Many inspiring content creators are taking their Dad-Life and turning it into a side-hustle or creative outlet. From David Pierre’s art on Instagram to Casey Palmer’s blog on family life and his experiences through Fatherhood, there’s something for everyone. As well as those creating for an audience, sometimes guys just want to have new toys to play with or work on a hobby, so they will work nicely for them.

While some of us Dads are getting samples, toys, and tech from brands to feature on their channel, how are you meant to find a unique and fun gift?

I’ve also created a handy group of Amazon wish lists for pretty much every occasion.

Well, of course, SocialDad is back with a little help. Here’s a list of some of the coolest things I could find for a Father-figures, Dad Blogger, DadFluencer, or Content Creator.

Plus – keep reading for VERY SPECIAL PROMO CODES for Sock Footage and CampJunkie!

A Unique Phone 13 Case – Carved

Hand-crafted from wood and resin, these American-made iPhone 13 cases (other phone cases too!) are a thing of beauty. Inspired by the beauty of our earth from the perspective of a satellite, each item they make is carefully crafted one at a time. Not only is every swirl in the resin unique but every slice of wood reveals a one-of-a-kind wood grain pattern. Orders ship fast from the Carved shop in Elkhart, Indiana.

Want to see how they make them? Carved also makes MagSafe wireless chargers, bracelets, knives, and more. All are just as unique and beautiful.

Books!

Has anyone else dived nose-first into a growing pile of books over the past year? Since we have nowhere else to go, I’m finally getting back into reading and have discovered a few gems, as well as a few stinkers. Here are my top 3 to check out.

Seth Rogen – Yearbook

Funny and has lots of Vancouver-based stories from his school days.

John Green – The Anthropocene Reviewed

I’ve only just started this collection of essays, but John Green is fascinating, wildly clever, and very funny. Everything he does is amazing.

Speed Reading: Learn to Read a 200+ Page Book in 1 Hour (Mental Performance)

Finally, it doesn’t take me a month to read a book. I read Seth’s in 2 days. What should I read next?

The Evolv Tour XL Electric Scooter

As well as for commuting, the school run, and chasing after your kids, the Evolve Tour XL Electric Scooter has actually been amazing for creating epic panning shots. Put the camera low and press record. Fewer bumps, more cool transitions!

Key Features:

• LIGHTS – Twin LED lights on the deck and a strong headlight for riding in the dark. Dual LED deck lights and a tail-light on the rear fender for extra illumination. For all the night riders out there. The Tour XL features lighting that travels down the acrylic tube on the side of the deck for that extra groove.
• FOLDABLE AND PORTABLE – One-hand lever for easy folding and unfolding. Fold up the scooter, slide in the steering stem and collapse the handlebars for full portability.
• BRAKES – Front disc brakes and front shock absorber for optimal comfort and stopping power. One-step lever for easy folding and unfolding.
• THROTTLE – Trigger happy takes on a new meaning. LCD throttle is equipped with multiple riding modes and a control panel to personalize your ride experience.
• SUSPENSION – Dual spring suspension provides optimal comfort when riding over larger bumps.

I personally own the EVOLV City eScooter and it’s so fun! Powerful enough to go uphill with me on it and fast enough to zip along bike lanes or on the sidewalk (depending on local guidelines) and cut any commute or errand run down. ‘Oh no, we need more milk? I’ll go!’ and off we go.

An eScooter is also awesome for getting super smooth panning shots. Just hold the camera steady and watch where you’re going!

A big white smile!

Make those teeth shine in all your photos with the GLO Brilliant teeth whitening kit that combines the professional elements of Guided Light Optics® technology with warming heat and light to accelerate our safe hydrogen peroxide whitening gel formulation for faster, easier, and more effective whitening – without sensitivity. It’s clinically proven to get your smile 5 shades whiter in 5 days with the power of G.L.O. ® technology – the same technology used and trusted by thousands of professional dental offices.

With the hands-free lanyard and longer battery life, you have the freedom to whiten anytime, anywhere! Simply brush on the gentle, dripless hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, pop in the GLO warming heat mouthpiece, and let the device take care of the rest.  The fast 8-minute applications are pre-timed for you and whiten the top and bottom teeth simultaneously.

All the Socks!

Sock Footage

Sock Footage‘s company’s mission is to empower individuals to engage in acts of kindness as a by-product of simple, everyday sock purchases. Most people are unaware that socks are the most needed but least donated items at homeless shelters.

USE PROMO CODE SOCIALDAD20 to SAVE 20% ON YOUR SOCKFOOTAGE ORDER

With COVID-19 continuing to make its way across Canada, the homeless community is amongst one of the most vulnerable populations and needs us now more than ever. As such, for every pair of socks purchased from their site, a complimentary donation pair is provided courtesy of the brand. Sock Footage’s Men’s monthly sock subscription packages have been super popular and make the perfect gift that keeps on giving! If you’re feeling fancy, you could order a Sock Bouquets. They have put together a pre-set assortment of our best and brightest Men’s socks, and have them gift wrapped in this unique Sock Bouquet format! 

Finnley

I’ve written about Vancouver-based wardrobe-essentials company, Finnley before in ‘4 Clothing Brands Actively Helping the Planet‘ so I’m really pleased to be able to add them to this Father’s Day Gift List.

Their Merino Hiking Sock is designed to withstand anything you can throw at it, while being so comfy you won’t want to take them off. Made with moisture wicking merino wool and added cushion support, these socks are great for hiking, camping or simply putting your feet up and having a beer.

Finnley is a lifestyle clothing brand based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. They create wardrobe essentials that are designed to outlive trends, respect the planet and its people. All of their products are made in Canada, working closely with family-owned and operated manufacturers.

Hoodie? What Hoodie?

Fellas, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The hoodie so comfy you have to hide it when you’re not wearing it. Your partner is going to steal it. It’s almost a certainty, especially when it’s this one from CDN.

“CDN believes we’re more than beavers and ice rinks, red and white or a maple leaf. Canadian apparel is failing to reflect the diversity of people who live in this country; with intricate lives and interests, stories and values that make them who they are and this place what it is. Don’t get us wrong, we’re still hockey-loving, mountain climbing, cold beer drinking people.” – CDN.

Look Good, Feel Good

Finding a go-to shirt that spans casual and comfortable as well as good for office life is always a tricky one. Luckily, HYLETE has released a NEW Prime Pique Polo for the hard-working and sporty Dads that are in need of the perfect polo. The NEW performance-focused Prime Pique Polo features a durable, high-wicking woven fabric that will keep Dad comfortable and stylish on the golf course.

To celebrate the dads out there, HYLETE is offering discount code*** DAD25 for 25%*** off selected men’s gear, valid through 6/3 – 6/21. The perfect deal for a Father’s Day gift that will have Dads hitting the golf course a little extra.

Start your day with a beautiful mug…

filled with freshly brewed coffee. I discovered the Nepal mug with a coffee pour-over filter, completely by accident, but I’m really glad I did. Just look at that handle. Finally, something that has something I can really grab onto.

These mugs are complete works of art. Craftsmen and Artisans meticulously create stunning landscape designs to deliver an amazing mug. The elegant and earthy tones combined with the wooden handle create not only an amazing coffee cup but an extraordinary display of artwork.

I’m super excited to get one and take it camping.

House Plants for a better workspace

No need for an explanation. The more plants in your life, the better.

The easiest houseplants to grow are:

• Succulents
• Snake Plant
• Heart Leaf Philodendron
• Majesty Palm Tree
• Prayer Plant
• Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree
• Air Plants
• Mini Cacti
• Asparagus Fern
• Flamingo Flower
• Artificial succulents – plastic but look pretty real

A Vlog Camera Set up: Lights, Camera, Sound!

If you’re going to film, photograph, or make any kind of content, upgrading your gear might be a good idea. You can really do incredible things with a phone and a selfie-stick, but I’ll always have a lot of love for a big ol’ camera.

• Canon M50 + lens kit – $779
• Canon RP + lens kit – $1,599
• Geekoto Tripod
• Selfie Stick – $21.99
• A wireless flash – $75
• Camera bag from DB – $174

A Widescreen Monitor

When we started working from home, I set my desk up for a quick solution with a cheap secondary screen to plug into my laptop. Now I need to upgrade to make things a little more permanent, especially since I’m editing photos, videos, on Zoom, or writing copy for different campaigns all day.

I’ve got a lot of love for LG Electronics for both TVs and monitors, so I’d recommend the LG 34″ Ultra Wide IPS which is a bargain at under $600 CAD.

The Comfiest Shorts For Men

You’ve got to look good in your shoots and family photos, but also stay super comfy. Since I work, edit, and play at my desk, I want to feel comfortable all the time. Also, since Summer’s around the corner, I have officially put away my jeans until the rain comes back in the Fall. That might be wishful thinking, but either way, I’m keeping my Eubi shorts on every day!

• Eubi Lounge Shorts
• All Day shorts
• Neon swim shorts

A Foldable Kayak

Imagine the photo opportunities, levelled-up Go Pro footage, and outdoor adventures you could have on a kayak. Previously, I wasn’t able to enjoy the kind of experiences that come with watercraft ownership because of storage space and trunk space. Now there’s an option! The Oru Kayak folds down to the size of a suitcase and can be assembled in just a few minutes. Genius!

There are a few different versions for the type of activity. The Beach LT is an 12’1″ kayak open-cockpit kayak that folds down to the size of couch cushion. At 25 pounds, it’s half the weight of a traditional kayak. It’s compact enough to store in your trunk, closet, boat, or garage. With the Oru Pack, you can even check it on a plane or hike into remote waters.

The Beach LT is designed for smooth, calm water. The large, open cockpit is perfect for paddles with a dog, small child, or cooler for fishing. It’s stable with great tracking, making it a great choice for first-time paddlers and beginners — but it’s sporty enough for experienced kayakers as well.

A Foldable Canoe

Another company making foldable watercraft is Ori Canoe, making the ‘MyCanoe‘.

MyCanoe Plus is an award-winning, lightweight, patented, and TUV certified origami folding canoe that turns into a 14.5-ft canoe from a carrying case. All the specs are the same as MyCanoe Standard, except Plus model comes with a rowing system and a pair of oars. The rowing system allows you to attach two oars for long trips or those who want to row instead of paddle which is great for solo paddlers.

Plus comes with two seats, two oar locks, and two oars. Please visit FAQs for additional details.

• Patented design and single-seam construction for easy assembly and folding
• Double-layer marine-grade custom manufactured polypropylene hull 
• Marine-rated structures and materials
• Adjustable seat locations
• Enough storage space for a cooler and fishing gears 
• Optional stabilizer kit available for added stability for rough water or active fishing
• Comes with a main body (36 lbs) and an accessory bag (16 lbs) as shown below

Experiences

Dads love to do stuff and since we haven’t really been able to go anywhere or do anything recently, having something booked in the calendar is an incredibly exciting prospect.

Rent a Vintage VW Westfalia

CampJunkie has everything you’ll need to head out on the open road this Summer. Pre-packed, tuned up, keys in, ready to go.

Use Promo Code SOCIALDad20 to save 20% for all bookings
Until the end of August, 2021 (3 night minimum)

Camp Junkie represents an opportunity to transport people to a nostalgic time while sharing our love for thrilling experiences in the wild. Our renters don’t have to deal with tent poles or with staying dry, it’s just pop up the top and you’re camping. Because it’s so easy, it’s that much more appealing to get out and go. Camp Junkie boasts a fleet of vintage VW Westfalia camper vans – extensively restored and upgraded in excess of $10-15K per van – all pre-packed and ready to roll.

Helicopter Tour Around Vancouver

Do something reaalllly cool – give your father-figure (me) the experience of a lifetime on a Blackcomb Helicopter Tour around Vancouver, over mountains, and let him (me) take some truly beautiful photos and videos on his (my) camera for his (my) Instagram page, which has really been needing some new shots recently.

A Trip to Whitecap Alpine Resort

Hidden in the beautiful mountains of Pemberton, British Columbia, this is an idyllic escape from the hustle. In the Winter there’s skiing and snowshoeing and in the Summer there are hikes, lake swimming, and endless photo-ops.

Summer Hiking

Wildflowers. High peaks. Long, lazy days. This is summer at Whitecap’s McGillivray Pass Lodge – your perfect mountain hideaway. Book a spot on one of our guided trips and leave the hustle behind to hike, recharge and connect with great people in the stunning summer environment of the Coast Mountains. Located just outside of Pemberton, B.C., in the South Chilcotin Range, an idyllic summer escape is closer than you think.

Lodging

Located in the subalpine of McGillivray Pass, the Lodge includes everything our guests expect from a modern, yet rustic, cabin in the mountains. With five comfortable outbuildings, the McGillivray Pass Lodge can accommodate groups of up to 16 people in the summer (subject to change due to Covid-19). Amenities include a hot shower, sauna, a wood burning fireplace, heated out-houses, a fully-equipped kitchen with a full-time chef, wifi (unless you want to unplug) and ample electric outlets for all of your gadgets.

Transportation

Meet at the flight staging area in Pemberton and take a short helicopter ride up to McGillivray Pass Lodge. Luggage limits: 1x hiking pack 30L (weight) and 1x overnight bag (30-40L) (weight) per person. Additional costs for extra baggage.                     

Included

• ACMG qualified hiking guides
• Three meals a day, prepared by our private chef
• Roundtrip helicopter flights and shuttle transport from Pemberton hanger
• Accommodations in a yurt, wood hall building or sauna building
• Alpine Adventurers Program (optional for kids aged 6 – 13 yrs)

Book a Camping Trip

It doesn’t have to be anywhere special. Literally anywhere is great! If he’s a fan of the outdoors and loves a little adventure, a few days away from it all with no access to Slack, emails, or Zoom meetings is exactly what he needs. Better yet, if you’re all vaccinated, maybe bring some friends, (guidelines depending).

If you’re in BC, head to DiscoverCamping.ca and book something, anything today.

A Cheeky Drink?

I’m not much of a drinker, but I like it to be lovely when I do have a glass of something. Here are a few faves I’ve discovered recently, and one old love. I know I’m meant to tie this into creating content but I’m super tired. I dunno, take the bottle into the woods and take a photo like I did.

• Bamba Vodka – crafted right here in Vancouver. It doesn’t have that lung-punch of alcohol I remember from the university days of cheap vodka in a plastic bottle. This is refined, smooth, locally-made, and quite delicious especially with some ice, fresh lemon, and some sparkling water.
• Prime Time – low carb beer from Bridge Brewing. As well as having the benefit of fewer carbs and less sugar, it still has plenty of flavour and is a refreshingly crisp beer.
• Athru Whisky – a lesson in how to look properly grown-up. Made in Ireland and bottled in something you’ll be proud to display, this is a beautifully smooth, rich whisky to enjoy through the winter.

Need more ideas? Check out my Amazon Wish Lists – There’s something for everybody

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