Time to shop for dad
Every Father's Day adds a few more T-shirts and aloha shirts to the old man's closet. He could probably use a little more variety, so, in addition to a dinner or backyard barbecue, here are five ideas for last-minute shopping that may bring the element of surprise back to the occasion.
To make the day extra special, throw in a tank of gas, which is almost as precious as rare metals these days.
1. TIFFANY: A GUY'S BEST FRIEND
Tiffany is not just for women who want to embody the spirit of Audrey Hepburn. The international fine jeweler also creates classic accessories for men. Among gift items available in sterling silver are key rings reflecting leisurely pursuits such as golf ($115) and fishing ($145). Tiffany 1837 Swiss Army Knives in sterling run $215 to $395. The jeweler recently introduced new designs in the Atlas collection of masculine pieces graced by Roman numerals. Cufflinks in midnight titanium, $375; Atlas Dome stainless steel watch with white or black dial, $2,600.
2. SATISFYING CONNOISSEUR TASTES
If Dad's a cigar aficionado, surprise him with a handful of quality cigars such as Ashton VSGs and Arturo Fuentes from the Dominican Republic, or Rocky Patels and Padrons from Nicaragua. At South Pacific Pipes & Cigars, 350 Ward Ave. at Halekauwila Street, they start at about $5.75 each, with the Ashtons going for $16.80 to $24.30 and top-of-the-line Padrons going for $13.35 to $30.25 each. The higher the ring gauge the better, with thicker widths containing more flavor.
3. YOU'VE GOT HIS NUMBER
Send the message that Dad is, literally, the No. 1 man in your life with a box of No. 1-shaped cookies from Honolulu Cookie Co. at Ward Warehouse. They sell for $3.95 to $7.50 per box, featuring Butter Mac, Milk Chocolate Dip Butter Mac and Dark Chocolate Butter Mac flavors.
4. BABYING DAD'S SKIN
Beneath Dad's rugged exterior could be sensitivity - at least when it comes to his skin. Daily shaving takes a toll, and a number of companies are addressing sensitivities with shaving collections that soften whiskers to minimize razor bumps and ingrown hairs, relieve irritation and moisturize skin. Check out kits from Dermalogica, available at Salon Bobbi & Guy, Paul Brown Salon & Day Spa and the Mani Pedi Spa at Ala Moana Center for $35; or L'Occitane shaving set, $42 at the Royal Hawaiian Center store.
5. ALOHA SHIRT COMFORT WITH STYLE
Just as comfortable as an aloha shirt, but with an aura of leisure to get him out of downtown office mode, Tommy Bahama offers an array of camp shirts starting at about $130. This Dealer's Choice Panel Back Camp Shirt in 100 percent silk jacquard features a trio of poker-playing parrots, including one with cigar in beak. It's $148.
