Father’s Day Gift Guide: Mizuno running shoes or Teva hiking boots

A good pair of shoes is a good gift for anyone (for almost any occasion).

Father’s Day is no exception. Unlike a tie or a Dad-themed t-shirt, he’ll wear a new pair of shoes…often and gladly.

New shoes – especially fitness shoes – are a great investment for his wardrobe…and his health.

Wave Ascend 4men Fathers Day Gift Guide: Mizuno running shoes or Teva hiking bootsFor the Runner: Consider Mizuno’s Wave Ascend 4 ($89.99).

These black and silver running-shoes trimmed with bright orange are sure to be noticed on the track or around the neighborhood. They’re slick and stylish and scream athleticism. More importantly than the “looks,” however, these shoes deliver the goods in terms of comfort and support. They’ll offer him excellent cushioning for cruising in races – against his peers or against himself. Tim says they have a super secure grip and they’re great for running across rocky terrain.

reva leather mid event boot Fathers Day Gift Guide: Mizuno running shoes or Teva hiking bootsFor the Hiker: Consider Teva’s Reva Leather Mid eVent Boot ($150).

Both rugged and sophisticated, these boots are the ultimate gift choice for any man who appreciates the outdoors. Tim immediately noticed that they’re exceptionally lightweight (like wearing a tennis shoe!) and offer superior breathability, without losing sturdiness or letting in water. He’ll use these in the heat of the summer, through the fall, and into the first snows of winter. Side Note: Tim says they run a bit small so you may want to consider ordering a half-size up.

* Mizuno and Teva sent product samples for review purposes.

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2009 – COMPLETE

fd2009 Fathers Day Gift Guide 2009   COMPLETEI published my last Father’s Day Gift Guide post last night.

There were 19 posts total in the series and over $1,700 worth of prizes to be won.

If you haven’t had a chance to enter, please feel free to check out the Father’s Day Gift Guide hub. The deadline for all giveaways is Monday, June 8, 2009.

Thanks for participating!

STAY TUNED. Tomorrow, I’ll be debuting another Themed Weekend (…but it will be a bit more “relaxed” than my massive gift guide was. A girl’s gotta live, you know).

FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR DAD: 75 Qt. DuraChill Wheeled 6-Day Cooler by Rubbermaid

picture 11 204x300 FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR DAD: 75 Qt. DuraChill Wheeled 6 Day Cooler by RubbermaidAs soon as our girls are old enough, I want to pack up and drive to Yosemite.

Have you seen pictures of it? It’s an amazing, breathtaking, soul-searching kind of place.

We’d backpack into the beauty, with boots on our feet and packs strapped on our backs.

Along the way, we’d camp, hike, laugh, eat, tell stories around the campfire, take a shower under a waterfall, splash around in the water, enjoy the stillness of nature under the stars.

As we drove up the coast, we could eat yummy food out of a cooler instead of stopping in at fast food. Homemade deli sandwiches, cold orange slices, bunches of grapes, and bottled root beer TOTALLY beat out greasy french fries and microwave tacos.

2c10 sm 150x150 FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR DAD: 75 Qt. DuraChill Wheeled 6 Day Cooler by RubbermaidRubbermaid was kind enough to send us the 75 Qt. DuraChill Wheeled 6-Day Cooler (~$75) to review…and it will be perfect for that venture and many others like it in the future.

It’s also a perfect gift idea for Father’s Day. My husband was ecstatic when we received it because he’ll make good use of it on his weekend trips – dirt biking, camping, fishing, backpacking, shooting, almost anything.

The extra thick insulation keeps ice for days, even when it’s 90 degrees outside. Plus, it has wheels and a handle for easy maneuverability. The cooler even comes with built-in “cup/can holders” on top.

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If you haven’t been over to Rubbermaid.com for awhile, you might want to take a peek at it.

For example, did know that…?

I’m an organization fanatic so I could browse their website for hours. Literally.

hdrredwave1 150x54 FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR DAD: 75 Qt. DuraChill Wheeled 6 Day Cooler by RubbermaidWIN IT! One winner will receive a 75 Qt. DuraChill Wheeled 6-Day Cooler (~$75). 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 #299 Tara O. Congratulations!

FOR THE TECHIE DAD: Gunnar Optiks

Bang. Bang. Bang.

The gunshots awoke me from my dreams.

Startled and sleepy, I looked over at the clock to confirm my suspisions that it was sometime in the wee hours of the early morning.

Then, I looked over at the little desk in the corner of our 364-square-foot studio apartment. My husband sat, concentrated…playing a video game!

little kiss copy FOR THE TECHIE DAD: Gunnar OptiksThat was back in our newlywed days (pictured left: newly married), back before my husband “grew up” and realized that he could not achieve greatness if he squandered hours on gaming and media. He still enjoys playing video games occasionally, but it’s rare. He’s different now. He spends his time caring for his girls, fixing the cars, thinking up business ideas, working on projects, helping people, connecting with friends.

That said, he still spends quite a bit of time staring at a computer screen for his “day job” so his eyes can get weary from the LCD lights and text.

logo hi FOR THE TECHIE DAD: Gunnar OptiksI recently discovered Gunnar Optics, a company that specializes in digital performance eyewear. It’s an innovative concept – eyeglasses that are “engineered to enhance your computer vision.” The patent-pending i-AMP lens technology helps “relax the eyes, improves performance, and delivers the optimal viewing experience.”

Ranging in price from $99-$189, Gunnar Optics offers four collections of high-performance digital eyewear with 15 styles to fit each individual’s personal taste. Gunnar Optics also offers a prescription program so if your eyesight is less than stellar, you still have options.

305 300x126 FOR THE TECHIE DAD: Gunnar OptiksMy husband received the WI-FIVE glasses and they are quite fashionable looking. They have an intellectual, futuristic vibe. He quickly commented how comfortable the frames are and has since mentioned numerous times that these are the best frames he has ever worn. He hasn’t had them long enough to truly verify if they “increase contrast, optical resolution, and detail,” “improve visual performance,” and “increase productivity” as the company claims, but so far he’s impressed.

And so am I. Apparently, a women’s line is slated to debut anyday now…and I can’t wait to see the styles. I spend quite a few hours in front of my computer and iPhone – and I’d love to reduce computer-related eye strain.

If your guy is a gamer, a computer programmer, an engineer, a professor, a researcher, or a student, he’s bound to appreciate these spectacles. He’ll be amazed at how comfortable they are and he’ll be thrilled to be a part of the wave of the future. Something tells me this kind of technology isn’t going anywhere. In fact, maybe I should buy a share of Gunnar Optics…

FOR THE SUN-N-SURF DAD: a pair of high-quality sunglasses

If your guy doesn’t have a great pair of sunglasses for summer, Father’s Day is the perfect time to pick up a pair. He’ll get them just in the nick of time – when the weather is hot and the sun is shining.

picture 6 150x72 FOR THE SUN N SURF DAD: a pair of high quality sunglassesRandolph Engineering

How about a durable, stylish, 100% American pair of military-inspired aviator sunglasses? These glasses are unique and fashionable, quite unlike the Target variety. RE glasses have actually been featured in countless movies over the years, including Top Gun and Flight of the Phoenix. With 9 different styles to choose from, the glasses start at $99-$119.95. If your man is a military guy, you’ll be happy to know that RE offers a 15% discount for any active duty US Military Member. [Pictured: JAG] ***Enter to win a pair of sunglasses of your choice from Randolph Engineering – see below.

picture 7 150x80 FOR THE SUN N SURF DAD: a pair of high quality sunglassesZeal Optics

Check out the sporty spectacles from Zeal Optics (price range: $99-$150)! The polarized lenses will give him clarity of vision. He’ll love wearing them for all of his active pursuits – swimming, surfing, running, or walking with his family around town. If your guy wears prescription glasses, you’ll want to peruse Zeal Optics’ line of Rx ready frames. [Pictured: Maestro]

picture 22 150x57 FOR THE SUN N SURF DAD: a pair of high quality sunglassesWIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of sunglasses (winner’s choice!) from Randolph Engineering. To enter, check out the sunglass collection by RE and leave a comment stating which pair you would choose 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.).

FOR THE GADGET GUY: an iPhone Case {or any phone case}

iphnmusic FOR THE GADGET GUY: an iPhone Case {or any phone case}I remember when the iPhone came out in June 2007 (I laughed a lot when I watched the iPhone musical for the first time).

My husband and I were in awe, but we weren’t about to shell out over $500 for a phone.

So we waited.

The prices dropped.

And then we bought them.

And the iPhone IS incredible. I think all of the talk is called for, actually. It’s a feature-laden product that is truly innovative.

Want to…

  • get directions?
  • take a picture of your baby asleep in her carseat?
  • look up movie times?
  • send an e-mail to a friend?
  • play a game?
  • watch a movie?
  • listen to music?
  • schedule a meeting?
  • read a book?
  • update your Facebook status?

NO PROBLEM! With an iPhone, you can do it all.

If your guy has an iPhone, he probably wants to protect it because it’s a pricey phone with a lot of important data on it. Why not surprise him with a case for Father’s Day?

NOTE: The following cases are specifically designed for the iPhone 3G.

picture 9 101x150 FOR THE GADGET GUY: an iPhone Case {or any phone case}Leather Flip Folio ($34.99) by Belkin

Stylish and sleek, this fully leather case is the height of professionalism. The grey stitching around the edges is subtle and the solid black leather matches with everything. He’ll be able to toss his iPhone in his pocket or messenger back without worrying about scratches or smudges. ***Enter to win an iPod or iPhone case of your choice from Belkin – see below.

picture 111 91x150 FOR THE GADGET GUY: an iPhone Case {or any phone case}

Folio ($39.95) by Contour Design

The Folio is snazzy and sturdy. Available in red or black leather, this a a great classic case with a little extra pizazz. The slim profile will please dad because it will slip in his pocket with ease. This is actually my husband’s favorite case of these three options because it is so lean. The only bummer about this case is that the designer apparently forgot to add in a hole for the camera (oops!).

sena dockable case 111x150 FOR THE GADGET GUY: an iPhone Case {or any phone case}Dockable Case for iPhone 3G ($52) by Sena

This elegant case is constructed with beautiful Italian Napa Leather. Choose between 12 different colors when you purchase this sophisticated case that features a removable clip for easy fastening to his belt. ***Enter to win a phone case of your choice from Sena – see below.

Of course, all three companies (Belkin, Contour Design, and Sena) also offer cases for a variety of other phones…and iPods too…so be sure to check ‘em out. You might even find something for yourself while you’re at it.

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WIN IT! There will be two winners. One winner will receive ANY iPod or iPhone case of his/her choice from Belkin. A second winner will receive ANY phone case of his/her choice from Sena.

You may enter for both cases, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each case.

The deadline for both contests is 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.).

FOR THE FASHIONABLE DAD: Cult of Individuality Jeans

picture 21 FOR THE FASHIONABLE DAD: Cult of Individuality JeansJust off the runway, this new denim line for men is smokin’ hot.

Retailing for $135-185 a pair, Cult of Individuality jeans are 100% Los Angeles. They have that California, “I’m such a celebrity” appeal. The washes are unique. The denim appears to high-quality. And the fits are at the peak of fashion.

My husband tried on the jeans this afternoon and I’m smitten. They’re stylish, masculine, and confidence-instilling. I love them.

cult of individuality jeans 1 edit FOR THE FASHIONABLE DAD: Cult of Individuality Jeans cult of individuality jeans 3 FOR THE FASHIONABLE DAD: Cult of Individuality Jeans

Now, just one question: are you supposed to hem them or wear them long like the models on the Cult of Individuality website?

picture 1 61x150 FOR THE FASHIONABLE DAD: Cult of Individuality JeansWIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of Hagen Straight Leg Jean in Ron ($135, pictured right). 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 #140 LeaneG. Congratulations!