Seven Gift Ideas for a Socially Distanced Father’s Day
Loungewear, booze, and plenty of eats.
Finding a gift for Dad is always a challenge. Finding one during a global pandemic, in a city that has only begun to reopen? Even moreso. No need to panic, though: Whether you’re quarantined together in your childhood home or you haven’t seen your dad in months outside of weekly family Zoom calls, there are still plenty of unique ways to show Dad you’re thinking of him. Read on for seven one-of-a-kind gifts you can pick up or ship from Boston-area shops.
A Local Cookbook
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Spending time in the kitchen has no doubt become a larger part of his routine this year. So provide him with some fresh inspiration courtesy of these cookbooks recently released by two New England eateries: Eventide: Recipes for Clambakes, Oysters, Lobster Rolls, and More from a Modern Maine Seafood Shack, which was written by the restaurant’s co-owners, and Pitmaster, a guide to becoming a barbecue pro by Andy Husbands, chef and owner of the Smoke Shop.
Grilling Supplies
Speaking of barbecues, why not surprise dad with the the ultimate Father’s Day backyard cookout? As the perfect companion to Husbands’ new book, the Smoke Shop is also offering grilling kits for pickup, complete with smoked chicken wings, strip steaks, asparagus, and strawberry rhubarb almond crisp. Similarly, the Seaport’s Wulf’s Fish is selling its own grilling pack with frozen shrimp, swordfish steaks, salmon fillet, and Atlantic halibut fillets for delivery or pickup. Another option to add to the mix: the “Father’s Day Gourmet Pretzel Box” from Eastern Standard Provisions (a branch of the Kenmore Square restaurant), which includes a topknot soft pretzel, 12 mini pretzel buns, four types of pretzel salts, and a pair of pretzel-patterned socks. Alternatively, through Community Servings, order a similar package from Eastern Standard Provisions through Sunday, June 14 at 5 p.m. and a portion of the proceeds will provide two weeks of meals to a father in need of assistance.
A New at-Home Uniform
Photo courtesy of Heartbreak Hill Running Company
Has your dad been wearing the same hoodie and sweatpants throughout all of quarantine? I mean, same, but this might a good opportunity to help him invest in some additional loungewear. Heartbreak Hill Running Company has come out with one very appropriate option for these times: the “U Cozy Pack,” which includes a matching sweatshirt and sweatpants with the words “social distancing wear” emblazoned right on the front. And don’t forget to include some comfy footwear, too. These unisex slippers from Topdrawer should do the trick.
Backyard Chill Essentials
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For the dad who just wants some solo peace and quiet time in the great outdoors, an ultra-comfortable, lightweight camping hammock (available locally through Hilton’s Tent City or REI) will put a smile on his face all summer long. And while he’s lounging in the trees, he’ll likely be more than delighted to sip on a can of Lamplighter Brewing Co.’s “Dad Bod,” an IPA with notes of pine sap, mint, and pomelo. They’re available for pickup as a four pack, or as part of the company’s “Father’s Day Dad Pack,” which includes a mixed selection of four brews, sea salt Brewer’s Crackers, and a Lamplighter baseball cap and bumper sticker.
A Display-Worthy Board Game
Photo courtesy of Boston General Store
Like cooking, board games have also become a very necessary time-passer in 2020. But these sets, sold by Brookline and Dedham’s Boston General Store, are made for grown-up gaming. The stylish, linen-wrapped boxes look like vintage books (meaning your dad can sneakily display them right on the shelf in his office), but actually contain boards and pieces for games like Monopoly, Yahtzee, Clue, Scattergories, and more.
An Ongoing Caffeine Fix
Major points go to the child who ensures their dad will never again head to the kitchen early in the morning only to realize he’s out of coffee. How do you do it? Sign him up for a coffee subscription from his favorite roastery or one you think he’d enjoy. Barrington Coffee Roasting Company, for instance, offers a “Roaster’s Selection Subscription,” which ships a different bag every week. Cambridge’s Broadsheet Coffee Roasters boasts a similar package that’ll send a variety of coffees to your dad’s doorstep for a duration between three and 12 months.
Home Bar Supplies
While bar openings might have moved to the last phase of the state’s reopening plan, with the right trappings, your dad can recreate his favorite drinks right at home. Somerville shop the Boston Shaker, for example, sells a “Home Bar Kit” featuring a Japanese-style jigger, ice tray, bar spoon, cocktail strainer, mixing glass, shaker tin, and other essentials. If your dad’s ready to get really hands-on, you can also stop by Homebrew Emporium, which sells beer, wine, and kombucha brewing supplies in Cambridge, Weymouth, and West Boylston.
