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Get Father’s Day Right! 16 Solid Gifts For Your Boomer Dad (Straight From Our Resident Boomer Dad)

Well, it’s almost Father’s Day again. At least according to my editor daughter (it’s actually May 1st), GEEZ!  But, as an obedient contributor, I will succumb to her will (she has gotten her way with me since day one ), yikes. I must tell you this Father’s Day is a little different. I am a proud Grandfather. My son and his wife have brought a baby girl into the world. Welcome to the NFL, son (New Father Lessons), ha! I cannot wait until she is walking and talking so she and I can solve the problems of the world. It’s gonna be good. 

we’re both studying each other

So let’s see if I can come up with some decent Dad stuff.

Jean Trucker Jacket | Trucker Jacket

I’ll start with the standby jean jacket. I mention it in almost every post, but it’s fail-safe. Classic and he’ll feel cool. We still like that.

Fiberglass Drilling Hammer

I’ve been working on my cabin, and I’ve been swinging those tools. I have been using my baby sledgehammer a lot. It’s just a 3lb sledge, but I have used it extensively. I suppose at my age I just need a little extra umph (sad but true). The cabin is also old. That doesn’t help. They run about twenty bucks.

Husky 4PK Trigger Clamp Set

I have also found I am using clamps more these days. I like the trigger-style clamp. If I have to hold something in place to either nail or glue it, they are perfect. My hands were a little more nimble in my younger days, so now I’m clamping. Husky makes a nice four-pack.

Impact Duty Right Angle Drill Adapter

I’m not sure if I have mentioned my 90-degree drill attachment before, but for tight spots, it is great. Milwaukee makes a nice one. There are a lot of tight spots in the cabin.

Carhartt Men’s Workwear Long-sleeve Graphic Logo Shirt

Also, I don’t want to forget the long-sleeved t-shirt I wear when I am working. It’s made by Carhartt and does a great job of protecting my arms. Here’s what only old men know. Our skin gets thinner with age, and we bruise like an over-ripe apple falling off the fruit truck. Quite unattractive after a day’s work. Yuck! Long-sleeved t-shirts protect those arms. No woman wants to be wrapped in a man’s ugly arms (at least no woman in my arms).

So, out of the workshop and into the kitchen. I’m sure you have seen those old-style coffee grinders that you have to crank. I bought a vintage one at a flea market, and I use it to grind pepper, not coffee. When I am cooking, I just open the drawer and dig out the pepper with my fingers. It’s great. No cook uses a shaker to dispense spices as they are cooking. Always our fingers.

Silver Honey Pot Lid | Olivewood and Gold Plate Honey Drizzler

Butter Dish

I was just in a department store in London by the name of Fortnum and Mason. I have never been there before. I must tell you it was a wow. Quality and unique goods everywhere. Needless to say, I spent some Do-Re-Me. In their honey department, I not only purchased some honey but also purchased a sterling silver lid for the honey jar (FYI, it will only fit their jars). It’s drop-dead beautiful. I also bought a butter dome to match the honey jar lid. Oh, and I also purchased honey drizzle to match the set. Now, these were not inexpensive items, but if your dad is a cook, he will be the only guy in town with either of these. They are breathtaking. They are on my kitchen table for the world to see. Ha! I suspect they will be a conversation starter also, in case I ever have boring people over for dinner. Wait, I do not know any boring people.

Camomile Infusion | Dungeness Wood Sage Honey

The selection of teas in that store was also extraordinary. Their honey is extraordinary, also. Flavors from all over the world. You can actually buy their products on Amazon too. I must admit it gets harder and harder to come up with new ideas.

Green Taper Candles

My partner, Lorinda, got me into the habit of lighting a couple of candles every morning for coffee. I was amazed at how a simple candle calms the space. I usually put one on the table and one in a candlestick holder on the wall. Olive green candles are good for dads. There are many cool candles out there. A lot of cool candlestick holders also.

Brass Candle Holder

The Boston General Store carries a brass candle holder. It is simple and classy. Once you get in the habit, it becomes quite natural. Women are so much smarter than us (thank god). 

Long Handle Bath Brush

That store also carries a soft-backed brush for the shower. I would guess that most men have a spot in the middle of their back that’s never had soap on it. Ha! Might as well get the Marseille olive oil soap to go with the brush. You have to cut it with a wire. Now that’s a manly soap.

As I am sitting here writing, I just looked up and said to myself, “geez, you gotta clean this joint.” Now there’s an idea. You can get your dad a cleaning service. Once a month would be plenty. Or maybe just one time. As a dad, I would not be opposed to that. When I was running my company, I would often hire single moms as my office managers. I just figured they really needed the job more. As a perk, my company paid for a monthly service to clean their house. One year, I had to tighten the belt around there and told them the perk might have to end. They said cut their pay, cut their hours, but do not take away their cleaning lady. Who knew? Yeah, it’s a nice gift.

Mini Vintage-Style Rechargeable Flashlight

I was given a small and stylish flashlight that I can leave out on the windowsill, and it looks great. It is made by Barebones. Always handy, always lookin good. It is also rechargeable. Lo got tired of my ugly flashlights that I would keep handy on the kitchen windowsill and bought me a good-looking one. She was right once again (hate it when she’s right).

OnX6 Straight Dual Control LED Light Bar

I couldn’t come up with something reasonably priced for the car or truck; however, I did put some fog lights on my Bronco recently. Because of my cabin, I found myself driving on dark country roads at night. Not a good scenario for me (can’t see shit). I bought the OnX6 light bar for my grill. It is made by Baja Designs. It is not cheap, but it lights up a dark country road like Times Square. I cannot tell you how it has helped me on that dark road of mine. It does not interfere with oncoming traffic, it shines on the road in front of me. I can justify the cost because it keeps me from waking up dead. Ha!

Finally, I am adding the picture above of how my kids view me. That’s how they envision me, all but one day of the year, and this is it. I’ll take it. I hope this post helps you in your shopping endeavors. I also hope you give some time to your dad. It’s all we ever want. Don’t forget about sporting events, music venues, and the like. If you’re on the East Coast, George Clooney was quite good in his portrayal of Edward R. Murrow in the production of “Good Night and Good Luck” in New York City. Us dads remember that guy. Happy Father’s Day, everyone. 

– Jess’s Dad

Fin
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Jill
11 days ago

This guy is priceless! 😂🤩

Admin
11 days ago
Reply to  Jill

agreed:)

Aliza Pollack
11 days ago

This guy is a hoot. What a voice. Love it.

Ingrid
11 days ago

Best post, and best ideas ever!

Admin
11 days ago
Reply to  Ingrid

so happy you loved it!

Amanda
11 days ago

My favorite posts! I read every word and laugh along the whole time. Thanks, Les!

Jill D.
11 days ago

Are we all a little bit in love with Jess’s dad? Yes we are…
Great ideas and some were totally unexpected!!

GM
11 days ago

Les is a national treasure with incredible taste! Thank you for sharing him.

Jamie
11 days ago

This just made my morning. You sir are a class act with a terrific sense of humor. Great gift ideas. Thank you kindly. And congratulations on becoming a grandad.

Catherine
11 days ago

What a cool guy! Love his posts! Gift ideas are great too but definitely not your run of the mill gift guide. Thank god!

Heather
11 days ago

Les, Best Boss ever in my book. The cleaning service – what a gift to your employees!

Lani
11 days ago

I mentioned this a month ago on one of the Link Up posts, but it would make a good gift too:
“ Anyone who has a pool or spa should check out the WaterGuru S2 (not the S1). We’ve been using it for a month and love it. Automated pool water test readings sent to your phone are a game changer!”

Kelly
11 days ago

These are really great ideas! Thank you!!

Deb
11 days ago

I no longer need to buy a Father’s Day present but there were some great ideas for other people’s birthdays and I personally want that flashlight for myself. Les NEVER disappoints. He needs a blog or Instagram
about life ( traveling, cabin renewal , life experiences,
etc etc. LES’ LIFE…….I will be his first subscriber.

LisaInTheNW
11 days ago

He NEVER fails…I look forward to this every year!

Sona
11 days ago

Another entertaining and informative Les Bunge post! Thanks Les, and happy father’s day.

Kate
11 days ago

This is wonderful, and I look forward to a piece from Les like no other. Congrats on becoming a grandfather!

Kelly P
11 days ago

Congratulations on becoming a grandfather! She’s very cute!
Like so many have said already, Les’s gift guides are the best on the internet. Thanks again for rounding up your ideas so hilariously. I’m quite sure my dad would love every single one of these.

Kimberly
10 days ago

YAY, love every time there is a Les byline. As usual, writing, humor and reps are stellar. Please don’t ever stop. And, congrats on the new NFL head coaching job. Will definitely be stealing that phrase when the time comes.

Hilary
10 days ago

These posts are the BEST! Contributing my gift this year for my boomer dad whose only hobby is tennis and doesn’t like a lot of “fussy” things, I’m getting him the book The Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer. I did a Harry & David gift basket full of fresh cherries for his birthday, and that was also a HUGE hit.

Joanie
9 days ago

Love Les!

Stephanie
9 days ago

Thanks as always for the ideas, Les! I’m gonna get some of those candles for myself…

Emily
8 days ago

“I must tell you it was a wow.” Stealing this as my latest go-to phrase.

dawn
8 days ago

I always enjoy the Les pop in visits on the blog! (More, please.) I laughed out loud a few times! Thank you for such unique and classy gift ideas.

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