Sometimes dad is a harder shop than mom. He has fewer needs, very simple wants, and is far less impressed by a bouquet of flowers. Here are some cool options for every kind of dad, without having to resort to that last-minute panic tie. For most of these Web sites, two-business day shipping ends at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The Executive
An easy sell for the suave dad, but also may soften the blow for the guy who hates to dress up on those rare occasions when he has no choice. The handmade Watchworks cuff links are recycled from old watches, with levers and jewels set in sterling silver.
$120, uncommongoods.com
The history buff
“Band of Brothers” is like “Steel Magnolias” for men — camaraderie, tears, fatalities — and equally as crowd pleasing. If dad is a film buff, history buff or military man, he’ll love this moving, 10-part mini-series about the Easy Company stationed in the European Theater during World War II.
$52.99, amazon.com
The grill fanatic
The true backyard warrior isn’t deterred by little things like snow, rain or nightfall. At the very least, this gift can help with that last one. These stainless steel flashlight grill tongs allow Dad to stop that balancing act with the flashlight crooked in his neck while still tending to the meat by combining both in one. The built-in flashlight points toward the grill to illuminate the meat and make sure it’s cooked right.
$50, redenvelope.com
The grill fanatic, Part 2
You think of dads, you think of steaks. Omaha Steaks’ Father’s Day Grill Pack includes four 5-ounce filet mignon steaks, eight 4-ounce top sirloins and six 4-ounce steakburgers
$59.99 at omahasteaks.com or the store, 1001 W. North Ave.
The Chicago guy
It’s usually risky to buy art for someone else, but if Dad is devoted to his fair city, these are a no-brainer. The Chicago-centric canvases from artist CitizenShay are “L” signs on acrylic (maybe near where Dad grew up), or signs with Bears and Cubs logos. Custom stops also are available.
$45 for flat boards; $95 for 3-D canvases, Sacred Art, 2040 W. Roscoe St., 773-404-8790, sacredartstore.com
The amateur Tom Skilling
Ideal for Weather Channel junkies who already have everything from Web alerts to rain gauges. The Weathertec handheld device monitors the weather forecast and indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, holds records of historical highs and lows, and also has more utilitarian functions like a clock and calendar.
$99.95, discoverystore.com
