Not Your Usual Dad's Day Gifts
If you still haven't found the perfect gift for Father's Day, fear not!
Health magazine Senior Associate Editor Joel Weber suggested a host of items, from speakers to suds to super-tools, on "The Early Show" Tuesday.
Fun, One-of-a-Kind Father's Day Gifts
Pictures: Father's Day Gift Guide
FOR THE DAD WHO HAS AN iPHONE OR iPOD TOUCH:
L5 remote control $50
Although we're not promoting the idea of Dad being a couch potato, if you're going to do it, you might as well do it in style. Just connect to any iPhone or iPod touch and the L5 works like any other app would on the device. The L5 is powerful enough to replace a full coffee table of remotes. It syncs directly with your TV, so your iPhone literally turns into a remote -- that way, you don't lose track of the 15 remote controls. It's not just for TVs, but for cable boxes, stereos, DVD players, air conditions, etc. No batteries, no WiFi, no wall plug needed.
It just came out this past May. Available online. You need to order by Wednesday in order to receive this by Father's Day.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER DAD ON THE GO
OrigAudio Foldable Speakers $20
Made from recycled materials, these foldable speakers are universally compatible with any device with a headphone jack. On the show, we had it hooked up to my iPod; this, for me, is the Father's Day anthem: We're playing Crosby Stills Nash & Young's "Teach Your Children Well." The perfect set of speakers for Dad to take to the beach, camping, or throw on top of his desk to make it look a little less boring, giving it some character. The greatest thing is that it's portable and it's not expensive.
Available online -- if you want these in time for Father's Day, you need to order today.
GEAR FOR DAD: NEW, INNOVATIVE WATCHES FROM KENNETH COLE
TouchScreen Watch $125-150
Riding the wave of the latest touch-screen technology, this watch by Kenneth Cole is for easy on-the-go use. Perfect for any Dad in the gym or at the office. It's the first of its kind in the fashion-forward watch category, meaning it's the first fashion watch like this, as well as the only touch-screen watch available at this price point. The watch functionality includes 32-City world time and an alarm, stopwatch and light-up screen. Both the aesthetics and ease of use make the watch practical and great for everyday use. It's got a very versatile band on it that's rubber, so it will last. It's simple and hygienic. The best part is that anytime you're changing time zones, you don't have to click through menus: It's all touch-screen, you just touch corners. What you do is click up and down on the face of the watch to change the time. It's extremely intuitive and user-friendly. The price varies depending on what features you get with it.
Available online and in stores. It launched in March.
FLIP-FLOPS ARE PERFECT FOR THE SUMMER, BUT THESE ARE SPECIAL
Teva illum flip-flops $50
Tired of stubbed toes in the dark? These flip-flops are flashlight-powered to lead the way, and might even score you a night game of beach bocce with Dad. The light on the shoe is waterproof. It's powered by a CR1220 lithium ion battery and has nine hours of consecutive run time. Replacement batteries can be purchased at stores such as Walgreens, or can be found at Teva.com. They're great because, if you're walking down to the beach at night or early in the morning, you wouldn't have to carry a flashlight; it's pretty practical and perfect for summer.
The flip flops are available online at Teva.com. You need to order by Thursday to get in time for Father's Day.
For more great ideas, go to Page 2.
HOME-BREWING KIT FOR THE BEER LOVING DAD
Brooklyn Brew Shop DIY Beer Brewing Kit $40
When all else fails, give beer! This is perfect for a dad who wants to have a really simple project: Within a couple weeks, you could be drinking your own beer. Do-it-yourself homebrew kits have been gaining popularity, with good reason -- these kits are from The Brooklyn Brew Shop and feature The World's Greatest Dad Ale (WGD), which comes in light, dark, and brown, and comes with all the brewing essentials. The WGD Light is a classic American Pale Ale -- light in body with a little bit of citrus hop bitterness. The WGD Dark, an American Stout, has a dry roasted maltiness. Both brews are 5 percent ABV, which is pretty standard for beer. It's a great deal for 40 bucks. We had two examples on the show of what a home-brewed beer tastes like: a German Style Ale and Summer Style Ale with a bit of wheat. The whole process takes about four weeks: two weeks to ferment, and two to carbonate.
This is available online: If you live on the East Coast you can order until Wednesday. If you're on the West Coast, you should e-mail prior to ordering for expedited shipping.
CARAMELS FOR THE BEER LOVING DAD
Lidda Bit Sweets $12 a dozen
These beer-and-pretzel caramels are made from Brooklyn Brewery's Brown Ale and East India Pale Ale. Reduced and stirred into caramel, along with crunchy chunks of salty Martin's pretzels. These are the perfect after-dinner snack. It's just delicious. I've gone to the brewery on the weekends and they're really good. Whatever Dad's favorite snack is, give him a little bit. These have a cult following all their own. On Liddabitsweets website, they're the leading seller and winner-over-of-skeptics!
Available online. Ships within three business days.
SUPER TOOL FOR THE HANDY DAD
Leatherman Super Tool 300 $80 ($57 on Amazon)
It's 19 tools in one! You can do everything from saw wood to file someone's nails to cut wire. Dad can solve any problem with this. This is the latest version of the classic multi-tool. The larger pliers on this tool are the strongest Leatherman has ever produced, and the sloped-top handle design means you can maneuver them further into tight spaces. Stranded, hard and regular wire-cutters all come standard on Super Tool 300, and because they're removable, you can repair or re-sharpen on the spot. The Super Tool 300 has 19 tools ready for your toughest jobs. They are: 420HC Clip Point Knife with Straight Edge, 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife, Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, 154CM Removable Wire Cutters, 154CM Removable Hard-wire Cutters, Stranded-wire Cutters, Wire Stripper, Electrical Crimper, 5/16" Screwdriver, 7/32" Screwdriver.
Available in hardware stores and online.