A Little Something for the Effort
Your Ultimate 2024 Father’s Day Gift Guide
What? What is that I hear? In the distance? The ssssssssss of comestibles sizzling on the grill. The crack of the bat and the ‘paap’ of leather ball against leather glove. The nearly-silent ‘bop’ of the fly into the water. The barely-silent tears of joy as I hug my daughters.
Father’s Day 2024, here we come! In three-plus short weeks, we’ll celebrate the Dads, Granddads, and Dad-like marvels in our lives.
Here’s the annual Solvitur Ambulando Father’s Day Gift Guide, to give Dad “a little something, you know, for the effort, you know.” But always know: you, my daughters, are my greatest gift.
Lifestyle
We live in the Swiss Army knife era of devices. Our phones have transmogrified into our calendars, banks, cameras, credit cards, books, games, and 57 ways to message each other. That’s fine, that’s convenient…and it’s making us become, as Yuval Harari warned, like the ants. As we squeeze more into the glowing black rock, we squeeze out…play. Taking photos with my iPhone has almost become a duty: “Oh, here is my daughter shooting arrow #17 of 40 for this archery tournament. I better not let this cherished moment pass me by.” Click, click, click. “Oh, good, we can all now treasure this moment forever.” As we never look at any of the photos from the archery tournament again…
For me, re-engaging single-use tech has brought back some of that childhood wonder and play I used to feel around machines. I got my SOFORT 2 Red a few weeks ago and have immensely enjoyed, well, playing with it. It feels terrific in my hands, looks polished and cool, and I can’t wait for that instant photo to emerge and develop over an agonizing … one and a half minutes. Patience, Russell. Patience and Play.
Platinum Prefounte Fountain Pen
I hold the well-considered and, if I may say so, correct view that every man needs to own at least one fountain pen. If you use it only to write one important, poignant letter per year, that letter conveys more personality, emotion, nuance, love – than even the nicest rollerball or ballpoint pen. This fountain pen is reasonably priced, comes in stylish colors, and has plenty of ink refill options. I use mine every day.
Several years ago, our friends Laura Rice and Ben Wilson urged us to check out The Swag. I’m so glad they did. Adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this rustic and first-class resort offers beautiful vistas, lovely hikes and activities, a glorious spa, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat in your life. The walking stick they gave me at The Swag accompanied me on nearly all my 30 Walks in Nature last summer. Kathleen and I loved our visit, and you will too.
Prepared and Organized
MyMedic Sidekick First Aid Kit
While we can’t be prepared for every single gnarly situation life may throw our way, we can get prepared for an awful lot of them. This sturdy first aid kit packs a medical punch far greater than its slim and light pouch would have you believe. I like the Pro version. It contains more than 45 supplies, including: disposable gloves; burn gel; hydration powder; blister strips; bandages; oral and topical medications; and a tourniquet. I keep one in my car and take one when we travel.
Over the past two decades, I’ve tried about every productivity system in use anywhere in the free world. The Ugmonk Analog is hands down my favorite and the one I use today. I find it simple and visually compelling.
I mentioned play earlier. To keep playing with my kids, I need to stay flexible and able to move. And kids, the reality is Dad ain’t gettin’ younger. So as my body approaches…cough…my late-mid-40s, I have to work harder to keep this beautiful body flexible. These inflatable half moons are terrific for balance exercises and calf stretches. I keep one in my office and one in my library. Every time I walk by, I plop it on the floor, and stretch each calf for 20 to 30 seconds. Breath is life, motion is life, flexibility is life.
Benchmade Water Collection Knife
Every man needs a good, trusty, durable knife. From helping with garden work, to fishing and hunting, to arts and crafts, a knife comes in handy in moments planned and unexpected. I love my Benchmade knife and I carry it on all my outdoor excursions. This new Water Collection looks fabulous; I personally love the Mini Adira. Yes, they are pricey. But Dad will never need another one all the long days of his life.
LogOx 3-in-1 Forestry Multi-Tool
My friend Austin Roberts and his father founded LogOx several years ago to find a reasonably efficient way to haul logs for personal use. Since then, they’ve grown their product offerings for private and commercial use. For the Dad who harvests wood, this tool is a must-have. Also check out their wood-carrying sling for schlepping logs for the fire into the house come winter in a way that won’t over-torque your entire body.
I mean, if you’re hauling the 36 cans that this mule carries, you’re gonna grow a thirst that can only be quenched with 36 cans of fluid. I think they call that a circular problem. But it’s one I’d be happy to solve. Yeti has some amazing colors for this cooler – I love the orange, because I don’t want my 36 can haulin’ ‘pack confused with anyone else’s. Oh no…..
Style
I first heard about the Ghost Blazer from Michael Williams. I love the idea of a trimmed-down blazer – little in the way of lining, natural shoulders, European side vents, making for a light, portable and easy sport coat. The Ghost Blazer comes in an array of beautiful colors. You’ll find one you love.
Tom James Company Gift Certificate
Because of my, uh, not normal body, I have a very (very) hard time finding clothes off the rack that fit me well and look nice on me. Enter my clothier of 30 years, Herb Melton of the Tom James Company. Herb has supplied most of my dress shirts, pants, blazers, suits and black tie outfits in that time. And with every item I wear, I look terrific and feel confident. The idea behind the company is that their clothier will come to you – home or office – to measure you and help you select fabrics and items to meet your needs. After the items are made, your clothier will return to you for a fitting, and will handle alterations, if any are needed. Super easy and efficient for you. Tom James has offices throughout America and much of the world. The Dad in your life will love working with his clothier, and how he looks and feels in their clothing.
Crockett & Jones Driving Shoes
Sleek, dashing, handsome, ready for adventure. I absolutely love my Genoa Navy Grain Driving Shoes. Bury me in these gorgeous shoes. My drive – or walk – to the underworld will be silky smooth because of them.
Reading
The Believer, by David Coggins
Coggins spent a year fishing in Patagonia, Spain, Scotland and Cuba – my kind of hardship duty – and then wrote this gorgeous book about it. It’s a gem.
Shogun, by James Clavell
You’ve probably heard about the new series on Hulu. It is masterful. But before Dad checks out the show, he should read the novel. The show is masterful because Clavell wrote a masterful novel.
Native Nations, by Kathleen DuVal
I have not yet read this book. But, like Tyler Cowen, “I am excited to read the entire book.” I am very excited!
The Natural Navigator, by Tristan Gooley
Encourage dear ole Dad to increase the ole Vitamin D intake through some good ole sun exposure with this fun, engaging and helpful book. I read it years ago, and find myself going back to it again and again as I head out for walks in nature. It re-energizes me for the wonder of the natural world, and this book beautifully reflects that wonder.
Parting the Waters, by Taylor Branch
Branch spent over two decades researching and writing his three-part history of the Martin Luther King, Jr. years. This first volume is long, detailed, dense…and an absolute page turner. Today we look back and almost reflexively assume our history was guaranteed. Branch gives us a window into the inner souls of King, the Kennedys and other leaders of the time, reminding us that history as actually lived is fraught with indecision, worry, chaos, foiled hopes, inner turmoil, dissension, hurt and puerile mistakes. And yet, perhaps a step or two forward remains possible.
Shave and Shower
Harry’s Travel Body Wash Variety Pack
With scents named Redwood, Shiso, Stone, Fig, Grove, and Wildlands, how can Dad not love ‘em?
Grown Alchemist Hydrate & Revive Twin Hard Care Set
My brother-in-law gave me the hand soap, with sweet orange, cedarwood, sage, vanilla and orange peel. I use it multiple times every day. It leaves my hands feeling restored, cleansed, and ready to tackle the next Dad challenge.
One of the finest moments of luxury is putting badger bristles to my man jowl, lathering my mug up to prep for the daily scrape. Your man deserves this moment of bliss. He’ll enjoy one of these exquisitely made French shaving brushes too.
Mike’s Natural Soaps Shaving Soap
The aforementioned mug, while undoubtedly manly, is, to say the least, sensitive. So as I lather up, I take care about the chemicals doing the lathering. Mike’s are the best I have found to both ensure a close shave and not turn my face red in the process. Highly recommended.
More Gift Ideas for Dad
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I really enjoy rereading your stories every month. They r very interesting especially the ones about your two daughters. Thank you ps I think your should write about the 2 O's