Father’s Day in Lincoln, NE

One day a year we pay tribute and give thanks to all of the wonderful, dedicated men who have played a special role in our lives as a father figure. Generally showered with both our time and treasures, we’ve highlighted a few ideas for both when it comes time to celebrate on Sunday, June 19th.

Hobbies are something that we all enjoy, making them great to capitalize on when it comes to gifts! A few of the traditional hobbies that come to mind for the fellas are sports, home improvement projects, hunting or target practice, automobiles, and that’s just scratching the surface. Whether you know what he enjoys doing with his spare time and want to go for that or alternatively, want to introduce him to something new that you think he might like, giving the gift of an experience, an opportunity to learn new things or something to take pride in is hard to beat.

No matter whether he’s a sports enthusiast, is working towards a health or fitness goal, or simply has a favorite sports- or fitness-related activity that you can find him involved in regularly, a gift that incorporates any of these items is sure to be put to good use. With a large inventory of new and gently-used items to choose from, Play It Again Sports is a one-stop shop for just about anything you can think of in all of the categories listed above. For those who need a little inspiration, their staff is knowledgeable and always ready to help offer a few targeted suggestions. In terms of sports that are currently in season, golf is always incredibly popular and from clubs and balls to bags and attire, there’s always something on a golfers wish list.

“We have great new and gently-used golf clubs and our inventory is plentiful this time of year,” advises Diane Hesson, owner of the local Play It Again Sports (www.PlayItAgainSportsLincoln.com) store. “If golf isn’t his thing, maybe some fitness equipment or a new ball glove would help fulfill an item on his wish list. But if you’re not sure, a gift card is always a good way to go. Really, anything that allows you to spend time together is a wonderful gift too. Playing catch in the backyard, hitting golf balls at the range, a little game of one-on-one on the basketball court—it’s the time together that makes for the best memories. If you’re worried about buying the wrong thing, just take the guesswork out of it and bring him in with you on Father’s Day; we’ll be open and he’ll be able to pick out his own gift!”

Hunting and spending time at the shooting range are also popular activities, so anything related could make for a great gift if it’s something that Dad enjoys or would like spend more time doing in the future. DE Guns is the place to find what you’re looking for, with an extensive inventory offered via the mobile-friendly website and online storefront at DEGuns.net as well as at its headquarters in Lincoln. Along with the popular Deal of the Day, there are new coupon codes that will save you up to $500, and as far as convenience and for last-minute gifts, with online purchases you can either have your gift shipped direct or you can opt to pick it up in the store. For the most part, clothing and accessories are the most ideal gift items if Dad won’t be present for the purchase. You might also consider getting him involved in a firearms training program—there’s plenty of details to check out on the DEGuns.net website. Also, don’t forget to remind him to take full advantage of the lower prices throughout the summer on firearms and ammunition, as they will go up in the fall!

There are many things that you could get to aid in a project around the house that your dad is excited to tackle or has pledged to finish, and on past that, even plenty of houseware items and gourmet delicacies that will appeal to the main men in your life. Jana Clark, General Manager at Habitat (HabitatGift.com), offered some great ideas in this area that are sure to be right up Dad’s alley.

“As we enter into grilling season, there are a wealth of related items available in our store that make for excellent Father’s Day gifts! This includes mitts and aprons, pigtail flippers, garlic roasters, Himalayan salt blocks, and insulated hot gloves to keep food warm to name a few practical items on the preparation side. We also carry a great selection of rubs, sauces, and dips. Other items for dads who love to be in the kitchen whipping something up are pizza ovens and stones or Wusthof knives, which are high-quality knives that are well known for their extraordinary sharpness and ease to maintain. For the dad who enjoys expanding on his bar selection or just a guy who likes a good cocktail, we have plenty of items to stock the bar. Among the most popular that would also make great Father’s Day gifts are our Whisky Tasting Set, Moscow Mule mugs, and a must for martinis, stuffed olives with almonds, garlic, or blue cheese to choose from.”

From Nebraska Gift Shop (www.FromNE.com) is another excellent place to find a gift that he’ll enjoy (it is, after all, a gift shop!), with best part for the Husker-at-heart being that all of the items are made right here in the great state of Nebraska. You’ll not only find gourmet snacks and award-winning James Arthur Vineyards wines, but there are ready-made gift baskets with an assortment of nice items that you can stop by and pick up on-the-go along with a lot of unique gifts that he certainly won’t be expecting—unless of course he’s requested them first! And for those who are spending time with Dad down in the Haymarket or Railyard on Father’s Day, consider stopping by for an impromptu wine tasting or a relaxing break spent on the dock enjoying a glass of wine and hopefully beautiful weather too!

Just about any gift that incorporates his vehicle in some way is probably going to be very much appreciated too. There are many dads out there who enjoy working on their cars, making a related gift such as a needed part or tool for his shop a nice present. On the other hand, there are also the gentlemen who simply enjoy the experience of driving their vehicle and prefer to leave the rest to the trusted automotive professionals. For these dads, a gift of a much-needed service or upgrades that will make life easier, such as a remote car starter, will absolutely do the trick. No matter which category your dad falls into, there’s always work that can be done to a man’s vehicle!

Robert Peinado, owner of GP Customs (www.GP-Customs.com), weighs in on potential gifts you could give that incorporate your dad’s ride. “Father’s Day shopping can be tough! If you father is anything like mine, he has a love for cars! Not only that he is the guy who is always washing his car and keeping it clean. His vehicle truly is an extension of his personality.

With that in mind, why not help your dad protect that investment by getting him a gift certificate so that he can choose what best suits his taste. As we’re coming up on the hot summer months, this might very likely be window tinting. It will help keep the heat inside the vehicle down for a more comfortable driving experience while protecting the vehicle’s interior from fading, as well as giving him a little privacy. You might also think about Paint Protection Film from Suntek, which protects the front end of the vehicle to prevent rock chips and stop road grime from eating away at the finish. That will allow him to relax a little more on Sundays instead of scrubbing away at the front end of that vehicle to get all of that damaging stuff off!

We also offer a really unique magnetic cell phone adapter from Magic Mount that allows Dad to mount his cell phone to his home or office desk, and even in his vehicle for hands-free operation without any annoying clips or additional cases. His cell phone will ‘magically’ mount to the sleek small apparatus. This product sells for $19.99 in store, which is a nice price point that’s affordable for a quality gift. Shoot, if that’s not enough we still have some hoverboards lying around; I’m sure dad would enjoy one of those!”

He adds, “Most of us know what the dads in our lives enjoy, and that’s something that’s perfect to capitalize on for gift giving. So, how does Dad spend his spare time? Look for something to make that spare time more enjoyable or something that he is going to use on a weekly basis. I personally always enjoy gifts that make my life easier! At GP Customs, we provide nearly every automotive service available. For those dads who are into bikes, we even do a lot of motorcycle upgrades (Harley Davidson). This includes everything from stereo upgrades, to paint protection film, bike wrapping (color changing), and so on. We all spend a lot of time in our vehicles, especially dad. From making the everyday commute to running errands and shuttling everyone around, he’s on the road. Why not give him something he will use every day and get to enjoy on a daily basis?”

On Father’s Day, this year as with every year, we get the chance to shower the main men in our lives with love and appreciation for all that they have brought into our lives. We not only do this with thoughtful gifts but by spending time together, which is undoubtedly the most valuable gift of all.