To help take the guesswork out of Father’s Day gifting, we scoured the Front Range for a variety of gifts for Colorado dads. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your spouse, father-in-law, or that dear ol’ dad of your own, there’s sure to be a gift for every dad on your list.
For the nine-to-five dad
Whether Dad takes public transit, bikes, or drives in to work, get him (and all his gear) to-and-fro in style with Topo Designs’ commuter briefcase. Handmade in Colorado, this bag can be carried three ways—with leather carry handles, stowable backpack straps, and a removable shoulder strap. Its interior features a laptop sleeve, organization pockets, and plenty of room for Dad’s day-to-day stuff. $189, available in four colors.
For the handy dad
For dads who love building, fixing, and tinkering with just about anything around the house, add a set of Neighbor Supply screwdrivers to his toolbelt. The birchwood handles and black oxide-coated blades are built to last, and they’re pretty cool looking, too. Complete the set with a made-in-Colorado tool roll, and Dad can easily store them until his next project. $36-$134.
For the single malt dad
Treat dad to a nightcap at Stranahan’s with a cocktail class focused on whiskey. On June 13, dads will be welcomed with a cocktail and charcuterie, while learning about the history of Stranahan’s and American single malt whiskey, followed by a traditional four-part whiskey tasting. Dad will learn the history of the Old Fashioned and test his skills at his own cocktail station. The night includes snacks, a one-ounce whiskey sample, three to four cocktails, and a VIP gift bag. $60 per person, 21 and over.
For the microbrew dad
Whether Dad is a home-brewer or simply a connoisseur of the Colorado craft, Alpine Wine Design’s barrel stave beer flight is the perfect gift for entertaining dads to showcase their favorite pours. The tasting tray is made in Colorado from a repurposed aged oak wine barrel and includes four five-ounce glasses. $49.
For the nerdtastic dad
If Dad’s favorite place is the comic book store, get him a ticket to Denver Comic Con, a three-day nerd affair at the Colorado Convention Center, June 15-17. Kids tickets are only $8.25 for a three-day pass, so the kids can join in on the fun, too. Tickets can be prepurchased for photo ops with some of the celebrity guests like Matt Smith (Doctor Who), cast members from Stranger Things, Molly Ringwald, and more. Give dad an envelope of cash with his entrance ticket for autographs from his favorite celebrity guest. Adult tickets are $94 for a three-day pass and $44-$60 for a one-day pass.
For the dapper dad
If Dad’s work uniform involves a basic suit and tie, freshen up his look with Knotty Tie Co. neckties, bow ties, and pocket squares. Printed and sewn in Denver on fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, choose from a variety of prints and designs—including floral, adventure, food, beer, and Colorado themes, among others—or let them help you create a custom design just for Dad. $30 and up for neckties, $30-$40 for bow ties, and $12-$15 for pocket squares.
For the culinary dad
Uncorked Kitchen is hosting a Father’s Day brunch cooking class on June 16 and 17. The whole family can lend a hand making an impressive brunch of avocado and crab rolls, bacon and chive eggs Benedict with hollandaise, bananas foster stuffed French toast, and strawberry cream puffs. Kids must be six years old or older $50 per cook.
For the adventurous dad
Has Dad already checked a few fourteeners off the list? Does he aspire to visit all the national parks? Or perhaps he was once (or still is) a world traveler. If so, then a Wanderwide print, created by a Denver-based designer and mountaineer, is just the thing for this adventurous dad. Each register print—including 14er summits, national parks, and world wonders—comes with a stamp and ink pad, so Dad can check off his accomplishments and plan for new adventures with the family. $59 for the print, $129-$199 with frame.
For the grill-master dad
Is Dad a pit master? Get him, and the rest of the family, barbecue from around the country at the Denver BBQ Festival, June 16-17. Entry is free Saturday and Sunday, with barbecue and beverages available for purchase. Get dad a VIP Pass and he can hang out in an exclusive and fully stocked VIP section with unlimited barbecue, an open bar, and a chance to hang out with the Legends of Pit. VIP passes start at $45-$75, with two time slots each day.
For the clean-shaven dad
Give Dad the gift of a shave so clean it’ll take five years off his face (actual results are subjective, of course). Golden-based microsoapery Spinster Sisters offers shaving sets for men featuring simple, natural ingredients in bath soaps, shaving soaps and creams, lip balms, and skin care products in a variety of aromatic scents even Dad will love—like ryrish stout beer, sandalwood, and eucalyptus. $49-$75 for shaving sets; products can also be purchased separately.
For the well-groomed dad
Get dad looking sharp with a gift card to GQ Barber Lounge, who offers haircuts, hot lather shaves, facial trims to groom beards, facials, skin treatments, manicures and pedicures just for men, and waxing. “Homme Improvement” gift cards can be purchased on their website, or in person. 1605 17th St., Denver
For the yard game-loving dad
If Dad likes playing bags with his friends, gift him a set of Colorado Joe’s cornhole boards and he can enjoy the game in his own backyard. Handcrafted in Denver, each set is custom-made and can be personalized to fit Dad’s interests—such as his favorite sports team, hometown, or even a Colorado/Star Wars-themed design. $199, $224 with a set of eight bags; local pickup available.
