Father’s Day Gift Recommendations from Our Cofounder, Chief Dad Joke Officer 

By Brad Luttrell 

2020 has been a year of uncertainty, but one thing remains true: Dad’s are awesome.

And if your old man ever deserved a patriarchal offering, it’s amid a pandemic. Who else can break the tension of quarantine with a one-liner better than the old man himself? No one, that’s who. 

But look, here’s the thing, it’s not really the thought that counts. In fact, your gift might actually say something else: You didn’t think. 

Some of you have gotten to know me as the cofounder of our little community, GoWild. But I founded something else first—THE LIFE OF LITTLE ONES! And as a dad, I have to say, we are grateful for any symbol of appreciation, but it sure is nice when that symbolic gesture is useful for grillin’, chillin’ or killin’. 

Here are my suggestions for the old man, as it relates to hunting, fishing and that grand ol’ dad hobby, barbecuing. 

ScentLok Men's Hiker Crew Socks

Socks are normally the absolute worst gift (sorry if you gave dad socks last year, but come on). However, I will say that these are the perfect kind of gift for dad. Here’s why: They’re something he won’t buy himself. $25 for socks seems crazy for a cheapo like dad. But these things work—ScentLok’s Silver Alloy technology destroy’s foot odor by helping prevent the build-up of odor-causing bacteria. That’s great for hunting. And also, it’s great for you. You know, if you have to spend much time around dad with his shoes off. 

Weber iGrill 2

Man is never more the master of a domain than when holding tongs, standing in his backyard over a hunk of meat on the grill. However, nothing is more defeating to a man’s ego than serving up burgers that were intended to be a beautiful medium rare but turned out well done. I weep at the mere thought of overcooked meat. Digital meat thermometers are a must. I use an iGrill 2 by Weber, and it syncs to my phone. No matter where I am in the house, I can check on the temperature of my smoker and meat. I ask you, does your dad have the power of omnipotent meat temperature knowledge? If not, he needs this bad boy. NEEDS IT. 

 

Garmin Forerunner 245

I love my Garmin. Personally I’m using a fēnix, and if it’s in the budget for dad, I highly recommend it. Another great option that typically runs around $300 is the Garmin Forerunner. This device is great for the outdoorsy dad. You get durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 and a host of fitness apps. The design is minimal—sleek and light—but tough, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Dad can even get his digital meat thermometer notifications from his new iGrill 2 sent straight to his new Garmin (mind blown). 

Work Sharp Electric Knife and Tool Sharpener

What was that saying dad had growing up about if you gave him six hours to cut down a tree and a sharp axe? Huh, should have listened to him more growing up. Anyways, the point was to keep your tools sharp. And there is no greater tool sharpener than the Work Sharp knife sharpener. This thing is a beast. When I first got mine, I sharpened every single thing in my house. Trust me when I say that ol’ dad will know which of his kids is the sharpest knife in the drawer when he opens this bad boy. 

 

Afield by Jesse Griffifths

OK, so dad has gotten really good at making Hank Shaw’s venison tacos from Buck Buck Moose. We get it, dad! It’s time to try something new. I suggest the gift of “Afield” by James Beard nominee, Jesse Griffiths. The man can flat out cook and this book caters to the all-around outdoorsman incredibly well, covering nearly any type of game your old man chases. Whether it’s freshwater fish, western big game, southern whitetail, saltwater hauls or whatever, this book is a true treasure. It’s among my most worn-out cookbooks. 

Bug-A-Salt

I know you’re saying it can’t be true. It can’t be a shotgun full of table salt that your dad will use to patrol the house, patio, yard and your nephew’s leftover plate of ketchup, busting flies as they come into range. BUT IT IS! This is maybe the best gift I ever bought for myself. And I urge you, give the gift of Bug-A-Salt to your dad this summer. He will be entertained all summer long, and you’ll have a few less flies buzzing your burgers.

Happy Father’s Day to the GoWild™ poppas.