Last Minute Dad Gifts in Ridgewood

Whoever decided to put Father’s Day in the middle of end of school madness should have his (my bet is with his) or her head examined. Of course, when Father’s Day was established in 1910, I doubt the parents were dealing with tournaments, recitals, finals, field days and graduations. If, like me, you will be scrambling over the next couple days to get some gifts in an attempt to not make Father’s Day feel like every other day, here are some last minute suggestions right here in town.

1. Pazzazzed has some cool sports memorabilia (like bottle openers made from actual MLB game day bats), inspirational signs, funny cards and interesting ideas like compasses (as in “Dad, you always steer me in the right direction.”)
   6 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
   (201) 857-5004
2. Lucky Brand always has great, fun T-shirts that will make him feel young again; concert Ts, superhero shirts, etc.
   67 E Ridgewood Avenue
   (201) 493-2512 
3. Ridgewood Running Company can set you up. What guy doesn’t love a new pair of kicks? The service here is personal and thorough and returns are easy. So, pick out a pair of new sneakers and he can return them and get exactly what he wants.
   258 East Ridgewood Avenue
   (201) 670-1828
4. The Wine Cellar stocks beautiful antique wine openers. If he enjoys wine, pair one with a nice bottle and some new glasses.
   6 West Ridgewood Avenue
   (201) 444-3300 
5. Ridgewood European Day Spa is great for the man who loves a massage or for one who’s never tried one. If he doesn’t use the gift certificate from here, guess who reaps the benefit!
   44 Franklin Avenue
   (201) 447-1600
6. Bookends carries lots of books for both the reader and non-reader — coffee table books, autographed copies, summer reads, gifts for dads and more. Check out the website for upcoming author visits — from wrestling to mystery to politics to baseball … something will appeal to him.
   211 East Ridgewood Avenue
   (201)445-0726
7. Jekyll & Hyde is a good choice when he is still traveling with a Nike duffel bag and it is time to upgrade to a beautiful carry on. Who knows? Maybe it will inspire a trip!
   7 East Ridgewood Avenue
   (201) 445-6525
8. Biltmore Tuxedos isn’t just for rentals. Pick up new cuff links or go with the old standard … a new tie for Father’s Day.
   36 East Ridgewood Avenue
   (201) 444-2722
9. Work Out Classes – Does he keep saying he needs to start working out or does he just want to try something different. Get him a few yoga classes at Racefaster on Broad Street (more work out rather than zen based) or a personal training session at Fitness 1-2-1. We love Marc there.
   Racefaster
   11 North Broad Street
   Fitness 1-2-1
   104 Chestnut Street
   (201) 493-8555
10. Restaurant Gift Card – There are probably a bunch of places in town you haven’t tried, or maybe just one you would love to go to again. Get him a gift card. It is insurance you will get that date night in. Some ideas: Meat Lovers, Roots. Sushi, Blu Sushi. Tuscan Authentic Italian: S. Edigio.

When all else fails, I go with a theme. I’ve done mini golf in the yard with the kids and golf gifts, tennis stuff when he said he wanted to play more (still sitting in the closet), everything wine, everything for a better night’s sleep and simply, we think you’re a great dad cheesy gifts. Every year, it seems the thing he wants most is just some time with the kids and a cold beer. So, if you haven’t started shopping, don’t overthink it. Pick up some things in town and just let him spend the day the way he wants.