Last updated: June 9, 2012 7:47 pm
Money saving tips: Father’s Day gift ideas - Dayton Daily News
Father’s Day is June 17, and it can be a bit of a perplexing task for me to find the perfect gifts for my dad and brothers.
When I asked Pops what he wanted for Father’s Day, he said, “Oh, nothing.” Of course, “nothing” does not work for me. It’s not in my nature to give “nothing” on this kind of day.
According to the Library of Congress, the first Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1914, but a holiday celebrating fathers did not become official until 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson declared that the third Sunday in June would be Father’s Day. President Richard Nixon made this proclamation permanent in 1972.
To continue in that spirit of national recognition for the greatness of dads, I have put together some gift-giving ideas for four styles of dads.
The epicurean
The way to a man’s heart is arguably through his stomach, so a gift of fine dining makes sense.
In last week’s Red Plum flier, I found a $4 off coupon for two dinners at Red Lobster, which is one of my father and mother’s favorite restaurants. Therefore, I will treat both of them to a relaxing dinner when I visit Colorado later this summer. (I also “liked” Red Lobster on Facebook for more news and a special offers from the restaurant chain.)
My brother, Matthew, is a fantastic chef, and I am always looking for recipes that will appeal to both him and his 3-year-old son, Orin. I went online to Amazon.com and found Ian Knauer’s “The Farm: Rustic Recipes for a Year of Incredible Food,” which has garnered accolades from some of the top chefs in the nation. A former cook in the Gourmet test kitchen, Knauer is well-known for recipes making the best of seasonal produce. His inspiration? The Pennsylvania farm that has been in his family since the 18th century.
I have no doubt the Brick Chicken with Corn and Basil Salad, for instance, will satiate the taste buds of my brother and my adorable nephew — who has quite the sophisticated palette for his young age.
Barnes and Noble, Books & Co., Target, HomeGoods, just to mention a few retailers, also have cookbooks worthy of the dad who likes to don a chef’s apron.
If your budget is limited, then definitely check out Cold Stone Creamery and its sweet deals just in time for Father’s Day. The ice-cream parlor has just introduced its Retro Classics, including a classic root beer float and hot fudge sundae. (Go online to www.Cold StoneCreamery.com for the location nearest you.)
The dapper dad
No matter what station in life a man might be at, he most likely wants to dress smartly and be well-groomed.
Therefore, I am happy to report almost every men’s apparel store is offering some kind of shopping incentive for Father’s Day. Target, Old Navy, Kmart and Gap stores, for example, have some great casual collections, and Macy’s is doling out some fab ideas for Father’s Day presents in the attire arena.
Don’t forget: Some men enjoy a little pampering, too. At Von Maur, the upscale department store, Jack Black body-care collections are being promoted.
Sporty dad
For the golfers on my shopping list, I found a really cool accessory: the Golf Towel with Germ Shield. The dual-sided design gives Dad two towels in one: the golf side is for his clubs and equipment; while the skin side is for him. The Germ Shield layer is sandwiched between two luxurious layers of 100 percent pure cotton terry to create a protective barrier between his skin and the dirt, chemicals and fertilizers used on golf courses. Visit TowelMate.com to order.
Men’s health and fitness magazines, too, make splendid gifts. For more ideas, visit discount magazine subscription sites such as www.SpeedyMags.com.
The gadget geek
I perused the Apple.com site and was thrilled to read about the sheer awesomeness of the iPad with Retina display. (OK, I admit I am a geek.) If you order an iPad or an iPad2 from the Apple site, you will receive not only free shipping but also free engraving on the tablets, which start from $499.
For the music aficionado on your Father’s Day list, check out Beats by Dr. Dre “high-definition” headphones. They aren’t cheap (from $199), but most any serious music lover or musician will no doubt be eternally grateful for this gift. I found the headphones available online at Walmart and www.Amazon.com.
Power tools, Shop-Vacs, grills, high-definition TVs, DVD collections, at such stores as Lowe’s, Best Buy, HHGregg and Sears, also would be welcome in the workshops and offices of men who tinker around. (Consider gift cards to take the guesswork out of deciding what dad might enjoy this holiday.)
Of course, if your budget is limited, your dad will understand — and appreciate — a phone call, a handmade card, a hug or any heartfelt gesture. Some things truly are priceless.
Robin McMacken is a writer, designer and National Academy of Sports Medicine and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America-certified personal trainer. Follow her on Twitter at Robin_McMacken.
Owed money by Tucan Claims? - Mirror.co.uk (blog)
The details of the administrator of Tucan Claims have been filed to Companies House. If Tucan owe you money, this is who you should contact:
John Cullen, Harris Lipman LLP, Coptic House, 4-5 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay CF10 5EE, or you can email Tucan@harris-lipman.co.uk.
"Issues with its payment service providers have left Tucan Claims Limited in the position of having to appoint administrators," said Mr Cullen.
"My role now is to review the firm's financial position and establish which of its clients are likely to get back the deposits they were required to pay upfront together with investigating the circumstances surrounding the failure of the company.
"If you are a client of Tucan Claims, and require a refund of your initial fee, you may be able to obtain your refund by making a chargeback via your card issuer. Please contact your card issuer directly and request that a chargeback be processed."
You won't be able to request a chargeback does if you paid by some means other than credit card - such as cheque or debit card.
Fifteen staff at Tucan's office in Bristol have been made redundant.
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