Gift Ideas for Dad

My dad with my little brother and our
dog, Mugger, in 1971.

Whether you're looking for ideas for Father's Day, dad's birthday, or "just because," it seems that men are often much harder to shop for than women.  And if your dad is one of those guys who already "has everything" ... well, it's just that much harder to think of some unique gift ideas for dad.

Today, I'll try to help with a few ideas, whether your father is a dog-lover or not.

If your dad or someone else in the family is a camera bug, you may have a lot of old home movies, photographs, or slides sitting around.  If they're in VHS, film reel, prints, or slide form, you may be concerned that, over time, those memories will degrade or you may no longer have the equipment to even watch or view them anymore.  

In that case, you have a few options. You can buy a DVD recorder that will allow you to transfer VHS to DVD; you can take your photos, slides, video tapes or film reels to Walgreens, Walmart, or other photo service business and have them transferred to DVD; or you can use a service like  YesVideo.com and have your old movies and photos available both online and on DVD, if you choose.

My older brother, a puppy, and I in 1967.

When you place an order with YesVideo, you get:

• A private, online account with unlimited video storage
• Editing & trimming tools that make it easy to create custom DVDs
• Free iPhone & iPad apps so you can access your movies anywhere
• Online sharing via email & Facebook

Your videos will be online & your originals will be shipped back to you, usually within 14 business days, depending on the size of your order and the quality of the original medium.

You can also order copies of the new digital video on DVD.  Until the end of 2014, Get 20% Off your entire first order by using Coupon Code: 20TR at YesVideo.com.

Another unique gift, perfect for Father's Day, or dad's birthday is the Jacob Bromwell Original Popcorn Popper.  Made in the U.S.A. for 195 years, this American classic pops corn over an open fire or kitchen stove top.  With just a bit of oil and some salt, you can create new family memories together, whether it's movie night or during summer camping trips.

The Bromwell high-quality popcorn popper's 3.5 quart capacity lets you evenly pop popcorn over an open fire, as well as a stove top (gas, wood, or electric).

• Unlike microwave popcorn with low popping ratio, their popcorn popper features automatic steam venting and promises super fast and consistent popcorn every time.
• Durable, non-electric, and fun for the entire family.
• A wood handle keeps your hands cool.
• Free instruction & recipe pamphlet included.
• Built out of quality stainless steel and guaranteed not to rust.
• Backed by Jacob Bromwell's 100% Lifetime Guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.
• Still Made in the USA, even after all these years. Buy American and save jobs.

Original Popcorn Popper Works over a campfire or the kitchen stove. You're not still making popcorn in the microwave, are you? Ahh, the sweet smell of freshly popped popcorn over the open fire. With the kiddos crunching and laughing away, there's no better way to bring family and friends together than the good ol' fashioned way. Our Original Popcorn Popper is a durable customer favorite, especially with families. Kids love watching the kernels magically transform into fluffy popcorn, whether it's used over an open fire or kitchen stovetop. You'll love knowing that it's still 100% made in America and now in its 195th year of production, having maintained its original design since it was given the gift of life in the early 1800s. So for movie night at home, or ghost stories around the campfire, make your popcorn the original way, with a bit of oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of nostalgia.

Another great source for gifts for dad is Smoky Mountain Knife Works. Don't let the name mislead you.  They offer much more than just knives ... 

Winchester Camper's Kit

Smoky Mountain Knife Works carries Sporting Goods; Martial Arts and Self-Defense products; Movie Memorabilia; Collectibles; Kitchen items, including over 100 types of sauces, jams, honey, and relishes; Tactical gear; Hunting, Fishing, Camping, and Outdoor gear; Pocket Knives; Apparel and Accessories; Books and Video; Lighters; Flashlights; Fantasy items, and more.  

Their prices range from under $24.00 to $300 and up, so you're apt to find the perfect gift for the special man in your life.  

*Disclaimer:  I may earn a small commission from any purchase you make through any of the links within this article or anywhere else on this blog.  Be assured, however, that my commission does not affect (increase) the prices you pay.*

Oh, How Time Flies! We Brought Franki Blue Eyes Home Two Years Ago.

Franki ... Just Chillin'

She was barely a year old when my rescue group, COLARS, took Franki in just over two years ago.  She was pregnant and had been abandoned next to a dumpster behind a closed-up, rural bar-and-grill.  A kind woman saw her and fed her for a couple of days until she learned about COLARS.  Just two days after rescuing her, Franki gave birth to three puppies.  After the pups were weaned and transferred to another rescue shelter for adoption, I went to visit her at her foster home.

At first, I hesitated about adopting her ... she was a bit wild and I was concerned that my older and partially disabled pooch, Ripley, might get hurt with such a rambunctious kid running around.  So I went home without her, knowing that our rescue group would be careful about placing her in a new home.  But I couldn't stop thinking about her.  Not just because she was beautiful and unique-looking with those crystal blue eyes ... there was something special about Franki beyond her outward appearance.  Even though she was unfocused and hyperactive during my visit with her, something kept tugging at my heart.

Franki and Ripley, August 2012.
Cooling off after a hike in the woods.

Two days later, I went back to her foster home and told her foster mom that I'd like to take Franki back to my house for a few hours to see how she'd do with my five dogs.  I introduced her to them, one-by-one, in the front yard, waiting until both dogs had enough time to sniff each other out and calm down enough to get acquainted. Since Ripley was the oldest and most dominant dog, I introduced Franki to her first. Despite being very excited, Franki seemed to understand that Ripley's physical body was fragile and she kept a respectful distance.

Things continued to go well, and despite feeling cautious about a new, younger and very active dog trespassing on their turf, my dogs were generally accepting of Franki running around the yard.  I was still unsure about whether this would be a good fit for everyone; but after watching Franki and the rest of the pack for a while outside, I decided to take her inside to see how she acted indoors.

Morning Playtime, November 2012
Franki and Andie

I was more than surprised. The instant Franki entered the house, she calmed down.  I had expected her to become overly excited about being in another new environment, but she seemed to know intuitively that acting like a wild dog inside was unacceptable.  I wondered if she had cued into the other dogs' relative calm and realized that this is how she was also expected to behave.

Waiting for a Birthday Treat

To make a long story short, as the saying goes, I never took Franki back to her foster home. This was her new, forever home.  She's been a blessing; pure joy! ... mixed with some occasional naughtiness, of course ... she's still a kid, after all.

Although I don't know her actual birth day, I decided that her homecoming date, would also be her birthday.  So, yesterday, we celebrated Franki's third birthday and her second year of being Home. 

Sammi, Cookie, Andie and Franki

As a special treat, I shared some of my mother's homemade, world famous chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with her and the rest of the gang ... the dogs got none of the chocolate, of course; just the bites around the chips.  

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." ~Gilda Radner

Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Under $30

Beagle Bobble Head

Mother's Day is just around the corner ... May 11th ... so you are likely thinking about getting your mother something special this year. But maybe you don't have a lot to spend.

No worries!  If your mom is a dog (or cat) lover, I've happened upon an online store called the DogBreedStore.com, that has some really great dog- (and cat) related Mother's Day gift ideas for under $30. Not only for Mom's day, of course.  Any time you need a gift for someone who loves their dog or cat, you're likely to find the perfect gift.  They have everything from bobble-heads, like the adorable Beagle pictured to the left, to iPhone covers, calendars, wind chimes, puzzles, bumper stickers, umbrellas, dog toys, leash hooks, stationery, magnets, coffee and travel mugs, sleep shirts, socks, doormats, wall art and signs, frames, leashes ... pretty much any kind of gift you're looking for, most under $30. Free shipping starts at only $25.00; otherwise, standard shipping is a flat rate $5.00.
 

Beagle Bobble Head This adorable Beagle will wiggle his way into your heart. The wobbly-headed pup is made of high quality, hand painted resin and stands approximately 4.25" tall. Great for home, office, or dash! The perfect gift for any dog lover! Does not include adhesive.

Happy Sammi

My best boy, Sammi, a Beagle-mix, has made me rather partial to Beagles, so some of the ideas I'll share with you here today are Beagle-themed, but you'll find the DogBreedStore.com has a large variety of breeds to choose from: Australian Shepherds, Basset Hounds, Boston Terriers, Border Collies, Labs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Puggles, Poodles, Heelers, Doodles ... the list goes on.  

The store features plenty of more generic and general dog-themed gifts, and if you're partial to Rescues, they have some products that are rescue-themed, as well, including iPhone covers, an air freshener, and magnet.

Dog Wisdom Wall Sign

They have a very large assortment of decorative wall signs and plaques (over 100) that would make great gifts. All of the decorative wall plaques are made from a printed page that is encapsulated between a UV blocking sheet of vinyl and a 3/8 inch thick sheet of medium density fiberboard. They're finished off with a decorative beveled edge and a keyhole hanging system, so they're ready to hang in any room indoors, including bathrooms.

The wall plaques are among my favorites ... it's hard to choose ... but the Dog Wisdom, and Golden Retriever Conversation Quote wall signs, featured to the left and below, especially caught my eye.  Each one is priced at under $25.00.  If you'd like to purchase one, or take a closer look, just click on the caption/link under each photo.  You'll be taken to DogBreedStore.com's website, where you can see every product they have available.   
 

Golden Retriever Conversation Quote Wall Sign

The gorgeous wall plaque to the right features a Golden Retriever, but the quote is something every dog lover can relate to: "No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."  ~Christopher Morley


One of my favorite Beagle-themed gifts is the beautiful wall hanging below.  They also have them for German Shepherds and Golden Labs. They measure 12 inches x 12 inches, and are only $19.99.

I Heart My Beagle Wall Sign Decorative Plaques are a ready-to-hang version of printed art. We take the printed page and encapsulate it between a UV blocking sheet of vinyl and a 3/8 inch thick sheet of MDF wood. We then finish it off with a decorative beveled edge and a keyhole hanging system. Once finished, this decorative plaque can hang in any indoor environment—from kitchens and baths to man caves!

I've given you just a very small taste of what the DogBreedStore.com has to offer.  Take a look for yourself ... you'll see that they have quality dog and cat-themed gifts at great prices.  And their shipping rates are so reasonable.  Even if you don't purchase the minimum to qualify for free shipping (only $25), standard shipping is a flat-rate $5.00. 

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*Disclaimer:  I may earn a small commission from any purchase you make through any of the links to DogBreedStore.com within this article or anywhere else on this blog.  Be assured, however, that my commission does not affect (increase) the prices you pay.*