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Father’s Day gift ideas for your Vail dad

Jennifer Geisman
Haute Alpine Couture
Commission Pant ($128, lululemon).
Special to the Weekly |

When you think of your dear ol’ dad, a few thoughts come immediately to mind — he’s your go-to-guy when your car is having a tantrum, invariably “knows a chap” that can take care of your most recent heartbreak and is consistently proud of both your teachable moments (which are many!) and your successes. This Father’s Day, let dad sit back and relax as you shake up the same-old-same-old gifts.

THE FASHIONISTA-FATHER

Ever since lululemon opened as a full-service store in Vail Village, we can’t resist spending all of our free shopping time perusing the brand’s line. Dad will look super-macho when celebrating the summer season in the new Commission Pant ($128, lululemon), which is a lightweight, tailored-fit pant that is both functional and second-to-none for traveling, biking, work or a lazy weekend tooling around the farmers market. The Qwick Chino fabric features a two-way stretch, is water resistant and the pants have plenty of storage for knick-knacks while out and about. These Commission Pants will protect Dad, too — for biking at dawn or dusk, the cuffs also roll up to reveal reflective details.



During the summer, does your padre have a tendency to boast a (ahem) less-than-amorous odeur? Although sweat evaporates pretty quickly here at 8,150 feet, a manly stench may take over when the summer sun is high and dry. Pair Dad’s lululemon Commission Pants with the Switchback SS V Shirt ($68, lululemon), an anti-stink shirt that is lightweight and sweat-wicking. The brand’s Silverescent technology inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the shirt and the mesh fabric panels increase airflow, which will keep your proud papa smelling sweet and feeling cool. For a father-daughter date night, man him up in the Ibex Outdoor Ace Shirt ($115, Ptarmigan Sports), an all-purpose, live and let live shirt, or the Ibex Outdoor Cirrus Polo ($100, Ptarmigan Sports). Perfect for alpine evenings, the uber-light Ibex Outdoor Cirrus Polo is summer-ready due to its moisture managing wool blend.

If you are outfitting the top half, then Dad will certainly need something to cover up the bottom when out and about this summer. T.H.E. Short *H2O ($78, lululemon) is a streamlined fit, all-sport short that can be worn on trail runs, training sessions or even a dip in the lake. The featherweight fabric and four-way stretch give these knickers support both in and out of the water. They also have a device sleeve to keep your phone in its place, but remind Dad to take his phone out before diving in! For a little longer out in the woods, don him in the Burton Hybrid Ledge Boardshorts ($44.95, Burton), which are light and loose and feature enhanced cotton/nylon stretch fabric for quick-drying.

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What Dad wears on his feet is almost as important as his Rico Suave’ dress code. The UNEEK by Keen ($100, Ptarmigan Sports) is summer’s foolproof no-sandal sandal for men. Using innovative two-cord construction, the UNEEK molds to your feet for the perfect fit. The design allows the upper part of the shoe to move and adapt to the shape of your foot. The UNEEK sandal is available in 15 vibrant color options from solids to neon to multi-colored cords. With these puppies on, you will always be able to find Dad in a crowd.

PREMIUM PAPA

If your dad appreciates a smooth drink that can be nursed while watching Vail’s exquisite sunsets, then the Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon ($43, Alpine Wine & Spirits, Beaver Liquors and Jake’s liquor at Costco) is the gift of choice. Known for producing premium whiskey using regional ingredients, Wyoming Whiskey’s bourbon has garnered attention throughout the country for its unique formulations and ingredient list. The Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon is amber in color with a nose of sweet corn, molasses and clove. In addition, this small batch bourbon is medium bodied with a palate of vanilla, caramel, charred oak, a hint of citrus and finishes with lingering aromas of caramel and toast.

ACCOUTREMENTS

It seems that dads always need “stuff.” If you are thinking of accouterments to accompany him on his various travels and activities this summer, at least give him something with a purpose. Trilipiderm’s Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($17.99-$37.99, The Linen Kist in Avon) is recommended by pharmacists and now marked with a National Drug Code, making it one of the only over-the-counter SPF moisturizers to have this trusted shield. In addition to protecting the skin, this SPF is also enhanced with Vitamin D, a necessary vitamin required for healthy skin metabolism. Whether he is walking the dog or going for a full moon hike, make sure his path is well lit with the Energizer Vision HD LED Headlight ($10-$25, Home Depot or Walmart). Equipped with three light modes (spot, flood and spot/flood combo), this headlight is dimmable, which is especially handy when Mom and Dad are having a date night hike.

GIFT OF TIME

Sometimes the best Father’s Day gift is time spent together. Bring dear ol’ dad and his best furry friend to Canon City and visit Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, which won a spot in The Milk-Bone All-American Doggy Road Trip Ranking. If traveling that far is not in your summer plans, then listen to music at Bravo! Vail (July 1-Aug. 6), treat Dad to a good old-fashioned rodeo at the 76th annual Eagle County Fair & Rodeo (July 22-25) at the Eagle County Fairgrounds or picnic at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and experience unique and awe-inspiring dance performances during the Vail International Dance Festival (July 27-Aug. 10).

Haute Alpine Couture quenches your thirst with a cocktail of cravings that turns an insider’s favorite into your monthly buzz. With an eye for uncovering the most sought-after trends, Jennifer Geisman is a self-professed product junkie. Geisman fuses her expertise in PR and the beauty and fashion worlds to deliver quintessentially modern hot spots, styles and trends. Email comments about this story to cschnell@vaildaily.com.


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