Father’s Day Gifts that Don’t Suck

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Ladies, it’s time to recognize your favorite guy. You could go with the same boring gift card, or you could get your man something he’ll really love this year. Whether you’re shopping for your dad, grandfather, husband, boyfriend, father-in-law, or stepdad, we’ve got you covered. Check out these unique ideas for Father’s Day gifts that don’t suck.

All Men Love Yeti

Yeti: a brand build tough for your tough guy. Whether hiking the backwoods or just chilling with friends, Yeti products were built to last. In a variety of colors, choose the products that suit your man’s taste and rugged appeal.

Tundra Hard Cooler

Get him the ultimate gift of a premium Yeti Tundra Hard Cooler. This durable cooler has extra insulation to keep the contents cold even in the heat of summer. And with all the bells and whistles, like rugged hinges, handles, and latches, leakproof design, and indestructible rotomolded construction, it’s the last cooler he’ll ever need.

Hopper Backflip Soft Cooler

For something a little more portable, check out the Hopper Backflit Soft Cooler. The only Yeti designed to be worn as a backpack, this is the perfect choice for the guy who loves hiking, camping, fishing, climbing, or backpacking. And hey, it’s also great for the man who just wants a cooler to lug to a friend’s backyard cookout. It’s still waterproof and leakproof for the quality you expect from a Yeti.

Rambler Mug

The YETI Rambler 14 oz. Mug is the toughest camp mug out there. The double-wall vacuum-insulated body protects hands from hot or cold contents, while keeping the contents well-insulated. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe making it easy to clean because Dad really doesn’t need any more work to do.

Rambler Stackable Pint

Give him the gift that will keep the very last sip of his favorite beverage as cold as the first with this 16 oz. Stackable Pint Cup. Go ahead and get a few to share with friends. These cups stack together for easy storage, and everyone will appreciate their cold beverage and warm hands.

 

Gotta Have It

Dr. Squatch Soap Bundles

Is your man still using the soap his mommy used to buy? Step up his shower game with some all-natural, handmade Dr. Squatch soap. This soap is made exclusively for men in eleven different varieties. The best part is, all of Squatch soaps are free from toxic ingredients and chemicals, so they are healthier for your man’s skin. Plus, they also other men’s personal care products as well. And hey, even if you don’t buy him any soap, you gotta check out the video on this page!

For the Grilling Man

Propane Grill

Let’s face it: He probably needs a replacement for the tired grill he’s had for years. Or maybe it’s just time for an upgrade? It’s a win-win situation because think of how inspired he’ll be to cook with this 4-Burner Propane Grill. This grill features 4 main stainless steel burners, one side burner, an electronic ignition, and porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids that deliver even heat.

Charcoal Grill/Smoker

For the man who prefers charcoal, check out this Charcoal Grill/Smoker combo. Whether he’s in the mood to smoke, grill, sear, bake, or roast, this machine does it all. It’s even got wireless Bluetooth monitoring that he can control right from his smartphone. This is one Father’s Day gift he’ll use again and again.

Kabob Grilling Baskets

Imagine perfectly cooked kabobs or veggies from the grill with these Kabob Grilling Baskets. There’s no need for fussing with skewers or losing your vegetables on the grill when they fall off. Simply load up these baskets and pop them on the grill.

Gadgets


Fix-It Mini Tool Kit

This portable Fix-It Tool Kit comes fully loaded with the essentials, perfect for the car or keeping at the office. The handy carrying case ensures everything stays in place, so there’s no more hunting for the hammer or flashlight in a pinch. For the man on the go, this is the perfect practical gift.

Adventurer Multi-Tool Clip Watch

This handy Multi-Tool Watch combines seven tools at your disposal, including a watch, bottle opener, knife, screwdriver, compass, tweezers, and a toothpick all in one design. The stainless steel body, quartz clock movement, and illuminated hands make this the one tool he’ll reach for before every adventure. The best part is, it’s compact and sleek, so it won’t take up a lot of space.

Fun and Games

Wooden Yard Dice

Tap in to Dad’s lighter side with this jumbo set of Yard Dice. Hand made from solid pine wood and complete with a rustic drawstring bag, the possibilities are endless. It even includes rules for four different dice games to get you started. Spend this Father’s Day outside playing games with the family.

Baseball Park Map Glasses

For the baseball lover, check out these Baseball Park Map Pint Glasses. A true fan’s ballpark is sacred ground, making these are a true fan’s pint glasses. Each set of two features an overhead map of an iconic MLB stadium in the team’s two main colors. 

For the New Dad

Dad’s Playbook

For new dads, having a baby is a whole new ball game. Help keep his head in the game with this sporty Dad’s Playbook. Full of inspirational quotes and insights culled from dozens of the greatest coaches, this keepsake book is great for encouraging and uplifting the new dad.  

Practical & Useful Gifts

American Flag with Pole

Feed his patriotic side with a deluxe American Flag Kit. Quadruple stitched and embroidered, this flag is made to last, whether he hangs it indoors or outdoors. Give him a gift to spruce up his man cave or to fly proudly in his front yard.

Personalized Cutting Board

This Personalized Cutting Board from Uncommon Goods makes a great gift for the hard-to-buy for man. For the practical man, this keepsake gift is attractive as well as functional. Thick, sturdy maple wood will hold up to years of use.

Polarized Sunglasses

These classic sunglasses come in four color varieties with polarized, mirrored lenses to protect Dad’s eyes. With 99% protection from UVA/UVB rays as well, this will become his favorite pair of sunglasses for driving, sports, and other outdoor activities.

After you select just the right Father’s Day gift for the special dad in your life, why not make him something too? Check out In the Mood Men’s Essential Oil Roll-On or this DIY Smoothing Beard Serum.

Traditional German Red Cabbage

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German red cabbage, or Rotkohl, is a beloved side dish found in virtually every restaurant and home throughout Germany. Rotkohl takes the humble red cabbage and transforms it into a delicious dish to accompany many a traditional German meal.

Red Cabbage: A Superfood

Red cabbage is packed with a ton of health benefits. For starters, it’s very low in fat and carbohydrates and high in fiber.

Cabbage also contains about 80% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This is good news because a deficiency in vitamin K can affect cardiovascular health as well as age-related diseases, like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In addition to vitamin K, a serving of cabbage supplies up to 1/3 of your daily allowance of vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant eliminates free radicals and boosts the immune system.

So cabbage—especially red cabbage—is loaded with nutrition. This recipe gives you a delicious, traditional German way to prepare it. Apples, vinegar, cloves, bay leaves, and a hint of coconut sugar mingle together to create this unforgettable side dish. Be sure to allow time for the simmering process, and don’t try to rush it. The slow process is necessary for the final outcome.

Looking for a way to sneak more of this superfood into your diet? Try theses Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Coleslaw.

Why You Need to Build an Email List Right Now

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So many entrepreneurs focus all of their time and energy on leveraging social media. Don’t get me wrong, social media is a great way to build a following, but time after time I see people fail to use the most powerful tool for building a business: email. It may surprise you, but email outperforms social media platforms when it comes to attracting new people and converting existing ones. I simply can’t overemphasize the importance of building an email list.

Benefits of an Email List

Email is effective.

According to the Direct Marketing Association, email marketing sees an average 4300% return on investment (ROI) for U.S. businesses. And since subscribers joined your email list from your website by clicking on a link, you know they are interested in what you have to offer. This is why they are more likely to convert into paying customers. 

Your followers asked to be there.

Social media and podcasts reach the masses. But what makes email special is that people on your list asked to be there. Because of this, they won’t simply scroll past your message.

You can pitch multiple products or services in email.

A carefully designed email will reach the people who are most likely to buy your product or service. You can customize email lists based on your audience’s preferences to make sure they always receive the most meaningful content.

You can relate to your customers through personalized emails.

Email allows you to engage with your audience in a creative, personalized way that blog posts or tweets simply can’t. It provides a creative outlet to prove that you understand a prospect’s problem and offer a solution. Basically, it gives you the opportunity to engage with a prospect and prove your relevancy.

Email allows you to talk directly to your listeners.

Email gives you direct communication with someone, much like receiving a piece of mail. One of the first things many people do first thing in the morning is check their email. When you communicate through various social media platforms, you put yourself at the mercy of them allowing you to talk to your customers. Conversely, an email goes directly to your customers’ inboxes. It is the most scalable way to make sales with new customers and build relationship with existing customers.

Your email list belongs to you.

When you build an email list, it’s yours. And that means you are in control. Compare this to Facebook, where you depend on an ever-changing algorithm to get your posts seen. At any time, they can decrease your reach with your fans to encourage businesses to pay for ads. You don’t have these restrictions when a person has granted you permission to send them useful emails.

Email is targeted.

Sending emails to announce sales, new blog posts, or events is a fail-safe way to keep your customers in the know. And the best part is, they signed up for your email list because they actually want this information. You can reach your most valuable customers with relevant information they care about.

Email can help build trust with your audience.

Since an email message goes directly to a person, it feels more personal. Some people will not comment on a public timeline or newsfeed for all the world to see. But they may feel more comfortable replying to an email knowing that someone will read and acknowledge their message.

How to Build Your Email List

Calls to Action (CTA)

Strategically place CTA buttons to subscribe on every landing page on your website.

Newsletters

Create a fun weekly or monthly email newsletter, and post about it on social media accounts.

Freebies

Everyone loves entering to win free stuff. Announce a giveaway on social media and your website, but specify that people can only enter through email: “Subscribe now to enter the giveaway!”

Giveaways

Offer a free service or downloadable resource in exchange for an email address. Another option is to offer a discount code for products or services when someone provides their email address.

Pop-Up Images

Place images that pop-up or slide-in on all your landing pages. Don’t rely on people to search for a way to subscribe. You have to ask them to sign up.

Publicize

Describe what visitors will get when they subscribe to your emails. Give sneak peeks of great content or email-only opportunities.

You may also want to check out this post for 30 Days of Social Media Posts. Ready to take your business to the next level? Join Brand Strategies Lab.

Fresh Pet Deodorizing Spray

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Most people shower or bathe every one to two days, but it isn’t feasible to bathe our pets that often. Not only that, but bathing your dog too often can dry out skin and cause unnecessary irritation. And because cats spend literally half of their waking hours grooming themselves, bathing your feline friend is rarely necessary. But sometimes, your furry family members may need a bit of freshening. This pet deodorizing spray is perfect for keeping your pet smelling fresh and clean in between bath times.

Choosing Essential Oils

This recipe needs 25-35 drops of essential oil. You can choose any oils that you prefer, but make sure that your pet does not have any aversions first. Cats may be more sensitive to certain essential oils, so it may be best to stay away from essential oils that are high in phenols or monoterpenes. Learn more here.

I chose the following:

  • Lavender – nourishing and soothing to skin
  • Kunzea – emotionally balancing and has a nice fragrance
  • Peppermint & eucalyptus – fresh, long lasting aroma
  • Myrrh – a base note that extends the fragrance for lasting freshness
  • Lemon – a top note that balances the aroma with a citrusy burst

Fresh Pet Deodorizing Spray Ingredients

4 oz. witch hazel

4 oz. water

10 drops lavender essential oil

8 drops Kunzea essential oil

6 drops peppermint essential oil

3 drops eucalyptus essential oil

3 drops myrrh essential oil

2 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in an 8 oz. glass spray bottle. Shake gently to combine before each use.

To Use

Before spraying the pet deodorizing spray directly on your pet, spray a couple squirts in your palms and rub together. Stroke your pet gently and observe his reaction. Some pets are more sensitive to the aromas of essential oils than others. If your pet snorts, sneezes, or behaves as if she dislikes the aroma, try diluting the mixture a bit more. Eventually, you can work up to spraying your animal’s body (avoiding the face). For cats, spraying in your hands/stroking is likely the best way to apply, as most cats dislike being sprayed with water.

New to using essential oils with your pets? Check out Animals and Essential Oils: The Basics.Or come watch this video course about Essential Oils and Pet Safety.