FOR THE CONNECTED DAD: Voyager Pro by Plantronics

My husband talks on the phone A LOT.

His phone is *always* ringing. Partly because he’s a popular, likable kind of guy. And partly because he makes an effort to stay in touch with other people so people are often returning HIS phone calls.

He also makes tons of calls for business purposes – in the office, at home, and on the road.

I, on the other hand, tend to shy away from the phone. I’d much rather text or e-mail or meet up with you for coffee.

The truth is that it’s hard to concentrate on the phone, while I’m holding a baby, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and checking my e-mail…not to mention, I’m a tad bit distracted by the squeals and screeches of delight and/or devastation that manage to escape my two-year-old’s mouth.

Because my husband uses the phone a lot, a bluetooth headset is a handy gadget for him to have around.

He has tried several bluetooth headsets and has been rather unimpressed with all of them. They all have that echo-y quality that makes the person on the other end say, “Am I on speaker phone?

voyagerpro FOR THE CONNECTED DAD: Voyager Pro by PlantronicsBut not the new Voyager PRO ($99.99) by Plantronics.

It has exceptional sound quality – for crisp, clear, undistracted conversations. The batteries also last quite a long time. It’s comfortable and professional – an excellent choice for any dad who is constantly making “connections” with the world around him.

My husband uses his PRO every single day and has an overall positive impression of it. In fact, he’s wearing it right now.

YOUR TURN: Just out of curiosity, who talks more on the phone…you or your husband? Do you prefer talking on the phone, texting, e-mailing, or in-person meetings?

logo1 FOR THE CONNECTED DAD: Voyager Pro by PlantronicsWIN IT! One winner will receive a Voyager PRO by Plantronics ($99.95). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #60 Liz. Congratulations!

FOR THE DAD ON THE ROAD: Motorola T505 Bluetooth Speakerphone

I was going to open this post with a paragraph about how Bluetooth Speakerphones help keep dads safe on the road. After all, the less that dads “look down” or balance their phones precariously on their pant legs, the better.

But then I asked my husband to edit the post and he said, “Dads don’t want to be safe. Dads want to be dangerous.”

Okay, Mr. Mission Impossible.

I’ll just stick with all of the super cool features of the Motorola T505 Bluetooth Speakerphone ($139.99) instead.

picture 18 300x186 FOR THE DAD ON THE ROAD: Motorola T505 Bluetooth Speakerphone

The T505 will clip conveniently to his visor (no installation required) and allow him to have his hands-free as he converses with coworkers, clients, and friends.

The digital FM Transmitter with its trademarked StationFinder technology ensures that he will be able to locate a station with the clearest possible transmission.

The T505 also comes with a car charger so he’ll always have power on the road.

So, let’s see: he can use the T505 to make top secret phone calls, to listen to a podcast about extreme sports, or to talk with a friend as he 4-wheels over big boulders…all kinds of “dangerous” pursuits.

Of course, it will probably keep him safer on the road too. But there’s no need to mention that…

picture 19 FOR THE DAD ON THE ROAD: Motorola T505 Bluetooth SpeakerphoneWIN IT! One winner will receive a Motorola T505 Bluetooth Speakerphone ($139.99). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #3 Annette. Congratulations!

FOR THE OUTDOOR DAD: Bass Pro Shops

bps wood 150x95 FOR THE OUTDOOR DAD: Bass Pro ShopsI once wrote that if Father’s Day were a store, it would be Bass Pro Shops. And I stand by that statement.

It’s got a little something for everyone.

No matter his hobby, he’ll likely be at home in the theme-park-inspired megastore.

From fishing equipment and backpacking gear to golf clubs and guns and GPS devices, Bass Pro Shops has you covered.

picture 34 300x80 FOR THE OUTDOOR DAD: Bass Pro ShopsNot sure what to buy? Check out the Father’s Day Sale on the Bass Pro Shops website. The sale includes everything from fishing reels and rods to camping & cooking equipment to clothing for outdoor expeditions.

And don’t forget that gift cards are also available, in any denomination of your choosing.

1572871 i 742774 FOR THE OUTDOOR DAD: Bass Pro ShopsBass Pro is a true “man’s man” kind of store. If your dad has even the slightest fascination with the outdoors, he’ll find something of interest there.

And, if he doesn’t spend that $250 gift card, you could always buy yourself a super cute top or some cool trouser jeans (pictured) or even a fun hat. Actually, maybe you should just give him 1/2 of that gift card…

YOUR TURN: What would you buy with a $250 gift card to Bass Pro Shops?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a $250 gift card to Bass Pro Shops. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #311 Jennifer Clowers. Congratulations!

FOR THE “MacGyver” DAD: Freestyle CX by Leatherman

picture 5 95x150 FOR THE MacGyver DAD: Freestyle CX by LeathermanBigger isn’t always better.

In fact, sometimes it’s nice to have a knife or multi-tool that you can just stick in your pocket.

Yes, it’s true that most dads like big, manly tools and cars and such. But they’re also equally impressed by tiny tools that are functional rather than decorative.

The Freestyle CX by Leatherman fits that category. It’s the perfect “stow away” knife for every-day use. Any dad will be glad to have this handy multi-tool in hand when the need for a knife or a pair of pliers arises. He’ll likely take the CX around with him everywhere – biking, hiking, 4-wheeling, or just around town.

picture 42 FOR THE MacGyver DAD: Freestyle CX by LeathermanMy husband says he likes the Freestyle because it’s strong enough to cut through a barbed wire fence, yet its compact and light enough to carry when he’s out in the “field.”

Retailing for approximately $50-$60, the Freestyle CX is ideal for the modern MacGyver.

FOR THE KING OF THE BARBECUE: Grill Light by HomeWetBar.com

bbq sslightmed FOR THE KING OF THE BARBECUE: Grill Light by HomeWetBar.comMy husband is the GRILL GUY.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I have never once grilled anything in my life.

It’s one of those things that he just automatically does. Kind of like I’m the one who always writes out the birthday cards…even if it’s to HIS mom or dad or sibling.

One day, I’m going to get out there and try it out. But, for now, I’ll just enjoy his talent.

He can grill up New York steaks and barbecue chicken and succulent salmon filets like nobody’s business.

Is your husband/dad/grandpa/brother a barbecue buff?

v3 top logo 300x76 FOR THE KING OF THE BARBECUE: Grill Light by HomeWetBar.comCheck out this flexible, cordless stainless steel grill light ($42.99) from HomeWetBar.com. With the bright LED light, he’ll be able to grill after dusk without hassle. It clips right on the grill and doesn’t require any cords so it’s super convenient.

Just say no to that cheesy matching apron and grill mitt set for your barbecue-loving guy. He’ll like this WAY better.

And, hey, YOU might even get an opportunity to use it too.

FOR THE ONE-TRACK-MIND DAD: Petzl

logo petzl FOR THE ONE TRACK MIND DAD: PetzlWhen you think of headlamps, you probably think Petzl.

Unless you’re me.

Then, you never think about headlamps. Ever. So the brand Petzl would mean nothing to you.

But to my husband…Petzl stands for something. Petzl is a trusted brand when it comes to technical equipment and gear for caving, rock climbing, mountaineering, trail running, fishing, and more. Since he enjoys all of those pasttimes, Petzl is a brand he knows well.

Sometimes, we’ll be driving around in the car and he’ll get this serious, thoughtful look in his eyes.

I’ll have been thinking about a million different things – “How should we discipline our 2-year-old? What is the most effective method? She was kind of whiny earlier. I wonder if she’s hungry. What should we have for dinner? I need to make a grocery list…and I should probably pick up a birthday present for our niece and a gift for so-and-so who just had a baby. Speaking of babies, did she poop today? We should probably give her a bath tonight. And I still have 200 e-mails in my inbox. I need to call Disney and touch base with that PR company. And, there’s that project for work. Oh, and I still want to get my PhD. When would be the most logical time to start that? Look, there’s Michael’s. I should probably stop and get a frame…and maybe a gift for an elderly relative. I really need to think about other people more. Oh yeah, I have to call World Vision and I haven’t sent a letter to “our little boy” in months…”

And then I’ll ask him: “What are you thinking about?

Caving.” He’ll reply. (Or “dirt biking.” Or “4-wheeling.” Or “backpacking.” Depending on the day). He’ll say it nonchalantly.

And…what else?

That’s it. Just caving.”

And here I was contemplating world peace and family matters and our future.

And that, my friends, is the difference between men and women.

All that to say, if your husband is an outdoorsy kinda guy, he likely knows about Petzl.

7865 1 FOR THE ONE TRACK MIND DAD: PetzlThere are a lot of excellent gift options there to consider, but today I’d like to bring the TIKKA XP to your attention. Why? Because it’s the perfect gift for ANY GUY. He doesn’t have to be a world-class athlete to appreciate this handy headlamp. It’s equally well-suited for outdoor expeditions or tinkering around in the garage..and, at under $50, it’s a real “steal.”

WIN IT! One winner will receive a TIKKA XP by Petzl. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #61 barbara wright. Congratulations!

FOR THE MUSIC-LOVIN’ DAD: iTrip Auto FM Transmitter/Car Charger

itrip auto 1 300x95 FOR THE MUSIC LOVIN DAD: iTrip Auto FM Transmitter/Car ChargerListening to the radio is SO 1999.

Why waste your precious time listening to obnoxious advertisements or mindless chatter by DJs when you can carefully select and play all of your favorite songs/podcasts?

Now, you can with the iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod and iPhone ($59.99-$69.99) by Griffin Technology. It plays your music in crystal clear quality, thanks to the SmartScan technology that automatically searches for the best station for you (my husband says to point out that he wouldn’t recommend buying an FM transmitter that lacks this important feature – it’s super convenient.). As an added bonus, you can use the same device to charge your iPhone or iPod.

The iTrip Auto is a fantastic gift option for music-lovin’ and road trippin’ daddies.

YOUR TURN: What songs/tunes would YOU be listening to in the car if you had the iTrip Auto?

WIN IT! One winner will receive an iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod and iPhone ($59.99-$69.99) by Griffin Technology ($59.99-$69.99). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #69 shannon Baas. Congratulations!