Father's Day Gifts for Every Dad

Father's Day is almost here. Are you ready? If the answer to that question is no, don't panic! we've got you covered.

Whether you are looking for a gift for your dad or your partner or your stepfather or your father in law or the uncle that was like a dad to you or whoever, this list will help you out. It's broken down by interest - but if the dad in your life is anything like mine, you can probably pull ideas from several different groups to achieve an awesome Father's Day present. Way better than that "World's Best Dad" mug that's sitting in your Amazon cart. Trust me.

1. FOR THE OUTDOORSMAN:

Boat Rental at Jordan Lake: June in North Carolina is beautiful; it's hot but not sweltering yet, so take advantage and plan an outing to Jordan Lake. You can rent a pontoon boat for the day and spend an afternoon boating, swimming, and picnicking. Pack a cooler with Dad's favorite snacks and drinks, grab the sunblock, and you're all set. This will be a Father's Day well spent.

Camping Trip to Hanging Rock: If you have the time, why not turn Father's Day into a whole celebratory weekend. Only 2.5 hours away from the Triangle, Hanging Rock State Park is a true gem. Reserve a camping space (or a rustic cabin if tents just aren't your thing) and plan for a weekend full of outdoor fun. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing piers, and a lake for swimming. Don't forget to pack the s'mores!

2. FOR THE CRAFT BEER LOVER:

Brewery Tour: While Asheville is still the reigning king of craft breweries, the Triangle is definitely home to some great local ones. Some spots, like Bond Brothers in Cary, offer a laid-back, family friendly atmosphere where Dad can sample the brews and the kids can play games like Jenga or cornhole in the biergarten. Or, leave the kids with the grandparents, and surprise him with a brewery tour to one of the excellent, local breweries like Crank Arm Brewing in Raleigh, Double Barley Brewing in Smithfield, or Fullsteam Brewery in Durham.

Craft Beer of the Month: If one day is not enough for the craft-brew enthusiast in your life, then consider a membership for a craft beer to be delivered to your door each month. There are several online clubs that offer carefully-selected and hard-to-find brews that Dad will enjoy sampling throughout the year. Beer of the Month Club and Craft Beer Club are just two of the numerous online subscription services. This is a gift that will keep on giving all year.

3. FOR THE SPORTS ENTHUSIAST:

Tickets to a Durham Bulls Game: If the dad in your life enjoys baseball, then tickets to a Bulls' game is the perfect Father's Day gift. Located near the American Tobacco Campus, the Durham Bulls' Athletic Park is home to the Triangle's minor league team. This is a fun outing for the whole family. The kids can get their picture taken with the mascot, Wool E. Bull, or take a break at the play area, while Dad can sit back and enjoy a hot dog and a ball game. 

Tickets to a Carolina Railhawks Game: Not a baseball fan? Not to worry. If soccer is more your thing, then head over to Cary and catch a Carolina Railhawks game. The Railhawks are the area's professional soccer league and play against teams from all over North America. Games are played at the WakeMed Soccer Park and are packed full of excitement for the whole family.

4. FOR THE GEEK DAD:

Star Wars: This is a great time to be a Star Wars fan. With the huge success of The Force Awakens and Rogue One and the next installment due out later this year, Star Wars merchandise is everywhere. If the dad in your life is one with the Force, pick him up a copy of The Force Awakens on DVD or Blu-Ray and then head over to ThinkGeek, a unique gift shop located in Crabtree Valley Mall, to find some one-of-a-kind Star Wars' themed items. 

Geek Dad: If you're shopping for a dad who loves to get hands on with his own experiments and projects, then this is the perfect book for you. Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share is loaded with science experiments, robot-themed projects, and more. This book is the perfect antidote to a boring, rainy day or the summertime blues and it lets Dad and the kids nerd-out together.

5. FOR THE GRILLMASTER:

A Smoker: If Dad eagerly awaits summertime so he can get back to grilling, then why not expand his cooking capabilities with a smoker? These popular cookers get back to basics, with charcoal powered heat. The Big Green Egg is a popular brand that allows Dad to cook anything from ribs to salmon to pizzas.

Steak of the Month: If the dad you're shopping for loves to grill, then he probably also loves The Butcher's Market, a family-owned butcher shop in Raleigh and Cary. But did you know that the Butcher's Market offers a Steak of the Month club? This club delivers a different, hand-cut meat selection to its members each month, with membership running from July through December. This gift pairs well with a smoker.

So, now are you feeling pretty excited for this Father's Day?! Choose something from this list and you can't go wrong.

Happy Father's Day to all the men out there!