CheekyChicago

Men are so hard to buy for and fathers are even tougher.  This Father’s Day, CheekyChicago is on it! We have put together a gift guide based on categories of dads – New Dad, Goofball Dad, Nerdy Dad and In Touch with His Feminine Side Dad. Instructions: pick the category that best describes your dad and get to some shopping!

New Dad

You and your hubby just had your first child (congrats!); thus it is his first Father’s Day with his new family!

1. The Baby Owner’s Manual by Quirk Books ($16.95)

Let’s be honest: he is clueless when it comes to the new baby (and so are you, but that’s irrelevant). It’s expected. It’s his first time! Present this manual, which provides ”operating instructions, trouble-shooting tips and advice on first-year maintenance,” like setting up a crib, how to hold and wash baby, games to play and what to do when baby’s sick.

2. In My Forest / In My Tree by Sara Gillingham ($8.99)

In the middle of these adorable books is a little felt animal finger puppet so dad can wiggle the animal as he reads the story about what the animal (fawn or baby owl) does in its home.  The story ends with the baby animal alongside its mom and dad. Aw!

3. Snapsuits by Wry Baby ($28)

Where to buy: Twosided Cards & Gifts, 2958 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773.244.6431

These onesies are sure to make your man laugh, along with passersby seeing your baby.  They instruct the father on drying, playing with and calming his baby. With these helpful tips, your child must turn out well!

Goofball Dad

Your dad is a practical joker. He loves potty language and telling puns. Make him chuckle with a lighthearted gift.

1. Greatest Mustaches Mug by The Unemployed Philosophers Guild ($12.95)

Where to buy: Paper Source (any Chicago location)

Gift your funny father this mug, featuring the most famous and greatest mustaches of all time. He can test his ‘stache knowledge, as the answers are displayed on the bottom of the mug.  Some keepers include Groucho Marx, Mahatma Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin. Plus, it’s microwave and dishwasher safe, so the mustaches stay intact.

2. iPlunge by Fred ($8)

Where to buy: Art Effect, 934 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 773.929.3600

This miniature plunger, made of wood and rubber like the real thing, acts as a stand for an iPod®, iPhone® or any phone with a smooth, hard surface. He simply plunges the back and, voila!, a unique stand for the ”potty” mouth father you know and love!

3. 1940′s Laymon’s Aspirin Display Advertisement ($150)

Where to buy: Urban Remains, 1850 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312.492.6254

This drugstore display advertising Laymon’s Aspirin tablets is circa 1940s, when one tin with 16 pills was only 10 cents!  It is made by World’s Products Co. from Indiana. The man holding his head is pretty silly. Each tin even comes complete with the original aspirin tablets! Plus, the product is guaranteed by Good Housekeeping. Just be sure that your dad doesn’t take the pills. The product is not recommended by CheekyChicago.

Nerdy Dad

Chances are, at one point or another, you Cheeky girls have considered your dad to be nerdy. For those dads who fit this dorky category – whether he’s into science or gaming – we got you covered.

1. Polluted Glasses by Fred ($17)

Where to buy: Art Effect, 934 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 773.929.3600

When he mixes drinks, dad will imagine he is a scientist combining chemicals in his lab. It will be a catalyst for creative mixology experiments. Two 13-ounce hand-blown glasses are included.

2. PAC-MAN Pot Holder by Fred ($19)
Where to buy: Art Effect, 934 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 773.929.3600

The PAC-MAN® all-silicone HotHead pot holder will defend your dad’s fingers against getting burned by “munching” on hot pots, pans and baking sheets. He will relive his past, playing the 80′s game with you and your sibs.

3. 1950′s Experiment Lab Chemistry Kit ($150)

Where to buy: Urban Remains, 1850 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312.492.6254

This children’s chemistry kit by Gilbert is from the 1950s and contains manuals (Molecular Model Manual “to build models of real elements,” Adventures in Science and Fun with Chemistry) and materials to create experiments, like jars of chemicals, test tube cleaner, test paper and more! He will reminisce about his childhood.

In Touch with His Feminine Side Dad

Your dad likes the “finer things in life,” like grooming, fashion and a glass of fine wine. Embrace his metrosexuality with these must-haves.

1. Spinnaker in Pink-Navy by Sebago ($114.90)

Where to buy: Akira Men’s Store in Bucktown (1910 W. North Ave., 312.423.6693

These boat shoes look to be inspired by the 1950′s preppy style, modernized with pink and blue accent hues. It is no wonder these stylish and retro loafers were made by New England company Sebago, established in 1946. These puppies will have your dad lookin’ more dapper than ever, singing Lonely Island’s ”I’m on a Boat.”

2. Winestein by Fred ($25)

Where to buy: Art Effect, 934 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 773.929.3600

Your father loves to sip a fine glass of wine, but likes the feel of a good, sturdy beer stein. This is the best of both worlds. A wine glass sits inside a beer stein, so dad can have his vino and drink it, too!

3. Nail Grooming – Hand Detail ($20) or Food Detail ($40)

Where to buy: SIR Spa, 5151 N. Clark St. Chicago, 773.271.7000

Dad needs a little relaxation and pampering, too. We are not talkin’ a foo-foo mani/pedi. SIR Spa offers nail grooming services that are all about the gents, performed in the private Grooming Club Room with leather club chairs, large screen TV and best of all, a complimentary beer. What more could a guy want?

Cheeky Ladies – what type is your dad?

For more gift ideas for men, click here.

To read more about Robin Clement and why she is so Cheeky, please click here.