Posted June 15, 2012
Sometimes Dad deserves a chance to just sit back and relax. Following are some ways to make his me time extra special:
1) Nothing says easy summer living like this classic chair from L.L. Bean of Freeport, Maine. Made in the Adirondack region of New York State from sustainably harvested wood, this chair is guaranteed to lower his stress level each time he sits down.
2) Help Dad show off who’s "King of the Grill" with this monogrammed branding iron from Texas Irons of Austin, Texas. Personalized with 2 or 3 letters, it’s made from durable stainless steel that’s ready to withstand any grill.
3) Beer bottles from Stone Brewing Company get a second life as eco-friendly tumblers. They make a great conversation piece, no matter what he’s drinking. Crafted by BottleHood of San Diego, California.
4) Machined by hand from cold rolled steel in Joshua Tree, California, this bottle opener from
J.L. Lawson & Co. is the perfect accessory for his keychain or home bar. If you hurry, they’ll even personalize it for free for Father’s Day.
5) This 4-piece grilling set by
Royall Grills of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, is one of the last actually made in America. Each piece is constructed from high-carbon stainless steel and finished with rosewood handles.
Take some time out of your day to view our
Relaxing Gifts for Dad Pinterest board.
Posted June 14, 2012
If he’s a New Dad or a Dad-To-Be, becoming a Father is quite an adjustment. Make the transition easier with our guide to the best American-crafted gear for New Dads:
1) No self-respecting guy wants everyone to know that he’s carrying a diaper bag. That’s what makes this bag from Dad Gear of Denver, Colorado, so great. It’s an undercover diaper bag styled like a messenger bag, but with everything you need for a day out with baby.
2) This frame from Green House Framing of Portland, Oregon, is a handsome way to display a family picture. It’s made of wood salvaged from the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, for a distinctly masculine feel.
3) Every new Dad wants to make sure he documents as many "firsts" as possible. This camera strap from Tanner Goods of Portland, Oregon, ensures that his camera is always at hand. Made from Horween Chromexcel leather and sailing cord, it attaches without metal hardware in order to protect your camera.
4) These cufflinks are a unique way for Dad to take his little one wherever he goes. Artist Jackie Kaufman of Rock My World Inc. from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, uses lost wax casting of fingerprint impressions to create a custom, one-of-a-kind pair from sterling silver.
5) It goes without saying that Dad will have many late night sessions with baby. This simple, yet clever stand by Tinkering Monkey of Oakland, California, means that Dad can free his arms for steady rocking and still catch up on the game (or more likely, watch Sprout).
For more gift ideas for his first Father’s Day, visit our New Dad Pinterest board.
Posted June 13, 2012
Whether he can flawlessly fix anything or he always has a few pieces left over, every Dad deserves great tools. While we can’t guarantee the results, our top tool picks will ensure that he’s well-equipped for his next grand project.
1) Made from some of the hardest steel around and paired with a hickory handle, this hammer by Hardcore Hammers of Shawnee, Kansas, is an impressive piece. Created by a professional carpenter with the intention of outlasting and outperforming other hammers, the unique dual-surface striking face combines a finish and framing hammer in one.
2) This heavy-duty shop apron will keep Dad clean and provides a handy place for pencils and other implements. Handmade to order in Brooklyn, New York, by Stanley & Sons Apron and Bag Co.
3) Since 1981, Lie-Nielsen Toolworks of Warren, Maine, has been making tools the “old-fashioned way.” What this means is that their obsessive attention to quality and detail is evident from the moment you handle one of their tools. Made from locally sourced maple and steel, this saw is one piece sure to become an heirloom.
4) Klein Tools of Lincolnshire, Illinois, has been making tools since 1857. This heavy-duty canvas tool bag is ideal for keeping Dad’s tools at the ready and off the floor. The bag features a hinged steel-frame mouth and moisture-resistant bottom. It is reinforced with rivets for additional durability.
5) For 99 years, the L.C. King Manufacturing Company of Bristol, Tennessee, has been producing the denim and workwear line, Pointer Brand. Crafted from 100% heavyweight duck canvas, this chore coat is a classic and is ready for whatever projects Dad has in mind.
For more inspiration and tools of the trade, visit our Handy Dad Pinterest board.
Posted June 12, 2012
You may not believe it, but Dad has great style. It’s true. Just take a look through some old photos, and you’ll see what we’re talking about. He knows that the key to great style is all about details, quality, and confidence. Below are our picks for some of the finest American-made products around to help bring out some of Dad’s personal style:
1) A tie for Father’s Day may seem cliché, but Forage brings something fresh to the equation. Handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York, each necktie is available in limited quantities and has an inspirational saying hand sewn into it.
2) Put to rest any jokes about “Dad Jeans” with a pair of denim from Taylor Stitch. Handmade in San Francisco, California, these are clean, simple, and classic; in other words, they’re true “Man Jeans.”
3) This blue seersucker gingham shirt from Read’s Clothing Project is a classic look that supports a great cause. Not only is it made in the USA, the company donates a book to a child in need for each shirt sold.
4) Like Dad, this belt from Wood & Faulk only gets better with age. Crafted by hand in Portland, Oregon, from heavy vegetable-tanned hide, each belt is cut to size upon ordering.
5) Distinctly American, with roots back to 1863, The Frye Company has been making some of the best-looking, hardest-working shoes around. This Brogue Boot is proudly made in the USA and complements a variety of personal styles.
View our Dapper Dad Pinterest board for more inspiration to ensure Dad’s well turned out for any occasion.
Posted June 10, 2012
Adventure awaits! Whether Dad’s idea of relaxing outdoors involves hiking deep into the wilderness or simply pulling off at a roadside campground, it’s important to make sure he is properly equipped. Following are our picks for some of the best outdoor products made in America today:
1) Since 1964, Beckel Canvas of Portland, Oregon, has been making tents from the best water- and mildew-resistant canvas available. They look great, and they’re rugged enough for nearly any weather conditions.
2) A true American classic, the Mackinaw Cruiser from Filson of Seattle, Washington, was designed to protect timber cruisers in the woods. One of the thickest, heaviest, and best-looking coats around, this is a true barrier against whatever nature has in store.
3) Built by hand in Duluth, Minnesota, the original Duluth Pack was patented in 1882 and has been the go to bag for generations of wilderness wanderers. Incredibly durable, each bag is guaranteed for life.
4) Built around a Francis Barker survival compass, this handsome wooden compass is a collaboration between designer Joey Roth of Los Angeles, California, and Shwood from Portland, Oregon. Hurry though; the run is limited to 200 pieces.
5) Made from high carbon US steel and Appalachian hickory, the Hudson Bay Axe by Best Made Company is drop forged in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, by 4th generation axe makers.
Visit our Outdoor Dads Pinterest board for more ideas to unleash Dad’s inner Mountain Man.
1) Nothing says easy summer living like this classic chair from L.L. Bean of Freeport, Maine. Made in the Adirondack region of New York State from sustainably harvested wood, this chair is guaranteed to lower his stress level each time he sits down.
2) Help Dad show off who’s "King of the Grill" with this monogrammed branding iron from Texas Irons of Austin, Texas. Personalized with 2 or 3 letters, it’s made from durable stainless steel that’s ready to withstand any grill.
3) Beer bottles from Stone Brewing Company get a second life as eco-friendly tumblers. They make a great conversation piece, no matter what he’s drinking. Crafted by BottleHood of San Diego, California.
4) Machined by hand from cold rolled steel in Joshua Tree, California, this bottle opener from J.L. Lawson & Co. is the perfect accessory for his keychain or home bar. If you hurry, they’ll even personalize it for free for Father’s Day.
5) This 4-piece grilling set by Royall Grills of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, is one of the last actually made in America. Each piece is constructed from high-carbon stainless steel and finished with rosewood handles.
1) No self-respecting guy wants everyone to know that he’s carrying a diaper bag. That’s what makes this bag from 
2) This frame from 
3) Every new Dad wants to make sure he documents as many "firsts" as possible. This camera strap from 
4) These cufflinks are a unique way for Dad to take his little one wherever he goes. Artist Jackie Kaufman of 
5) It goes without saying that Dad will have many late night sessions with baby. This simple, yet clever stand by 
1) Made from some of the hardest steel around and paired with a hickory handle, this hammer by 
2) This heavy-duty shop apron will keep Dad clean and provides a handy place for pencils and other implements. Handmade to order in Brooklyn, New York, by 
3) Since 1981, 
4) 
5) For 99 years, the L.C. King Manufacturing Company of Bristol, Tennessee, has been producing the denim and workwear line, 
1) A tie for Father’s Day may seem cliché, but 
2) Put to rest any jokes about “Dad Jeans” with a pair of denim from 
3) This blue seersucker gingham shirt from 
4) Like Dad, this belt from 
5) Distinctly American, with roots back to 1863, 
1) Since 1964, 
2) A true American classic, the Mackinaw Cruiser from 
3) Built by hand in Duluth, Minnesota, the original 
4) Built around a 
5) Made from high carbon US steel and Appalachian hickory, the Hudson Bay Axe by