Lifestyle + Personal

10 Uncommon Gift Ideas For Dads

This post was sponsored by UncommonGoods.com. As always, all opinions are my own.

My father is the hardest person to shop for. Period. I mean, he’s as classic of a New Englander as you can get - he likes the mountains, he likes his peace and quiet, and he likes the Patriots. And, it was just my luck that I drew my dad for our family gift swap this year. I love my dad, so, so much, but you can only buy the man so many Patriot t-shirts and puzzles before he starts giving hints that he’d like something else. And then he makes it even harder because when you ask him what he wants he says: “nothing.” C’MON DAD!

Anyway, I’ve been stressing ever since the beginning of November, trying to figure out what to get him. I wanted to get him something unique, something he’d actually use, and something that he would appreciate. After hours searching on Amazon, and days looking on Pinterest for ideas, I was ready to throw in the towel and order him a Patriot’s hat. And then, Uncommon Goods happened. And my gift-giving strategies for my father will never be the same.

Uncommon Goods is the COOLEST site on the face of the planet and the perfect place to find a gift for those hard-to-shop-for family members (like my father.) Uncommon Goods was inspired by small artists and creators who would travel far and wide to different rade and craft shows to sell their products. The founder, Dave Bolotsky, wanted to help those small businesses get their products to more consumers without having to travel! Uncommon Goods is an online marketplace that connects makers and their creations with individuals looking for truly special goods, regardless of the physical distance between the maker and the shopper. They truly have unique, hand-crafted products that you can’t find in any big-box retailer or online retailer.

So, now that we’ve established that Uncommon Goods is THE place to get THE GOODS for Christmas, I’ve scoured the site and put together the best gifts for those hard-to-shop-for dads!

10 Uncommon Gift Ideas for Dads

Side Dish & Dip Duo - Perfect for dads who love to snack! “A single plate is just asking for side and main dish course collision, but keep sauce and dip dishes separate and you’re risking table spillage. With Bruce Larrabee’s handmade piece, you’ll keep complimentary foods together but separate for optimal dipping control.”

Parlor Ice Cream Mixing Set - Got a dad who loves Coldstone? This is meant for him. “Take your ice cream toppings a little deeper and sprinkle your dessert with the DIY spirit. Featuring a marble slab, two mixing spades, and three ceramic dishes nestled on a sleek bamboo base, this fun set lets you create new ice cream mixes with chocolate chips, fresh fruit, and any small, petite sweets your heart desires.”

Goat’s Milk Caramel Sampler - Dads who love to try different kinds of sweets will love this collection of caramels. “Inspired by the Mexican confection cajeta, Steve Reid and Judith Irving create their silky sweet, small-batch caramel sauce with a hometown twist. Using local Vermont goat’s milk, they hand-stir each sampler until it reaches its peak velvety texture, then it’s sealed and sent to you.”

Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit - For the dad who loves the bread and oil at Macarroni Grill “Dip into the flavors of the four corners of the world. These 15 spice blends by Julie Pedersen let you explore the core flavors of five different cuisines.”

Muscle Rub - Dads who work too hard and need some R&R “This soothing muscle rub uses an array of natural oils, including peppermint, basil, and ginger.”

Record Clock - For the Dad who loves classics & rock n’ roll.

Nailed It Desk Organizer - Dads who would rather be in their garage than at their office will love this desk organizer. “Each piece is handmade out of recycled steel and salvaged tool parts. And the best part? It works! Strike up conversation every time you hand out business cards or lend a pen.”

Moving Card Holder Kit - If your dad isn’t a fix-it man, but still needs something fancy for his desk - this is a pretty cool option. “This clever contraption serves up your business cards with steampunk style. You’ll get clients’ and colleagues’ attention, but half the fun is in making the mechanical valet with this DIY kit.”

Can you guess what I got my dad for Christmas? Would any of these gifts be perfect for yours?