Healthy Gifts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day—a day for dad. A day where we show our appreciation with gifts that range from the extravagant to the forgettable. You could follow the crowd and get your dad a new tie, dress shirt, or another miscellaneous article of clothing he’ll wear once or twice. Or, you could try something a little different, maybe something with a greater and longer-lasting impact. You could even get something that will encourage your dad to live a healthier lifestyle. If you’re still in limbo about what to get your dad this year, don’t worry—we have a few ideas below.

Fitness trackers (which double as heart monitors)
These devices have become an essential accessory for the health-conscious. Serving as your 24-hour wellness device, fitness trackers can perform a myriad of tasks while you’re on the go, with an emphasis on heart-rate monitoring and the calculation of calories burned or steps taken throughout the day. And yes, our phones can track (almost) everything a fitness tracker can capture, but these specialty devices minimize the distractions and provide a much better focus on wellness. Instead of buying a Movado watch this year, purchase a device that not only tells time but also tracks your fitness regime and assesses your sleep patterns. For example, Fitbit Alta HR could be a good fit for your dad. Or look at the sleek Apple Watch Series 3, which combines the features of a phone, watch, and fitness tracker in one high-tech but an easy-to-use device. If your father is a swimmer, even better! Fitness trackers have come a long way since their inception, and most, like Apple Watch 3 and the Fitbit Ionic, can now withstand the waters that you wade in. If you’re not a fan of the aforementioned brands, MOOV Now and Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro are waterproof (up to 30 meters and 50 meters respectively) and they focus on coaching you after you’ve emerged from the water.

Basket of Health (Snacks)
Nothing says “I love you” more than a basket full of healthy snacks because let’s face it, we all love to eat. Research has proven that women snack more than men, but men tend to snack on less healthy foods (sorry guys!). Though it may be hard to step away from the sweets – encouraging your dad to develop better-snacking habits will help you both in the long haul. Start your basket off with heart-healthy snacks; such as walnuts and almonds. Unsalted banana chips, kale chips, and dried edamame are also great options. Another quick bite you could throw in is an old-time favorite—jerky. The New Primal Pasture carries a mean Rosemary and Date Chicken Jerky that’s void of preservatives, sugars, and antibodies. If you’re uncertain of what to purchase for your basket or box, try a subscription to a natural snack company, like NatureBox. If you think the snacks featured on their home page are enticing enough, imagine how your dad would feel when he gets them delivered every month.

Cooking Tools
For the dad that takes his culinary ventures seriously (or not so seriously), consider upping his game with better cookware. Your dad may start to create more of his own meals, which can give him more control over his diet. If your dad enjoys firing up the grill, Williams Sonoma’s Stainless-Steel BBQ Tool Set will make a sleek, stylish addition. And if your dad is ready to take his kabobs to the next level, try a kabob basket. You can also take it up a notch by throwing in the Molecule-R Cuisine R-Evolution Kit. A molecular gastronomy kit is a unique gift that will empower him to create his own sauces. Your dad will be guaranteed the title of King of the Grill in no time.

Plan a Hiking Trip (for the Adventurous Dad)
For the adventurous father – plan an outdoor activity. Trails are prevalent in Georgia, with Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, and the now famous Atlanta BeltLine leading the charge. If your dad is looking for a bit more seclusion, plan a hiking trip to Reynolds Nature Preserve or Panola State National Park. For the less adventurous dad – you could shoot hoops at the gym, go for a swim, or play a few rounds of tennis. If it goes well, you might end up inspiring your dad to take up one of these activities regularly. Pack plenty of water and a few (healthy) snacks just in case. And, be sure to have your dad consult with his primary care physician before planning your day.

Introductory Classes
Has your dad ever wanted to try martial arts or golf? Pottery or Tennis? Make his wishes come true with a few introductory lessons. These beginner-friendly classes can provide a great experience, and they might just uncover a new talent or passion. Victory Martial Arts Academy has classes dedicated to honing that inner “chi.” Eagles Landing Country Club has golf lessons so your dad can work on being the next golf extraordinaire. There are too many options in Atlanta to mention here, so do some research based on what he likes.

Spa Day
If your dad thinks the Spa is just for women, he’s in for a real treat. Most spas offer special packages and can help you create a day of pure bliss for your dad. Take part in Stockbridge Day Spa’s “Father” Time at the Spa event by purchasing a package. Or, indulge your dad in a heavenly massage and facial at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa.

And with all this talk of gifts, let’s not forget the most important thing you can give your dad– your time. If he lives in the Atlanta area, find something you can do together. If not, a video call can go a long way. Or, schedule a trip and let him know you’ll see him soon. As he gets older, it’s even important that he has a good healthcare team to help him live the healthiest life possible. If he needs a good primary care physician, we’d love to meet him and put together a comprehensive healthcare plan for Father’s Day and beyond.