Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we all know Portland dads aren’t just any dads. They work hard, play hard, and dad hard so we’ve put together some mostly local gift ideas to honor the special dads doing their part to Keep Parenting Weird.
The Mixologist
Cheers to the dad who still has the energy to mix a custom cocktail at the end of the day. Grab him some Portland Syrups at Tender Loving Empire to infuse his next cocktail. When the kids complain they want a special drink too, just add some soda water for a kiddie cocktail minus the sticky grenadine of our youth.
The Dad Who Takes Care of Himself and His Family
For the dad whose idea of doing shots involves wheatgrass, how about some health tonics like these from Fire Brew?
Does he need some pampering but is hesitant to go to the spa? Send him to Hammer and Nails, a men’s spa that caters to dads whose feet need some flip flop preparedness.
The Baseball Fan
Grab some Big League Chew (invented in Portland!) and head out to the MLB PDX store to get a sporty dad some gear. Then have a game of catch or watch this movie together for some Portland baseball history.
The Neighborhood Chef
Skip the cliche “Grill Daddy” apron and monogrammed spatula set. Instead, get the best cook in the house some sauces from Haute Sauce, or pick up Andy Ricker’s just-released book Pok Pok Noodles.
The King of Ice Cream
Get the ice cream lover in your life a summer filled with his favorite treat. Collect gift cards from Portland Faves like Fifty Licks, Salt & Straw, or Cloud City, and throw in some Gelato from Pinolo or Staccato Gelato to keep dad cool all summer long. Not that he wasn’t cool already.
The Runner
The Portland Marathon is back! Give your runner dad some GU, a fresh playlist, and jogging stroller free time to train.
The Traveler
For the dad who tries to keep his business trips short because he’s more into the life part of the whole work/life thing. When Knack Bag sent us their large expandable pack to check out, I knew this is what I was getting my husband this Father’s Day. This pack has the look and function of a high-end backpack but the features of a small suitcase inside. Perfect for overnight business trips or family weekends away. My favorite part is the hidden water bottle pocket!
The IPA Fanatic
Take your craft beer connoisseur to the Portland Beer and Cheese Fest the day before Father’s Day so he can’t accuse you of getting him something last minute. Or grab him some local brews paired with tickets to one of the Portland beer fests below so he can find some new favorites!
The Guy Who Hasn’t Lost His Sense of Adventure or His Sense of Humor
Sometimes being a parent leaves us beating the same path to the same activities. Portland has so many new adventures to try. This year, surprise your dad-venturer with a new experience like flyboarding in the Gorge or sailing lessons on the Willamette!
