Shop For Pop

Father’s Day Gift Guide

By Kathy Knotts, Noah Hale, and Michaila Shahan

As a country, we have only marked Father’s Day since 1910. On July 5, 1908, a West Virginia church sponsored the nation’s first event explicitly in honor of fathers, a Sunday sermon in memory of the 362 men who had died in the previous December’s explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah, but it was a one-time commemoration and not an annual holiday (thank you for the lesson, History.com).

It took a few years for the idea of Father’s Day to catch on. And our struggle with how to shower our male role models with gifts began.

The National Retail Federation estimates we will spend close to $20 billion for Father’s Day this year. Approximately 76 percent of American adults are expected to celebrate in some fashion.

“Despite growing concerns about inflation, consumers plan to spend approximately the same amount as last year in celebration of Father’s Day,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Spending patterns also reflect the sentimental nature of the holiday as consumers are prioritizing unique and meaningful gifts.”

Consumers plan to spend an average of $171.79 to honor their fathers and other important men in their lives, nearly mirroring last year’s expected average spending of $174.10.

The most important factors influencing Father’s Day purchases are “finding a gift that is unique or different” (44 percent) and “finding a gift that creates a special memory” (37 percent).

It’s not too late if you haven’t already bagged a gift for Pops for this Father’s Day (it’s Sunday, by the way!). We found a great assortment of gift-worthy gear for Dad, Granddad or whomever you are gifting this weekend.

Long gone are the days of giving Dad something he doesn’t want to wear. Go above and beyond and gift him a t-shirt or hoodie or sweatshirt from his favorite Bay establishments, or is the way to Dad’s heart his stomach? Treat him to a special meal or buy his favorite beverage for him. He does so much for you—it’s time to show some appreciation.

—

Pirate’s Cove Restaurant

Let Dad proclaim his love for the Pirate by donning t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts (Prices range $20-$50) or grab hats and visors ($25). Or if he would prefer to eat and drink his gift, a gift certificate fits the bill. Shop at the restaurant or at Piratescovemd.com.

Weaver Boatworks

If Dad is a fan of fast boats, or just looking super cool, he needs a new Weaver Boatworks shirt. You can snag the new men’s UV Fishing Shirt in Carolina Blue ($30) or the Soft Tee in Grey ($25) only at weaverboatworks-store.com.

Maryland Strength and Fitness

Help Dad get his fitness back with personal training sessions. Maryland Strength and Fitness in Dunkirk is offering Father and Me training, a two-partner session for just $100 (a $140 value). Visit them online at marylandstrength.com or call 301-787-4266.

The Boathouse at Anchored Inn

Is Dad a big fan of the orange crushes at The Boathouse in Deale? Then it’s time you pay the bill—get him a gift card to this unique watering hole ($25-$500) and let him buy the next round. Purchase at the bar or Anchored Inn.

Cruisin’ Tikis

Look, no one else is going to think of this. Take Dad and his favorite pals on a floating tiki cruise around Rockhold Creek. Book online: cruisintikisdeale.com

Ye Old Cutlery Shoppe

This 6-inch stainless steel blade Carvel crab knife comes in at $12.95, while the set, including a 6-inch pewter mallet, is $26.95. Both come in gift boxes. Perfect for summer days on the water with a table of crabs, owner of Ye Old Cutlery in St. Leonard tells us that knives are the gift that “last a lifetime.” Ye Old Cutlery also sells flashlights, airsoft and paintball supplies, and Real Steal gun accessories. Stop by in store at 5015 St. Leonard Road (410-326-0641) or order from their website at mdggifts.com.

Mamma Lucia Italian Restaurant 

Sometimes Dad just wants a really nice meal, the way his mama made it. Take him for authentic Italian cuisine at Mamma Lucia’s, and don’t skimp on dessert either. Gift cards also available. Mamma Lucia’s, 10136 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk, 301-812-1240.

A Vintage Deale

The owners of this unique store think Dad would love this portable English oak card table ($250) with a wooden box to hold his decks of cards ($38), along with a silver-plated traveling cocktail kit ($225). Stop by the store to see it for yourself: 655 Deale Rd, Deale, 443-875-8039.

Wimsey Cove Framing & Fine Art Printing

Wouldn’t Dad love to see his sports or military uniform or special collection artfully displayed? Take his important memorabilia to Wimsey Cove and watch ordinary objects become works of art in special frames and display cases. Prices vary. Wimsey Cove: 209 Chinquapin Round Rd. #101, Annapolis, 410-956-7278.

Fishers Island Lemonade

Treat Dad to an 8-pack of what will soon become his favorite summer canned cocktail. Fishers Island Lemonade, America’s Craft Lemonade Canned Cocktail, just released its first-ever Variety 8-pack, made with each of their award-winning offerings including four cans of Fishers Island Lemonade Original, two cans of Fishers Pink Flamingo (Lemonade + Cranberry) and two cans of Fishers Spiked Tea (Lemonade + Black Tea).  Available at most local beverage retailers ($26.99-$29.99), visit filemonade.com.

The Axe House

Knives out! The Axe House is your go-to arsenal for all your weapon-throwing needs. Have Dad throw some hatchets, ninja stars, or knives down one of their premium lanes. This Father’s Day, they’re offering up to a 25 percent discount off of Dad’s bill and 10 percent off of the family’s if you make a reservation. The Axe House, 570 H Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, 410-541-9956.

McBride Gallery 

Does Dad have an eye for a great piece of art? Does he really need something to spruce up his office? You can’t go wrong stopping by McBride Gallery to see what’s new. Owner Cynthia McBride suggests two new sculptures by Stewart and Steven Wegner: Rockfish with Crab and The Blue Crab with Base; or Glenn Murray’s Mel’s Truck Sales. Ask the gallery for latest prices. McBride Gallery: 215 Main St., Annapolis, 410-267-7077.

Medart Gallery

Any fan of aviation or the military will appreciate some inspired artwork. Scooters, is a limited edition signed and numbered piece by aviation artist Jack Fellows ($310). Medart also features plenty of other Dad-worthy art prints starting at $40. Medart: 10735 Town Center Blvd., Dunkirk, 410-257-6616, medart-gallery.com.

Annebeth’s

Still not sure what to get Dad? Have Annebeth’s build a custom gift basket for him, including local brews, his favorite snacks, and other goodies. Annebeth’s: 46 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, 410-990-9700, http://www.annebeths.biz/.