It’s almost Father’s Day, and the air smells of BBQ, beer, and beard oil. It’s been a heck of a year so far, and dad has earned a little pampering. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways to support local business in Greater Des Moines to make Father’s Day more memorable than that pair of holey socks that he refuses to throw away. Here is a rundown of a few options sure to make you’re as popular as The Last Dance and Tiger King, combined.  

Shopping

For the cool dad on your list, check out Fontenelle Supply Company in the Historic East Village. They offer everything from casual clothes, boots, and outerwear to camping supplies, leather goods like coasters and wallets, and even custom axes. And who doesn’t love a random axe of kindness? Pairs well with some wood splittin’ music courtesy of Vinyl Cup records.  

For the dad who: Rocks the hipster lumberjack look, smells of balsawood and pine, and brings a growler of craft beer instead of Busch Light on the camping trip.  

Website: Fontenelle Supply Company, Vinyl Cup Records 

BBQ 

Give dad a day off from the grill and treat him to some smokey meat treats. Both Jethro’s (multiple locations), Kue’d Smokehouse, and Smokey D’s offer award-winning BBQ that will inspire him to up his own BBQ game. Order a gift card or pick up enough takeout to feed the family for days. Pairs well with cold beers and paper plate porch dining.  

For the dad who: Lists his favorite pastime as sitting outside for hours “keeping watch” over the meat smoker.  

Websites: Jethro’s, Smokey D’s, Kue’d Smokehouse 

Beer and Cocktails 

Miller High Life is a fine lawn mowing beer, but this is Father’s Day. It’s time to celebrate with something beyond the champagne of beers. Grab dad a tasty crowler, growler, or 4-pack from a local craft brewery (and knock out a Brew Moines check-in while you’re at it). Might we suggest Long Ride from Confluence, OJ IPA from 515 Brewing, or if you’re lucky enough, one of Lua’s elusive, eminently braggable, push-pop beers. If he’s more the martini type, places like Bellhop Neighborhood Tiki, Hello Marjorie, and Bartender’s Handshake offer premade cocktails that you can pick up and take home. Shaken or stirred, whatever his preference.  

For the dad who: Checks all his beers into Untapp’d and has the Brew Moines app on his home screen.  

Websites: Confluence, 515 Brewing, Lua Brewing, Bellhop, Hello Marjorie, Bartender’s Handshake 

Baseball

He’s probably going through sports withdrawals, but just because you can’t watch it doesn’t mean you can’t wear it. Head over to the I-Cubs store and stock up on the essentials like hats, t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies. Once baseball starts, he’ll be ready and look the part.  

For the dad who: Hasn’t taken his 2016 Cubs World Series Bluray out of the DVD player in months.  

Website: Iowa Cubs store  

Home goods

Spending so much time at home is as good an excuse as any to remodel the man cave. Class up the joint with a new bar cart, vintage metal signs, a wrought iron lamp, or some cool prints courtesy of places like Homemakers and West End Salvage.  

For the dad who: Calls metal beer signs “high art.” 

Websites: Homemakers, West End Salvage  

Bikes

He’s never been more stir-crazy, and what better way to practice safe social distancing and get some exercise than a bike ride? Local shops like Ichi Bike, Rassy’s Bike Shop, and Kyle’s Bikes all offer bikes and accessories that can be shipped directly to your doorstep. We’ll leave it up to you to break the news about how he looks in those biking shorts.  

For the dad who: Considers RAGBRAI to be a national holiday.    

Websites: Ichi Bike, Rassy’s Bike Shop, Kyle’s Bikes 

Games

Let’s face it, games are more fun with real people than they are online in the basement. Consider getting him a gift card to Up-Down arcade bar or Smash Park in West Des Moines. We’re all going to need multiple nights out after all of this, and what better way to get back into the social groove than good old-fashioned competition, fueled by some greasy food and cold beers? 

For the dad who: Still tells his kids to “blow on the cartridges” when their video games don’t work.  

Websites: Up-Down, Smash Park 

Barbers 

Things have gotten hairy, and you deserve a medal for watching DIY YouTube videos and giving him the ole’ bowl cut. Those loving imperfections might not be noticeable on a Zoom call, but he’ll need something a little more proper as he reintegrates into society. Consider a gift card to a barber or salon like Scissors and Scotch, Paramount Barbering, or Dapper DSM. Or check out Good Beards for local beard oil, wax, and accessories. A haircut and shave will never feel so good or look so dramatic.  

For the dad who: Looks like he did in his senior pictures (and not because he looks younger). 

Websites: Scissors and Scotch, Paramount Barbering, Dapper DSM, Good Beards