Shopping seemed like a much better idea than blogging or otherwise working today. In an attempt to make it appear like I’ve been productive, I’ve compiled a list of Fathers Day gifts….or gifts for me – however you want to look at it.

One

It’s summer – translation: grilling season. So why not pick up a grilling guide or cookbook:

This book from Cooking Light features more than 550 full-color images with step-by-step instructions. Gas, charcoal, and indoor grilling techniques are supplemented by a wide variety of mouth-watering recipes featuring burgers, meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, vegetables, and fruits. The book also includes detailed information about ingredients, an ingredient substitution guide, and a seasonal produce guide.

Two

Another cool idea is a pedometer.

I like this one only because the color makes me happy.

Doesn’t it make you happy?

The trick with pedometers is to get one, put it on, and start tracking your steps everyday. Then try to increase your steps, maybe try to get in 100 more steps each day and work your way up to 3000 steps in 30 minutes or 10 000 steps per day.

Two And A Half

If there is no leaving the house without babies, the Strollometer looks like a fun toy too.

It attaches to a stroller and measures distance, time, and speed.

Three

This hammock would be a great gift for me. Um. I mean. For your dad.

Four

Another great idea (if I do say so myself), is a CSA share. Basically how this works is that a farmer offers a certain number of shares to the public. The shares are usually a box of vegetables but could include fruit, meat, preserves, etc. You purchase a share and return, receive a  box of in-season vegetables each week throughout the farming season. You can read more about them at Local Harvest and find a CSA program near you using their search tool.

This is what a share from Johnson’s Backyard Garden in Austin would look like this week.

Five

If your gift-receiver likes to cook, Mediterranean Diet Cookbook For Dummies might be a good option.

Don’t read into it too much.

Six

My last suggestion: A water bottle to help keep hydrated during these how summer months.

This Nalgene Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle come in a million colors and sizes. I am truly sorry if you can’t find one you like.

Are there any other cool gift ideas that I should be ashamed for missing?