Kara Birkenstock

The Cocktail Loving Dad

No matter if your Dad enjoys beer in a frosty mug or a stiff martini, the following gifts will definitely add some zest to his cocktail repertoire. 

For the Dad who loves to entertain behind the bar, Peterson’s Happy Hour ($11.56, Amazon.com) is a collection of classic cocktail recipes with a sarcastic twist.  With simple instructions for making more than fifty tasty libations, an equipment glossary, and loads of hilarious vintage photographs, Peterson’s Happy Hour will give Dad some new and inventive ideas for Cocktail Hour.  Clever concoctions like the Tech Tonic and En-Gin Trouble are perfect antidotes for the bombardment of social networking and frustrating auto troubles that Dad faces on a daily basis!

For a great conversation starter at Dad’s next soiree, give the gift of BevShots, uniquely posh prints of beers, wines, and cocktails that have been photographed under a microscope and magnified in to fine art.  On their user friendly website, you can custom create a print for Dad by selecting his favorite alcoholic beverage, or browse by color theme.  Select from Fine Art Prints starting at $24.99 on canvas, or Metallic Prints starting at $37.99.  The vibrant colors and intoxicating designs will add a modern edge to any room, from Dad’s bar to his office or den.  Dad will surely be mesmerized by the beauty of BevShots!  (For rush shipping requests, please email BevShots at media@bevshots.com and mention Your GAL Kara.)

BevShots Print - Tequila

The Fashionable Father

For the Dad that loves to discover the newest and most fabulous finds in fashion, the following gifts will surely excite!

Cuff links, ties and slippers…oh my!  Fortunately, there’s a glam new accessory available for Dad that will set him fashionably apart from the rest!  The G-Tie is a beautifully crafted accessory for men that perfectly envelopes the knot of a tie.  When worn, the G-Tie brings a sleek and polished accent to the classic suit and tie ensemble.  The affordable and environmentally friendly ECO Collection features three finishes: shiny chrome, brushed aluminum and brushed charcoal.  With prices starting at $45.00 for the skinny version and $49.00 for the regular size, Dad can look striking and confident in one of the hottest accessories on the market!

If your Dad hates the bulk of traditional wallets, the Jimi Wallet is the perfect gift!  Made from 100% recyclable materials, the Jimi is the first wallet of its kind that is compact, water resistant, and attachable.  Available in 14 colors, this must have accessory is both fashionable and affordable starting at just $14.95.  The lightweight Jimi is perfect for all Dads, from the suit and tie businessman to the outdoor adventurer.  It also makes for a handy I.D. holder as most Jimis are translucent and can be worn around your neck on a lanyard (clever idea for busy travelers).  Dad will also be proud to know that proceeds from the US made Jimi go back to the environment, through the 1% For The Planet initiative.

Jimi Wallet in Clear

The Gadget Guy

You might think finding a cool tech gift for Dad under $50 would be impossible?  Well, with all the accessories and Apps available today, all you need is a little creativity!

If Dad recently invested in an iPad, he’ll definitely love and appreciate the Neoprene Sleeve for iPad from Built ($30, Builtny.com).  This slim sleeve will protect Dad’s investment without bulk, so it’s easy to carry to business meetings or while traveling.  Available in basic black or fiery orange, Dad can rest assured that his precious iPad will be safe from the bumps and scratches of everyday life!

If Dad enjoys travelling or is in the military, Jibbigo is the ideal gift!  Jibbigo ($24.99 -$27.99, iTunes Store) is a new speech to speech translation application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (Android and Droid support coming soon).  All Dad has to do is speak a sentence in to his device, and the App instantly speaks the sentence aloud in the other language – like your very own personal interpreter!  The App also shows the translation on the screen so Dad can be sure everything is accurate.  Available in Spanish-English, Chinese-English, Japanese-English, and new Iraqi-English, Jibbigo is the perfect companion for the Dad who travels for business or pleasure, or who is in the military.  The newest Iragi-English App was created specifically for service personnel in the armed forces, so Dad can overcome frustrating language barriers.  (Update 6/16/10 – Sorry friends, but the redemption code is no longer valid.)

Jibbigo - English to Spanish

The Grill Master

For the Dad that lives to grill, the following gifts are a necessity – no BBQ aficionado should start their Summer without these essentials! 

The ultimate guide to all things BBQ is Steven Raichlen’s latest book, Planet Barbecue ($15.61, Amazon.com).  The award winning grill expert will inspire Dad with his extensive collection of recipes – Raichlen visited 60 counties and rounded up 309 of the tastiest, most tantalizing, easy-to-make, and guaranteed-to-wow recipes from every corner of the globe.  Raichlen opens the world’s doors and showcases inventive international recipes, unique grilling methods, and mouth watering full color photographs – enough to make Dad salivate! 

Grill Charms are the coolest new BBQ accessory since the branding iron, and a must have for any serious Grill Master!  Grill Charms ($19.99, Grillcharms.com) are dime sized solid stainless steel charms that are placed in food before grilling.  The charms distinguish spices and flavors, steak temperatures and avoid health or allergy issues.  With the Steak Collection (with MR for Medium Rare, etc.), Dad no longer has to cut into each piece of meat to find out how each is cooked.  With the Spicy Collection, Dad can now offer his guests Mild, Medium, or Spicy sauces and rubs without any confusion.  Other collections include the Charmed Life and the Pink Collection.  (For a limited time, Grill Charms is offering a $5 discount, just type “grilling” in the coupon code section at checkout.  Order by Wednesday, June 16th for arrival by Father’s Day!)

Grill Charms - Steak Collection

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