Father's Day Walk: 12 Gift Ideas

Dear Children of South Pasadena:

I know. School just ended. You are deservedly excited. But in your giddy rush to crash in front of your preferred electronic screen, aren't you forgetting something? Father's Day is on Sunday.

Isn't it time you put dad first? Show you appreciate how much effort he put into making your old California Mission project by giving him a gift that says, "I love you. Now please buy me something."

• Have you got yourself a sporty dad? Then how about getting him a Wing Flyer ($600) at ? Have you seen these? They are like moving elliptical machines. Very trendy. Giving one of these to Dad says, "You are forever young and energetic, like Robert Pattinson in Twilight, only less sparkly."
• You can send Dad a similar message with a pair of Vibram FiveFingers shoes, but only if Dad really likes to show off his toes because these are literally gloves for the feet.  They are very good for running. ($100 at )
• Is Dad a doer? Does he, despite your firmest protestations, like to do things with you? Then how about a DIY electronics kits from ($15-$150). You can build a robot together! A talking booby trap together!  Won't mom love that!
• Is Dad a doer but untrustworthy around electronics?  A safer choice might be a snap together wooden birdhouse, only $36 at
• Is Dad not a doer? Does he prefer to be locked alone in a mancave? Well, then how about you get him a nice cigar? Ashtons from the Dominican Republic run $10-$20 each at Tell owner Fayez Karroum you read about it them in Patch and he'll give you 10 percent off. However, you will have to let mom make this purchase.
• Dad might also want a good book for the mancave. has the mysteries and thrillers he'll love. Trade paperbacks run around $15 and hardbacks are around $25.
• Maybe Dad needs some art for the mancave, in which case you will want to check out Susan Rueger Barber's mixed media on canvas exhibit at  Entitled Jacaranda, each unique piece features one of South Pasadena's iconic jacaranda trees in either a local setting or with reference to South Pasadena's local history. $125 for one. $100 each when buying two or more. (This and the birdhouse were my personal favorites, but, then again, I'm not a dad so...) 
• Want to get something arty but maybe less expensive? has adorable iron paper weights shaped like manly wingtips, only $29.
• Have you been very, very bad? Get into dad's good graces by spending all Mom's money on him! A Citizen solar-powered watch for $450 will show you regret your poor choices, plus he'll never have to buy another watch battery. They are 30 percent off through the end of June at
• Do you hardly ever see Dad? Then it won't embarrass you at all if he walks around in a nice hat. (Around $45 at )
• If you are really flummoxed on what to get dad, let me give you a final hint. All Dad really wants is to spend time with you. Get a couple of cinnamon rolls over at ($2.50, available Saturdays and Sundays only) and spend Father's Day morning listening to him drone on about his glory days. I know, but it will mean so much to him. 
• If you absolutely can't hear one more story about Dad's glory days, then just rent a movie ($4.25 at ). It's screen time after all, and isn't screen time what you both really want?

Patch Asks: Check out our video of Father's Day Gift ideas. What are you buying your dad?

Download the movie