June is an opportunity to celebrate the men that show up. The men that hold little hands that are covered in pancake syrup.
The men that know not to retort when their wives declare in exhaustion, “It’s your turn!” The men that get misty-eyed at Little League tournaments and dance recitals.
We want our husbands, and our children want their fathers, for as many years as possible. Rather than giving them a plate of bacon and a pair of socks, why not give them a healthy gift to inspire the “health” part of “in sickness and in health?”
Not to worry, these are cool gifts that will resort in a genuine “Thank you!”
1) ___ of the Month Club
A subscription that will result in fun mail rather than another pile of bills is a good gift, indeed. Take the sporty passion of the father in your life and fill in the blank.
There is a Golf Ball of the Month Club. There is a monthly Hockey Tape Club. There is a Running Sock of the Month Club. All of these inspire movement in a man’s life, without being as forward or requiring the same type of commitment as a gym membership.
2) Fitness trackers
Jawbone. Misfit. Fitbit. There are amazing health trackers that get more technologically advanced year after year. It makes for a fun gadget that brings out friendly competition with the person wearing the tracker.
To go one step further (pun intended), it is even possible to engrave some fitness trackers. “Best Dad Ever” works every time.
3) BPA-free water bottle
Decorate a water bottle with hand prints, pictures of the kids, or a statement of affection. This is a low-cost way to improve a man's hydration, while reminding him of his incredible family.
4) A homemade T-shirt
It’s easy to get any design on a sports shirt, but rather than a cheesy picture, why not put the words “Dad Bod” with a big slash through it? Note: You may not want to go this way for your fitness-seeking guy.
5) Shoes
Women aren’t the only ones who get excited about a fine piece of footwear. The fancy gear may have hit the roadside once the little ones arrived. This can make it all the more exciting when you splurge.
There are lots of options, from five-fingered running shoes to spinning shoes to golf shoes. Sure beats socks for Father's Day.
6) Dumbbells or a pull-up bar
Strength-training equipment doesn’t take up much space, yet can make a world of difference to someone who doesn’t have much opportunity to go to the gym. Try adjustable dumbbells, which can be easily stored.
7) A fancy yoga mat
If you have ever heard him make the statement, “I should work on my flexibility,” this is a good way to move things in the right direction.
Look for a mat that is bigger than normal if your guy is on the tall side, and consider investing in one that isn’t slippery.
8) Boxer briefs
These will keep The Boys in place while he does everything from a long run to an epic playground afternoon. Maybe he will even finally get rid of that underwear with holes.
9) A warm sports jacket
I know Father’s Day is in June, but most sales offered then will be on the cold weather items. You can get an excellent deal on a high-quality jacket to keep him moving even when temperatures cool down.
10) Juice cleanses
Admittedly, this is not for every guy, but it could be great for those who might have expressed interest in a little intestinal spring cleaning. Juice cleanses are very hip — and very expensive — right now, making them perfect for the guy who likes to stay on trend.
Edited by Jody Smith