’s 50th year of broadcasting. $30 each, shop.npr.org. Photos courtesy of NPR
Whether he’s a gear head, a collector or an armchair admirer of intriguing vehicles, My Cool Classic Car: An Inspirational Guide to Classic Cars by Chris Haddon (Pavilion Books) is one for the library. $14.95, rizzoliusa.com Photo by Lyndon McNeil
He can lounge in style and comfort with Tommy John Second Skin Pajama Shorts, which are soft, stretchy and come with pockets. $58 to $60, Tommy John. Photo courtesy of Tommy John
THE DETAILS
Adair Eyewear 3550 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817-377-3500, adaireyewear.com Neiman Marcus The Shops at Clearfork, 5200 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth, 817-738-3581, neimanmarcus.com Orvis Chapel Hill Shopping Center, 4601 West Freeway, Fort Worth, 682-703-7675; Park Village, 1101 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-251-0262; orvis.com Tommy Bahama The Shops at Clearfork, 5265 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth, 682-707-3608, tommybahama.com Tommy John Southlake Town Square, 1426 Main St., 682-477-4048, tommyjohn.com