Cool Father’s Day Gifts for Birmingham Dads

0

It’s that time of year again when we take one day to thank all those special men in our lives for being fathers. However, finding that perfect gift that says just how much we appreciate everything they do isn’t always so easy. Does Dad really need another watch, bathrobe, or thingamajig that will surely make its way to the back of a drawer? Recently, I’ve started gifting unique experiences and locally made goods instead of the forgettable, last-minute Amazon purchases I had made for years. Birmingham offers a plethora of fun, truly unique gifts that Dad is sure to love. Plus, it’s just plain nice to support local businesses and artisans. Read on for some cool Father’s Day gifts for Birmingham dads.

Birmingham Wares

For those dads who are loud and proud to call Birmingham home, a must stop is the Yellowhammer Creative storefront located in the Pizitz Food Hall. They are a one-stop shop for all things Birmingham inspired, from cool t-shirts with local slogans to “It’s Great to Have you in Birmingham” coffee mugs. All t-shirts and flat stock are hand screen-printed right here in Birmingham. You can also shop their website at Yellowhammer.org. The store’s opening hours are Monday through Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) They are located at 1821 2nd Ave N Suite 108.

Another great option for a quick but thoughtful gift is Aviate where you can shop for a classic BHM baseball cap that Dad will surely sport proudly around town.

Cooking Classes

This gift can be a win-win situation for you both. If Dad is already a master in the kitchen, then these classes can be a fun time building on his repertoire of recipes. If Dad can barely turn on the oven, then one of these classes can be a perfect introduction to cooking and point him in the right direction. Can’t you just smell the Bolognese sauce simmering on the stove while the Hubby is whipping up homemade gnocchi while you sit back and relax with a glass of wine?!! Don’t assume these classes are all work and no fun. They make a great date adventure, too. After rubbing elbows in the kitchen for a few hours with your honey, you finish up the class by devouring the delicious meal you prepared together. 

Little Savannah Restaurant & Bar located at 3811 Clairmont Avenue offers interactive cooking classes right in the heart of a restaurant kitchen. Through the summer, Chef Holt’s “Market to Kitchen” cooking classes meet at The Market at Pepper Place on Saturday mornings and begin with a shopping excursion through the farmer’s market for locally sourced ingredients. Classes cost $75/per person and last approximately four hours; they include the meal and wine/mimosas. To purchase a cooking class, contact [email protected] or call (205) 591-1119.

Another great option is Sur la Table at the Summit which offers gift certificates for a multitude of cooking classes with themes ranging from “Date Night Down by the Shore” to “Perfect Pizza from Scratch.” The cost is typically $75.00/per person a class, but they often have online specials. Menus are posted on their website and classes are offered at multiple times throughout the week.

Beer!

Hot summer days, grilling out, and mowing the lawn scream for a cold one. How about creating a “suds basket” full of Dad’s favorite beers? This is sure to be a gift that won’t go unused. Hop City located at 2924 3rd Avenue South in downtown Birmingham carries the largest beer selection in the city. For a Birmingham spin on a Father’s Day suds basket, focus on beers produced locally at any one of our fabulous breweries. Some of my husband’s favorites include Trimtab’s first intro into the Birmingham beer scene, Pillar to Post; Avondale Brewing’s dark, rich Miss Fancy’s; and Cahaba Brewing’s light, easy to drink American Blonde Ale.

Handcrafted Knives

These are not your run-of-the-mill cutlery. Handcrafted by local craftsman, Michael Mattox, in his backyard studio, each knife is a labor of love. Not only are they unique and beautiful to look at, but boy, are they a force to be reckoned with on the cutting board! They would make a treasured addition to any cook’s kitchen. The product line includes pairing knives, small cleavers, hunting knives, and 8” chef knives. Prices range between $100 to $220+. Gift certificates are available for custom knives which typically have a 4-6 week turnaround and can be made to Dad’s specifications. Make sure to follow Mattox Knives on Instagram. They will be giving away a free knife plus a 15% discount on custom orders in the month of June. Contact [email protected] to purchase one of his creations.

(Disclaimer: The man behind Mattox Knives just so happens to be my brother-in-law. However, his mention in this article in no way resulted in free kickbacks and perks. The 10% “family discount” still stands firm.)

Creative Classes

MakeBhm, located in the Avondale area, offers metal craft, woodworking, and print classes. What guy doesn’t like fire, tools, and machinery?? Help Dad get in touch with his inner craftsman by buying him a gift certificate for any number of classes offered by local experts. Maybe “Intro to Screen Printing” where each student leaves with a handmade screen-printed t-shirt and poster would tickle your fella’s fancy. How cool is that?? Or consider “Design & Build a Wood & Metal Table” for the guy who wants to tackle a bigger project over several weeks. Gift certificates for classes can be purchased through their website.

Just a little extra thought and creativity when choosing a gift for Dad on his special day can show how much he means to you!!

Previous articleSurviving the Summer as a Work-at-Home Mom
Next articleSending Out an SOS :: Weaning My Breastfed Baby
Virginia M
Virginia was raised in Anniston, AL, a small town about an hour drive from Birmingham. After graduating from Jacksonville State University with a degree in human sciences, she married her college sweetheart and spent the next decade living throughout the southeast from Charleston, SC to Atlanta, GA. Fast forward a few years, and Virginia found herself back in her hometown working full-time, single, and raising her young son. At the most unexpected time in the most unlikely of places, she met the love of her life and soul mate, and they were married in a garden wedding in Savannah, GA in 2016. Virginia now calls Trussville home with her husband, Mark, and their two boys, Britton (7) and stepson, Gavin (10). Virginia works as a Employment Resource Specialist for the Alabama Department of Mental Health. She loves Hello Fresh, Starbuck's Green Tea Frappucinos, exercising, camping (more to the point, glamping), renovating their new home, and any occasion that lets her play dress up!!