Father's Day is an internationally-celebrated holiday created to honor all fathers. The first Father's Day in the United States was held in 1908, but it wasn't until the Johnson administration that it became an official holiday. Today, it's the day that Dad is celebrated with a steak dinner, a golf outing or whatever activity he likes most.
Dad loves gifts from the heart and it doesn't matter if it's homemade or purchased at a store. Many Dads love to grill, read, play golf or attend sporting events. Here are a few unique gift ideas because Dad probably doesn't want socks and underwear.
A Pair of Cowboy Boots
Does Dad love boots? They're a special gift that you just don't run out and purchase for yourself every day. Boots are tough and rugged, kinda like Dad. Hand-crafted leather with exotic skins (like ostrich or alligator) can be dressed up or casual. Check out great western wear stores like Shepler's, Pink's or Cavender's.
Dallas Mavericks Gear
© Angela Patterson
The Mavs made it to the 2011 NBA Playoffs so it's always a good idea to reward him merchandise and attire from his favorite sports team. If you got him playoff tickets, you're probably his favorite child. Northpark has an official Mavericks gear store (the American Airlines Center does too). Get him a Mavs jersey, mug or hat if you can't afford a trip to Miami.
Top Golf
Dad doesn't need to be a PGA pro to enjoy TopGolf. And it's much more than just a driving range with miniature golf. TopGolf features computerized microchips in every golf ball that track your shots accuracy and distance while awarding points by hitting targets ranging from 20 to 250 yards away.
TopGolf also has a great selection of food like pizzas, burgers, sand "wedges", nachos, wings, salads, quesadillas and adult beverages. Kids menu too.
Special Father's Day gift cards available.
TopGolf
8787 Park Lane
Dallas, TX 75231
214-341-9600
A second location for TopGolf recently opened up in Allen:
1500 Andrews Parkway
Allen, TX
469-675-9730
Overnight with Dad at the Dallas Zoo
Angela Patterson
Do you ever wonder what goes on at night after everyone leaves the Dallas Zoo? Find out for yourself when you sign up for a special Father's Day Lights Out! adventure. The kids and Dad will enjoy a special, after-hours tour of ZooNorth, a live animal encounter, a craft followed by a ride on our Monorail Safari. The overnight event includes an evening snack and a continental breakfast in the morning.
Overnights begin at 7 p.m. and end at 10:30 a.m. the following day.
Dates: June 18 through 19, 2011
Cost: $45 per person
Dallas Zoo
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75203
214-670-5656
*The Dallas Zoo is also hosting a Father's Day Feast on June 19, 2011 for $31.99/adults; $27.99 kids/seniors. For reservations and more information call 469-554-7470.
Bass Pro Shop
If Dad's an outdoorsman, he will love a gift or gift card from Bass Pro Shop. They have everything Dad needs for:
- Archery
- Hunting
- Freshwater fishing
- Fly fishing
- Saltwater fishing
- Boating
- Camping
- Golf
- and more
If Dad's never been camping before, there are free workshops to teach the basics. Learn archery, hiking basics, bird watching and how to make S'Mores.
Bass Pro Shop
2501 Bass Pro Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051
972-724-2018
5001 Bass Pro Drive
Garland, TX 75043
469-221-2600
A Texas Rangers Outing
Angela Patterson
The Texas Rangers are out of town on Father's Day but they return to the Ballpark at Arlington for a series with the Houston Astros June 20-22. First pitch is 7:05 p.m. each night.
Omaha Steaks
Dads love to fire up the grill! Omaha Steaks has a special Father's Day package called The Dad Pack. It comes with four 7-oz. Top Sirloins, six 4-oz steak burgers and six stuffed potatoes on sale for $49.99. Shop at several DFW locations and deliver to Dad or let Omaha Steaks ship via a reusable, insulated cooler full of dry ice. Express delivery and overnight available.
Omaha Steaks Dallas
Preston Royal Center
10854 Preston Road
Dallas, TX 75230
Omaha Steaks Plano
2208 Dallas Parkway
Suite 325B
Plano, TX 75093
Bentley and a Boat
Courtesy Platinum Motorcars
Dad deserves a first-class day, right? Why not rent a black Bentley and drive up to a beautiful 40-foot catamaran ready to sail away with you and the family? Platinum Motorcars, an exotic car rental dealership, and Sail with Scott sailing charter can make that dream a reality with its “Bentley and a Boat” Father’s Day gift available throughout the month of June. Bentley options include a Continental GT for $799 per day or a Continental Flying Spur for $999 per day. Both options include boarding passes to a shared cruise on Sail with Scott’s legendary Seawolf, a 40-foot wooden catamaran on Lake Ray Hubbard. Gift cards are available.
Take Dad to Lone Star Park
Angela Patterson
What: Take Dad to Lone Star Park on his special day and he might just win a propane gas grill in Lone Star Park’s Father’s Day Fish-for-a-Grill Contest. Just be one of the first 200 men (age 21 and over) through Lone Star Park’s Grandstand admission gates for a chance to win. All contestants that catch the specially marked fish in the special Father’s Day fish tank, located in the Courtyard of Champions, will be entered into a random drawing for the grand prize. Each angler will have five minutes of fishing to win.
When: Sunday, June 19, 2011. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
Courtyard of Champions
1000 Lone Star Parkway
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
972-263-RACE
Take Dad to Brunch (Be Sure to Pick Up the Tab too)!
Take dear ole Dad out for a hearty weekend brunch. Here are some excellent suggestions for celebrating Pop's big day.
Create Your Own Photo Card for Dad at Wolf Camera
If you can download a photo, you can create a card. It's quick, it's easy and it only costs $1.61 including tax. Give Dad a customized Father's Day card. Wolf Camera locations in DFW are open from noon to 6 p.m. on Father's Day. You still have time!
