Pay tribute to the man dear old dad was before he met your mother: Sci-fi aficionado. Gadget guru. The next Jack Nicklaus. Our picks for Father’s Day salute them all better than any tie ever could, while simultaneously honoring the family men they've become.
1 | THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...your dad was kind of a nerd. In a clever twist on the quotable saga, author Jeffrey Brown presents the softer side of the Dark Lord and brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, “Luke, I am your father.” Darth Vader and Son or Vader’s Little Princess, $14.95 each, Firefly Bookstore, 230 W. Main St., Kutztown, 484.648.2712. fireflybookstore.com and facebook.com/fireflybookstore
2 | KISS THE COOK
Summer soirees are already catered by the self-proclaimed King of the Grill, but this little multitasker will make his monarchy run even more smoothly. Designed with a nod to ancient clay cookers of the past, the ceramic egg bakes, roasts and smokes your feast. Oh, and it grills, too. Big Green Egg grill, $408-$1,200, Fred’s Music & Tasty Licks BBQ Supply, 214 West Lancaster Avenue, Shillington, 1.800.677.2882. tastylicksbbq.com
3 | NOW PLAYING ON iCOUCH
Don’t hover around a small screen to reminisce over vacation photos and family videos. This tiny-but-mighty box beams beloved files (and much more) to the big screen, streaming Netflix for movie night or iTunes with the perfect soundtrack for a round of Pictionary. Apple TV, $99, Double Click Computers, 546 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.374.3355. dclick.com
4 | HE’S GOT GAME
With his mighty toolbox in hand, Dad has always been a bit of a do-it-yourselfer. Out on the green, the contrasting face on this putter will make it his favorite new tool to improve his game. Special markings make it easier to line up the shot and stay on target through the stroke. Callaway’s Odyssey Versa Putter, $149-$199, Pagoda Golf Area, 497 Mountain Home Rd., Sinking Spring, 610.678.8109. pagodagolfarea.com
5 | A REAL HOMEBREW
Dad may not have been born a Yuengling, but this starter kit will give him everything he needs to whip up a family brew anyway. Add ingredients from a selection of more than 50 different styles of suds then wait for the new brewmaster to invite you back for a tasting. Brewer’s Best Beer Brewing Equipment Kit, $68-$157, Universal Carbonics, 614 Gregg Avenue, Reading, 610.372.2565. readingdraft.com
