Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

Articles Sections >> Arts + Words Bars + Clubs Dating Festivals Fitness Food Lifestyle Music Theater Travel + Tourism Who's Who > View All Ask Centerstage Cheap Thrills Green Thumb Weekend Warrior

Stumped when it comes to shopping for dad? Check out our guy-friendly gift guide.

Tuesday Jun 09, 2009.     By Stacy Warden

Lifestyle Feed

Let's face it, shopping for dad isn't easy. He already owns every tool known to man, and he doesn't get all teary-eyed over the homemade stuff like mom. Fortunately, we've got a few fail-safe spots (that don't involve hacksaws) where dad is sure to love the goods.

Create a beer basket for your pilsner-lovin' papa at Drinks Over Dearborn
Picking up a case of Dad's favorite brew might seem like a cop-out, but crafting one of your own with a variety of bottles is anything but. Dad will notice the effort and he'll surely appreciate the result. Owner Kyle McHugh stocks select beers, wines and spirits from all over the globe and he's got the knowledge to pair with each pick. Simply explain what dad normally drinks, and McHugh will help you find something perfect for dad's palate.

Shop for your foodie father at The Chopping Block
Dad might think he knows everything there is to know about cooking from watching too much Food Network, but he can get a more hands-on experience at the Chopping Block. He can choose from a number of different courses like knife skills, meat 101 and Asian-style grilling, or he can go for something a little more intoxicating like a regionally focused wine tasting. We recommend registering for the Father's Day BBQ Bonanza, where you and dad can both have a go at the grill on the Lincoln Square location's new patio. The festive course runs from 2-4:30 p.m on June 21. and includes grilled skirt steak, bacon-potato salad, barbecue baby back ribs, baked beans and beer, $85.

Treat your exhausted dad to a day at Sir Spa
Dad will love a day to himself at this men's-only spa, located in Andersonville's Swedish-infused neighborhood. His only difficulty will be choosing from the trailing list of massages, including the signature Swedish, the deep-tissue, the sports massage and the hot stone massage. If you've got a little extra dough to spend, we recommend the hot stone ($135 for 75-minutes) with stimulating basalt stones. Sir Spa also offers facials, manicures, pedicures and a steam room. Let's just hope you got mom something equally swank for Mother's Day, 'cause it's the kind of gift that's sure to make her jealous.

Get a gift for your outdoorsy old man at Uncle Dan's
No matter what outdoor activity your dad enjoys (camping, hiking, backpacking, etc.), he can find the equipment to suit it at this local shop. The place has been around since the early '70s, when it offered little more than a bundle of army-navy goods (think mess kits, canteens, wool blankets and duffel bags). Today Uncle Dan's touts itself as Chicago's "Great Outdoor Store" with four locations in the Chicago area (Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, Evanston, Highland Park). And the product list has grown, too; from Barracuda and Colombia to Patagonia and Yaktrax, Uncle Dan's offers more than 100 outdoor-focused brands to fuel Dad's latest adventure. If you haven't a clue what he might like, the outdoor-lovin' staff is always at the ready.

Splurge on your swanky sire at Jake
When dad requires just as much closet space as mom, this local boutique is bound to top his list of favorites. Featured in fashion-fueled glossies like Lucky, Elle and inStyle, Jake's features clothing from both emerging and established designers. The prices are a bit steep, so if you can't swindle enough dough for that one-of-a-kind item, you can always contribute to Dad's impressive wardrobe with a Jake's gift card and save yourself the risk of returns.

Need something to do on the day itself? Check out these Chicago Father's Day events.