Get A Tie & Help Others At The Same Time

I love to find gifts to suggest that allow you to give something special to someone and help others at the same time. I've written about Tom's Shoes before (they give away a pair of shoes for every pair they sell) and I just read about Figs in Santa Monica that sells a variety of styles of cool ties (not just bow ties) and for each tie sold that make sure a child in Africa has a proper school uniform (in many places there you can't attend without one). To read more about this program, Threads for Threads, click here.

Okay Now I Have Heard Of Everything

Seriously, CUPCAKES for GUYS?? I didn't know that desserts were gender specific, but a place in NYC called Butch Bakery seems to think so. I have to admit that some of the flavors (Rum & Coke, for instance) do intrigue me a little. I suppose if you're looking for a food treat for a guy this might just be the perfect thing to do.

Labor Day Book Recommendations

I thought I'd share a few book gift ideas today, since I don't do that very often:

I'm really excited about Kathy Griffin's new book that sports the hilarious Official Book Club Selection as a title. If you like her humor at all or watch her show, you know that she truly is laugh out loud funny. This would be a great gift for anyone that likes comedy or is just having a hard time right now and needs a laugh.

The other book is one I just heard about today on a podcast and it sounded so great, I'm planning on getting for my stepdad. The book is called Are You Kidding Me? and it was written by golfer Rocco Mediate and John Feinstein, a well known sports writer, about the June 2008 US Open where journeyman golfer Rocco almost beat Tiger Woods. Any sports lover would probably be into this book and be inspired by the story of what happened during that fateful tournament, but for a golfer the gift would be a hole in one. Oy, even I cringed at that, but how could I resist.

Ideas Besides Cologne & Ties

Cologne & Ties sounds to me like a British rock band from the 1980's, but really it's the two gifts I think most people buy for men because they can't think of what else to get. I consider myself an expert gift giver, but even I have had a hard time finding just the right thing for certain men on occasion. The basic gift tips I always mention apply with guys, of course, to listen to what a person talks about often and enjoys, but another way to find great gifts is to cultivate resources that will help to inspire you. A few months ago, I heard actor Neil Patrick Harris mention in an interview how he really likes a site called Uncrate that has all kinds of ideas for gifts and things that interest guys. I'm really enjoying checking it out and I will for sure keep my eye on it for gift ideas. It's a great resources for a gift for your dad, a male boss or clients who are guys. Take a few minutes and check it out.

Knock It Out Of The Park With This Great Gift For A Baseball Lover

These pens made from salvaged seats from historic ballparks are a truly unique gift to give to the baseball lover in your life. They're a bit pricey, but if budget isn't an issue or you have time to save up for something special, this should really hit it out of the park.

Gifts For The Dad Who Has Everything Part Deux

Here's a couple more Father's Day Gift Ideas:

I like these Inside Out Martini Glasses. I've never seen anything like them before. You could pair them with a more unusual Gin, like this one.

If your dad is a foodie, how about this fancy Mac & Cheese of the Month Club.

If you want more ideas, New York Magazine put together a good list. You can also look at my original post, in case you missed it last week.

What To Get For The Dad Who Has Everything

I had been pondering doing a blog post about Father's Day gift ideas and then a few people asked that I do it, so I spent a bunch of today trying to brainstorm some interesting ideas for a variety of dads. So here are some good ideas to suggest to your boss for his/her dad or for your own father:

I just posted this the other day, but I love it. It's a cool new computer bag that has inside stretchy pieces to tuck your other gadgets into, so that all is organized. I also love the messenger bags from Timbuk2. You can also buy a gift certificate from Timbuk2 to have someone create their own bag, but the prefab ones are more reasonably priced.

My dad would love these computer mice that look like cars. They come wired or wireless.

Products from The Art of Shaving or a gift certificate for services at the locations they have that offer them (not all, so check the list) is always a good idea. Even a dad that's not super metrosexual would love a shave. If this store isn't in your area, look for a local barber or men's spa that is near where you live. You could also add a fogless mirror for the shower to this gift.

If the Father is a new dad, get him a diaper bag that looks cool enough for him to be seen around town with from Diaper Dude.

I'm always recommending this Dream Blanket from Brookstone to people. It's soft, cuddly and reasonably priced. It comes in colors that aren't girly, so if your dad likes to hang in front of the tv often, this might be a good idea.

If your father is a BBQ guy, get him this leather grill apron, some artisanal barbecue sauce and The Barbecue Bible by Steven Raichlen.

I really like these funky and cool drinking glasses from Zwello that look like they are a bit wobbly, but don't fall over. They are really reasonable and you might have money left over to buy a bottle of Compass Box Scotch to go with them.

If you want to go the food route, but still keep it manly, you can buy these bacon caramels that I've featured before or these bundt cakes flavored with premium spirits. Update - Staring on Friday the bundt cakes are 10% off in honor of Father's Day and they are donating 10% to Share Our Strength.

You could also get one of these yummy chocolate bars that has scotch in it and add it to the present above.

If your dad is really into sports, you might want to get him this bottle opener that's made from an authentic major league bat or one made from a vintage tennis racquet.

If your dad likes cufflinks, but you want to get him something with a bit more originality, try motor or tire cufflinks if he's into cars or this hammer and saw cufflink combo if he's handy or likes to build stuff. This site also has lots of unique choices.

I might try to do a second post on this subject, but if I don't, I hope this list was helpful. Even if none of these choices are right for you, use your knowledge to think up something exciting that your dad would like. It's truly not about the money you spend, but more about the time and though that went into the gift.