12 Fresh Gift Ideas for Your Father Figure on Father's Day
He’s your father. Papa, dad, whatever you call him, he’s the one who has been cheering from the stands since day one. Maybe he taught you how to throw a baseball, or perhaps he ignited your love of classic rock. Maybe he taught you the perfect paella recipe, or handed down his trademark humor. He’s probably still the champion on the grill, though you’re old enough now to vie for the title. Dad is the one who has been the bannerman for your dreams and goals. He’s still a temple for sage advice, and a shoulder to cry on when the sun isn’t shining. Father’s Day is an excellent time to remind your dad (or your father-figure) that you appreciate everything he has done (and all the times he’s put up with you).Maybe this year, you’re shopping for a new dad. Though he is now the proud parent of a beautiful bundle of joy, no doubt he deserve a little pampering himself after all those late nights and big bills. If you’re a parent yourself now, you know just how much love and care fathers can put into bringing up their kids.Here, our guide to gifts that will remind your dad the place he holds in your heart. They range from the sentimental -- like custom-made vouchers -- to the splurge-worthy, to appeal to any budget. Gift ideas for the dad in your life on Father's Day:Yoga Starter Set, $35If your father hasn’t discovered the health benefits of yoga, it may be time to introduce him to the joys of vinyasa. Yoga can aid in flexibility, reduce anxiety, increase muscle tone, and promote positive cardio and circulatory health.This set includes all he needs to step forward into your practice, including an ultra-thick mat, two blocks, a mat towel, a hand towel, and a strap.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMiTOUCH Smartwatch, $59.50Maybe dad is a workout fiend and never skips his morning workout or tennis match. Or perhaps he’s trying to get a little better at keeping tabs on his health. Whatever the situation, the iTOUCH Smartwatch will help monitor his sleep, his heart rate, and a host of other features so he can tailor his workouts to just what his body needs.The adjustable silicone strap is designed to fit tight on his wrist, whatever his exercise of choice.Elko Pocket Knife, $60A good pocket knife is a multi-functional asset: he can make things, fix things, break things; it’s always there when your dad needs it.This one has every-day-carry functionalities: it’ll hang easily from a keychain, it’s small enough to fit in a pocket, and the stainless steel body and Sandvik steel won’t rust or dull over time.Knock Knock Vouchers, $8.11For the shopper on a budget, Knock Knock Vouchers carry sentimental appeal without the big money price tag. Each voucher includes a coupon for one wish -- from a free car wash to control of the remote (perfect for game day).This coupon will feel especially poignant for the new dad who is probably in need of a little reprieve.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMFender Play, $9.99/monthKnow a dad who’s always dreamed of having his name in lights? Well, you may not be able to help there, but Fender’s Play feature is the stepping stone to some serious strumming. It offers step-by-step video lessons that track your progress. The Tablature section breaks down his favorite songs to bite-size bits.Heaven’s Door Whiskey, $49.99Bob Dylan + Whiskey? Yes, we’re not kidding - famed songwriter Bob Dylan has launched his passion project, Heaven’s Door whiskey. True to Dylan’s music, the Whiskey combines art and craft - it’s made in collaboration with some of the top craft distillers in the country. Pick from one of the brand’s inaugural collections, ranging from Tennessee straight bourbon, double barrel whiskey, and Straight Rye. They all sip beautifully on their own, with ice, or in a cocktail. For a truly perfect present, wrap it up with a Bob Dylan record.Frank & Oak Style PlanFrom clothing savants Frank & Oak comes the easiest way to shop ever. With the Style Plan, each month, a curated box of clothing is sent straight to your dad's home home.Each box contains a selection of garments and accessories, ranging from more work-appropriate button-ups to laid-back weekend essentials. Preview the box before it arrives, so there are never any unwanted surprises. Each piece is stylish, casual, and comfortable (and saves dad a trip to the mall).Tile Pro, $59.99Do you have a dad who never seems to be able to find his keys?The Tile Pro makes getting ready in the morning far less stressful. Simply attach the small square to your key -- or slip it into your wallet or tag it to whatever other item disappears frequently -- and the corresponding iPhone app will direct you to just where that item is hiding.And if your dad loses his Tile Pro too, this pack comes with a back-up version!>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMTu Casa Mi Casa, $43.84Sure, you can get your father another grilling book. But this Father’s Day, inject a little more life into his cooking.Tu Casa Mi Casa touches on grilling, yes, but it goes far beyond your standard barbecue fare. Famed Chef Enrique Olvera collects and reminisces on 100 of his personal favorite recipes, ranging from crispy chilaquiles bowls (corn tortillas simmered in salsas and generously topped with peppers and cheese) to stunning salsa Rojas. Though his restaurants frequently earn international acclaim, each recipe is easy for chefs of any level, and include step-by-step photography. Add that salsa to his tried-and-true steak recipe - you can thank us later.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMHuckberry Leather Dopp Kit, $49.98A good dopp kit not only keeps all your dad's toiletries and grooming items in one safe space when he travels, but it keeps things organized — no more forgetting toothpaste or razors.A good dopp kit should be an extension of his luggage -- plastic bags will not do the trick -- so think a suave leather with practical details.Huckberry’s leather Dopp kit is made with a durable calf leather exterior, and inside, an easy-to-clean synthetic lining.Olukai Nohea Moku, $95Is your dad one of the fatherly types who seem to hold onto their sneakers far past the time they should’ve been thrown out? A swell new pair of Olukai shoes will leave dad looking dapper. This pair in particular is modeled after a traditional boat shoe, but with an adventuring twist. The upper is made with lightweight, water-resistant mesh, and the shoe is lined with a breathable microfiber. Rubber cupsoles will provide grip no matter the conditions.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMRockwell Shaving Kit, $36Dad probably taught you to shave, so why not bring that full circle?Rockwell’s shave kit will provide the most luxurious shave of his life: a precision razor with a butterfly head will render nicks and cuts a thing of the past. Add in Rockwell’s shave brush (it has the softest bristles) and the luxurious shaving cream, and his skin will never be happier.* The feature image for this article uses a photo from Subscription Boxes for Men.
12 Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts to Show You Truly Care
Your mother has been there for you since day one. She’s your cheerleader, giver of the best advice, and an all-around superhero. She’s believed in you since before you could walk, and to this day she’s still your biggest fan. What better day than Mother’s Day to remind her what an inspiration she is?This year, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, the one who brought you into this world, or if you’re shopping for your partner in parenthood, it can be a challenge to find a gift that says how grateful you are to have them in your life. That gift doesn’t have to be flashy or overly expensive; it just has to be a sweet, thoughtful gift that shows you care. It might be a Fitbit for the mom who is always on the go or a new cookbook for the mother who showers you with home-cooked meals. Maybe it’s just the coffee maker she’s been hinting at or a pair of simple hoop earrings to make her every day a bit more luxurious. To spark your creativity, we’ve gathered up a few of our favorite gifting ideas. None of these options are over-the-top, but they will fit the bill for something practical, but still special. Because Mother’s Day seems to sneak up on us every year (hint, hint: it’s coming up quickly), we’ve included a few options available on Amazon Prime, so you have until May 10 to figure it out. SimpleThe foodie mom will devour Yotam Ottolenghi’s newest cookbook. While many of his previous books have featured drawn-out recipes with hard-to-source ingredients, every recipe in Simple is well, simple. Each recipe is free of hard-to-find ingredients and designed to be made in under 30 minutes or less, while never sacrificing flavor. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMFitbit InspireFitbits need no introduction, but if your mom hasn’t taken the plunge and purchased one yet, the new Fitbit Inspire is especially enticing. This iteration of the FitBit is designed to empower: the band allows her to set her weight and fitness goals and carefully tracks her progress through sleep, heart rate, and cardio monitoring. One of our favorite new features is a guided breathing feature that allows he to find calm wherever she is.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMFrench PressWhile many moms never seem to need help waking up with the sun, a good french press will make her mornings a tiny bit more luxurious. This one has double-walls and a stainless steel construction, so it keeps coffee warm for far longer than your run-of-the-mill french press. It’s not over the top, but she will always be reminded of the one who gave it to her. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMAmazon Echo DotAmazon’s most popular smart speaker is the ultimate home helper. Voice control capabilities allow her to switch off erh lights, turn on your coffee maker, read a favorite recipe, turn on the radio, lower the thermostat, or flip on a movie, all without lifting a finger. The new Skills feature is equipped with everything from a Scrabble assistant to a meditation guide. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMAero GardenIf your mom has a green thumb, an indoor air garden will give her the chance to grow fresh herbs year-round. The mini garden allows her to grow up to six plants at a time -- no soil or space required. The built-in light hood (energy efficient!) has an automatic 15-hour loop to give her plants the perfect amount of love. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COM7-Piece Yoga KitIf she spends her mornings stretching at the studio, a yoga kit is a great way to support her practice. This 7-piece set includes a padded yoga mat (complete with carrying strap), two yoga blocks, two towels, a stretching strap, and a knee pad. It’s everything she needs to achieve the perfect vinyasa.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMUGG Blanche II Short RobeGive your mom the gift of coziness with a robe perfect for lazing around the house. UGG’s robe is just as soft as their signature sheepskin boots, and comes complete with pockets and a waist tie for optimum comfort. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COM23andMeOne of the most popular and comprehensive DNA tests on the market, 23andMe scours 1,000+ geographic regions to provide a thorough report on where you came from. Find out how much Neanderthal DNA you’ve inherited, or find out where your ancestors called home - it may surprise you! For an extra $100, you can also find out your health predisposition, carrier status, and a host of other wellness reports. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMLululemon Define JacketWhile this jacket is the perfect accessory for the gym -- it’s made with sweat-wicking, stretch Luon fabric -- it’s the versatility of the jacket that really sells it. While it’s warm enough to keep her warm on a chillier day of running errands, the lightweight jacket won’t weigh her down on a longer hike or in a tough workout class. The simple, streamlined design and the understated color makes it easy to pair with whatever she's feeling.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMIndian-ishCo-written by food journalist Priya Krishna and her mother, Indian-ish is part-starter cookbook, part-heartwarming reflection on growing up in an Indian family in America. The recipes aren't intimidating for those unfamiliar with Indian cooking, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on flavor or fun. Think Tomato Rice with Crispy Cheddar, Malaysian Ramen, or Roti Pizza. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMMejuri Small HoopsMejuri makes simple, no-fuss earrings with a feel-good edge; all diamonds come from conflict-free sources, and all other alloys are sourced from suppliers who use ethical labor practices. Each piece is put together in their Toronto studio, just a stone’s throw away from their office. 14k solid gold ensures she can wear these hoops anywhere and everywhere without irritation.The BouqsThis is flowers on a whole other level! The Bouqs takes a lot of the guesswork out of picking a bouquet for your mom. Choose from more classic arrangements like pastel tulips, or a quirkier arrangements of sunflowers and eucalyptus. If you’re stuck, customize your search through the Best-Sellers or Under-$40 tabs. None of the bouquets roll out of a factory -- each one of the bouquets is gathered at The Bouqs’ vast network of local farms, so you know it’s been arranged with care.
The 15 Best Books About Relationships
There is a lot of stigma around purchasing a relationship book. It may make you feel like your relationship just isn’t working, or it can feel like a last-ditch effort to save a terminal relationship. But it is time to cut the embarrassment. You and your partner are not all-knowing, so it’s totally normal to hunt for advice on how to mend and strengthen your relationship. Maybe your relationship has always been a well oiled machine, but lately, you feel like something just isn’t working like it used to or maybe you just want to ensure you have the tools to build a strong relationship for years to come. Regardless of what stage your relationship is in, whether you’re thick as thieves or if you have been drifting for some time now, a good relationship help book will offer insight into how to build your bond.Or maybe you’re not in a relationship, and you’ve got questions as to why things just aren’t panning out. Whatever the case, we’ve got a book for you. To help you get back to loving, we’ve gathered the best book about relationships available right now. These range from tried-and-true classics (remember Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus?) to some of the newer books to hit the shelves (like Eat, Pray, Love’s relationship-focused sequel). Men Are From Mars, Women Are From VenusThis one is an absolute classic. Your parents probably had it on their bedside at some point, and though that may have been many moons ago, it is still incredibly salient. The thesis revolves around the thought that Martians (men) and Venusians (women) are in the happiest relationships when they accept their differences as positivities. Written by a former marriage counselor, all of the insights are drawn from experience and insights with real-life couples.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMHe's Just Not That Into YouAt the end of the day, he might just not be that into you. For your single friend who is constantly fretting about why a relationship went south, Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo break down why you’re wasting your time on those duds. While the book is equally hilarious and refreshing, it also kicks the readers away from over-analyzing relationship and sets them loose to go find the real one. If you’re a single male, this will provide a peek into some of women’s biggest dating anxieties.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMSacred MarriageFor those who place high value both on their partner and God in their life, this book walks you through how the love in your marriage can heighten your relationship with God and everything else in your life. Okay, so you’re not religious - hear us out, this book is still a favorite of ours. Mainly as it pushes you to realize the meaning of your relationship beyond the surface-level butterflies, and how to translate that love into all areas of your life.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Sex-Starved MarriageIt may feel like, thanks to the name, buying this book is like buying a coffin for a relationship. But while the start of your relationship may be full of lots and lots of glorious sex, as you begin to settle in a life together your sex life may start to peter out. It happens! Don’t feel embarrassed, but physical connection is a key part of maintaining a healthy relationship and if you’ve lost your Mojo, it is hard to ask the tough question of how to get it back. This book details how both partners - no matter the level of your sex drive - can build back that physical connection.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMDifficult ConversationsYou know those hard conversations you just don’t really want to have? The ones you’ve been putting off for some time now? Those difficult conversations can be hindering your relationship with your significant other. The teachers of the Harvard Negotiation Project have put together this book to guide you through how to navigate every tough conversation or fight with not just the people you love, but colleagues, parents and the like.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe 5 Love LanguagesEveryone loves differently. Some live for the 24/7 endearing love quote text messages and others prefer a to-the-point style of texting. Others love over-the-top grand gestures, while others enjoy a more subtle approach to showing your love. Whatever you or your partner's love language, Gary Chapman has made a simple guide to expressing and accepting each other’s love languages. Sometimes, it may be as easy as saying "I love you" every day.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMCommittedThis isn’t your run-of-the-mill self-help book. From the author behind Eat, Pray, Love, comes the continuum of her story. Remember Felipe, the Brazilian she fell in love with? Well, things weren’t all dandy post-book, and, thanks to visa issues, Gilbert was veered into a new marriage. Committed jumps into the complexities of a second marriage and how to navigate a committed relationship, all in Gilbert’s charming, witty prose.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMMindful Relationship HabitsSometimes the ins and outs of daily life are far from the most romantic part of a relationship. Be it fights over the dishes, finances, kids, and the like, the pressures of life, the minutiae of the day-to-day can leave you both in a disconnect. This book aims to pull you away from the shuffle and help build habits that promote a mindful relationship. Each of these habits helps you communicate more clearly, avoid arguments, and understand each other's needs in a more thoughtful way. This book is like a deep back massage for all those little knotty relationship issues.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Science of Happily Ever AfterHow do you go about looking for the key to your happily ever after? Dr. Ty Tashiro examines in The Science of Happily Ever After by translating years of research analysis into insight on how we look for a partner. To back this, Dr. Tashiro paints the picture with real-life scenarios to help you find the path to your other half.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMHold Me TightThe New York Times’ voted Emotionally Focused Therapy one of the top relationship therapies, and for good reason. In Hold Me Tight, author Sue Johnson argues that love relationships are an attachment bond (similar to the relationship you have with your parents). Whether or not you agree with this, this book holds many keys to how to care more compassionately for your partner and how to build a more fulfilling bond between you both.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMAttached: The New Science for Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find - and Keep - LoveIf you’ve been in and out of relationships and just haven’t found your better half, you may have asked yourself the question, is there a science to love? Neuroscientist Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel Heller investigate, looking to the science behind attachment theory. Attachment theory revolves around how humans need to be in a tight relationship with someone at all times and how a person's behavior in a relationship can be divided into three categories: anxious, avoidant, and secure. Levine and Heller will guide you towards which one you fall under and how you can build your relationship around it. Pick this up if you or your partner are the overly logical sort.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Highly Sensitive Person in LoveAre you the frequent cried when problems arise? Is fear of intimacy an underlying problem? No biggie - 20% of people are born highly sensitive, and you just happen to be one of them. But that can cause serious turmoil in your relationships. To combat these issues, Elaine Aron’s research prescribes a few antidotes for overly sensitive folks on how to lead happy, healthy relationships.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMGetting the Love You WantAnother old-school classic, Getting the Love You Want is less about couples, and more about exploring yourself and what you need and want. Harville Hendrix pushes the reader to explore what love you need, like what promotes intimacy for you and what creates negative feelings, and how to use these insights to build your relationship with your partner. The book is filled with lots of quizzes and activities for you and your partner to work on as a couple, or individually.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMSoppySoppy was born on the internet, when author and illustrator Philippa Rice started documenting the details of her relationship with her boyfriend. While many of the moments she found were romantic - like cuddling by the fire - many of the scenes she illustrated were those little tiny moments that are often overlooked - like how you sleep next to each other or randomly remembering each other’s favorite foods. It’s a heart-warming reminder to stop and smell the flowers.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMRELATED READING:Here Are 11 of the Best Self-Development Books of All TimeHow These 3 Books Changed My Whole Perspective on LifeThese Are the 20 Most-Read Books of 2018, and They’re Surprisingly Uplifting
15 Actually Meaningful Valentine's Day Gifts for Him and Her
Valentine’s Day is upon us, yet again. We’re sure by now you’re planning your grand gestures or classic holiday romance. Right? Flowers, jewels, chocolates, a big bottle of Champagne and the like are all well and good, but we love a gift that adds meaning in their life beyond indulging on the 14th. Whether it’s a book that will inspire happiness or if it’s just a silk eye mask to add a little luxury to their sleep, we’ve gathered our favorite thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts below.Beyond romantic partners, many of these gifts are suited for any of the ladies in your life (meaning, don’t forget to get a gift for mom and grandma), like a luxe sleep mask or a Fitbit.If it’s February 12th and you just found this page via a desperate, last-minute Google search, never fear -- many of these gifts are available for express delivery via Amazon Prime.The AlchemistAs yoga is very much about centering yourself and realizing your potential, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist will resonate with your favorite yogi. One of the best selling books of all time, The Alchemist follows the fables of Santiago, a young shepherd boy on a search for a storied buried treasure. While the quest is interesting in its own right, the real message lies in the folks Santiago meets along the way. Each teaches Santiago a life lesson, like how to recognize your true potential.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMHyperchillerSo your loved one always seems to have a coffee in their hand and is on a nickname basis with her local barista. It’s about time she met the Hyperchiller: the quickest way to get cafe-quality cold brew from the comfort of your own home. Brew your coffee with your preferred method, and pour it into the Hyperchiller. Within moments, the Hyperchiller rapidly chills your beverage with absolutely no dilution. It performs double duty too, chilling down a bottle of white wine in a snap.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMKate Spade Heart of Gold BangleKate Spade’s Heart of Gold bracelet sits and the ideal intersection between sentimental and stylish. Peek at the inside of the minimalistic 14K gold-plated band and the words “Heart of Gold” are engraved inside (awwww).>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Five Minute JournalIf the person you’re shopping tends to run at 100-miles-a-minute, give them a reason to slow down (if at least for five minutes) and gather their happiness. The five-minute journal prompts you to take five minutes a day to cultivate your gratitude through a series of easy exercises. Plus, at just five minutes, it won’t interfere with you doing what you do.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck“There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter,” prompts blogger Mark Manson’s instant-classic of a self-help book. While a little unconventional, it is designed to slap you in the face and push you to be a kick-ass version of yourself.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Power of NowEckhart Tolle’s famous work (and, one of Oprah’s favorite books) The Power of Now dives into how to approach and embrace the present through (non-religious) spiritual practices. It starts with the importance of meditation, and dives into why we meditate and the importance behind the practice.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMCactus HumidifierDesigned to rid your space of dry air and the chapped lips, dry skin, and runny noses that dry air causes, this cheeky cactus humidifier fills your space with moisture. It’s tiny size and USB charge lets it pop easily into a bag so it can tag along to work or your next trip.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleThe OG book for the budding CEO or upcoming entrepreneur, How to Win Friends and Influence People is your handy, dandy roadmap to success. As the name suggests, Dale Carnegie walks you through how to win friends and influence people, as well as how to improve your situation at work and shift your colleagues’ way of thinking.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMSilk Eye Pillow MaskSo buying your friend a ball-out beach vacation isn’t quite in the books now. But you can still give them a gift that will transport them to tranquility (if at least only mentally). An elegant 100% mulberry silk mask eliminates light interference to relieves stress and relax muscles as you slumber. For the friend who is always on vacation, this mask is perfect for getting shut-eye on a plane.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMPalo Santo SticksFor your friend who’s home is brimming with candles, meet their new infatuation: palo santo. The sacred ‘wood of the saints’ is farmed from a wild tree in Central American and is said to have mystical healing and therapeutic powers. Positive properties aside, it will also fill your home with intoxicating woody notes.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMAffirmators!Think of these little cards as self-help books minus the cheesiness of a self-help book. Each of these whimsical cards includes a quote designed to inject good vibes in your life, like “To enjoy something, I simply need to add joy to it”. They’re designed by comedian Suzi Barrett - of Drunk History and How I Met Your Mother Fame - so expect some smiles caused by Barrett’s cheeky humor.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMFitbit AltaFor the one who is still kicking butt and taking names well into February, a Fitbit will help track their progress through a heart rate monitor, and zone function, where you can gauge the intensity of your workout. Or maybe this is for your friend who has grown apart from the gym: the step counter and distance tracker can help give a gentle push back on track.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COM23andMeWe’ve all heard your grandmother’s stories of your kin of yore, but 23 & Me dives deeper into your family history and tracks it far past that really great lasagna recipe your great-great-grandmother made. The easy-to-use kit delivers a customized ancestry report that goes far beyond your family tree to your ancient ancestors. Spend an additional $25 for wellness reports based on your ancestor’s health.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThink and Grow Rich6,000 positive Amazon reviews don’t lie - Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich distills the attributes of highly successful people into a palatable guide to the top. Some of the book’s most positive tips include how to make decisions quickly and efficiently and how to create a concrete plan for wealth.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMManduka EKO Yoga MatFor the one who is never late to the crack-of-dawn workout class, a new yoga mat will be much appreciated. This one is made with eco-friendly, recycled jute fibre with no toxins or chemicals. A yoga mat strap that makes it easy to haul from class to home doubles as a stretching strap.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMRELATED READING:15 The Notebook Quotes That Will Make You Fall in Love10 Incredibly Uplifting Movies to Watch on Netflix This Weekend
