10 Things For The Men In Our Lives -- Fathers' Day Edition

**NOTE: PICTURES DOUBLE AS LINKS TO THE WEBSITES THE ITEMS CAN BE PURCHASED THROUGH.**

So I've taken a short hiatus from blogging a bit because the little man is teething (aka fussing) and requires my full 100% undivided attention (aka me carrying him around 24/7). Also, I've had a month-long writer's block. But it's my daddy's and dad-in-law's first Fathers' Day as grandpas, my grandfather-in-law's first as a great-grandfather, and my husband's first as a papa, so I wanted to dedicate this entry to these wonderful men in my life who have made being a daughter, daughter-in-law and wife such a blessing.

I have gathered a few gift ideas that I thought the men in my family might enjoy, and am eager to share with you these whimsical and thoughtful gift ideas for Fathers' Day (which is less than a month away on June 19), or any special day that you think they may enjoy a surprise gift of appreciation!



FOR THE LAID-BACK LUKE

So the guy you know is pretty low-key, has worn the same ragged shirt every Saturday since 1989, and has the relaxed mood of someone on perpetual vacation on a resort in the Cayman Islands. For that gentleman, I would give the gift of style plus comfort, in the form of resort wear for the summer. Banana Republic's Linen/Cotton Textured Tonal Check Shirt (left) reminds me of a yellow linen shirt my husband used to wear to every single one our beach vacations when we were still dating, as it was super light and very comfortable. The relaxed fit isn't uptight or body-conscious; in fact the sizes range up to an XXL and Tall. The linen/cotton blend is perfect for this hot and humid summer while he is by the grill flipping burgers and chugging beer. For $54.50, you get style and comfort plus Banana Republic's reputable clothing quality and durability. The order also qualifies for FREE shipping, as with all orders on the site over $50.

But if you think that gentleman has had his fill of linen button-down shirts and can use a replacement for that worn-down pair of sneakers he's been taking to guys' night all the time, the Converse Jack Purcell Slip-on Boat Shoe (below) is a lazy man's dream come true. The lace-free boat shoe provides ease and comfort with just a slip of the foot. He can quickly put the shoe on within seconds if in a hurry and just as easily kick them off when he plops on his recliner for game time. Get that man a cold bottle of beer! Available on Nordstom's site for $69.95, he'll be such a devoted owner of this pair that you will get your money's worth while secretly giving him a little style.



FOR THE SUAVE & STYLISH

Who knows more about what looks good on a man than this guy? Available at Nordstrom.com for only $65.90 (40% off the original price of $110.00), the Timex 50s Vintage Expansion Bracelet Watch (right) is a throw-back homage to the decade that brought us Elvis, 3D cinematography, poodle skirts, and stainless steel diners. The sleek timepiece features an expandable bracelet to fit most wrist sizes and a stainless steel finish. It makes a great weekend alternative to a very expensive watch as it is water-resistant up to 50 meters and looks good on the golf course too (miniature golf, that is).

And what says "suave and stylish" better than a man who smells like a million bucks? The Rochas Man Men's 3.4 oz Cologne (left) is available now on Overstock's website for $42.17. The masculine scent has been a favorite of mine ever since I first took a whiff of it from my then-boyfriend (now-husband). The seductive fragrance features "lavender scents with amber and sandalwood undertones." In one word, the cologne is best described as sexy. If you are giving this to your boyfriend or husband, watch out ladies; he may get jumped by a few gals while strolling past them. And you may find yourself doing the same after you take a sniff of this scent.

FOR THE TECHIE GAMER

He's technologically up-to-date, doubles as your personal IT help-desk when your laptop goes nuts, and can sit thru a 48-hour session of Madden 2011. He's also one of the most important men in your life, and you don't mind that he skips a shower or two because he's about to "beat the game." For this guy, I recommend the all new Apple iPod 8GB Nano 6th Generation (below). The latest installment of the Nano family turns full touch-screen and even features FM Radio (you know, for those morning talk shows that help us wake up on Mondays). Available at Target's website and in stores for $145.00, it comes in several different colors and a more diminutive size than the previous Nano generations. I personally would love to purchase this for myself!



For my husband's birthday this past February, I failed to give him a present as I was not only recently laid off from my job, but it was also difficult to be out and about with a newborn baby in tow in the frigid, freak-of-nature, 20-degree whether Houston was experiencing . He claimed he didn't mind but I know HE'S LYING! He loves getting presents from me because I know him very, very well and I know what he likes, what he loves, and what he's dying to own right this minute. While I can't purchase a $7000 turbo kit for his car at the present time, I thought that pre-ordering Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (right) should suffice momentarily. Although the release date won't be till November 8 of this year, at least he has something to look forward to while he finishes all the other games in his collection. Available for pre-order at Amazon.com, the game comes in the three main platforms of PS3, Xbox, and PC. If you've seen Modern Warfare 2 or Call of Duty: Black Ops and found yourself impressed, then you will surely be excited for the upcoming arrival of the latest installment in gaming series. Yes, it's weird that I find myself talking about subjects like this but even my sisters and I participate in activities like this once in a while, with a face full of makeup on, hair done, wearing jeggings and heels like it's a normal girls day in. But don't let me digress.

FOR THE CHILD-LIKE PRANKSTER

This guy hasn't managed to accept the fact that he's now an adult and stays young by collecting action figures and having you sit on a whoopie cushion during a family dinner. And since his youthful quality gives you both good laughs and great energy, you want to keep his silliness alive with these gifts.



Is the big-kid-slash-man in your life a dog lover too? The Sausage Link Dog Leash (above, left) is available at FredFlare.com for $20, and is a "punny" way to turn your pooch from an indoor dog to a "hot dog" once he takes a stroll in this early summer heat. I mean, it's not necessary nor genius. But isn't it fun? It's stupid, but that's what makes it fun!

But if you're leaning towards fun and useful, I suggest either of Mimobot's Batman or Joker USB Flash Drives. The pair is available at FredFlare.com for $36.00 each, and each holds about 2 GB. The Joker and Batman flash drives also come preloaded with special sound software, icons, and wallpapers, among other awesomely Dark Knight-y things, and are Windows and Mac compatible. All in all, a playful way to get your mess together. "Why so serious?"

FOR THE MANLY MAN'S MAN

Okay, so this burly, brawny construction worker has already amassed an impressive tool collection and fires up the barbecue pit for steak and potatoes almost every night. The smell of his burp is reminiscent of hops and barley and his hands are all cut up from working on his '67 Shelby GT500 on the weekends. And since I'm not married to that guy, my guess is this is what he would like...



The Flame Enthusiast's Grilling - BBQ - Marinating - Cooking Gift Basket (above) is a spot-on gift for that meat-and-tater loving dad. Available at GourmetGiftBaskets.com for $79.99, the set includes sauces, rubs, marinades, cedar planks and skewers that accommodate your favorite grillers' wants and needs. You can have the gift basket sent to your loved one's home by entering their address and selecting the delivery date of the package. It's kind of like a lovely bouquet of red roses, except this makes red meat savory and doesn't have thorns. GourmetGiftBaskets.com has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show and Food & Wine Magazine and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. I did my research, now you do the ordering.

And now for the men (and women!) who love their hops... The Brooklyn Brewshop's Beer Making Kit brings the brewery to your kitchen and includes grain, hops, yeast, a gallon glass fermenter (say what??), and many other tools for that delicious glass of bitter beverage. Available at FredFlare.com for $64.00, the kit makes you appreciate the intricacies of the process of beer making and you soon find yourself savoring the flavor to the last little drop. But that doesn't mean he won't be brought back to his dorm-room days and chug it through a funnel and plastic tube. FredFlare.com is a go-to site for ingenious novelty products and fun gifts for yourself or someone you know who has a strange affinity to off-the-wall and quirky things. And that someone you know is me. HINT HINT.

I want to wish all dads and dads-to-be a HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY FATHERS' DAY! Without your little swimmers, we wouldn't be here, and without us, you would still have all of your beautiful hair. Please enjoy the holidays safely and happy shopping!