With Father's Day just around the corner (June 15), it's time to start thinking about what to get Dad for his special day. If your Dad is like mine, he's probably seriously downplaying the importance of Father's Day and isn't giving you any hints for gift ideas. This is probably because you have given him terrible presents in the past, and he has lost all faith in your gift-giving abilities. (Dad, I'm sorry for all the socks and Home Depot gift cards.) So surprise your father next weekend with a truly original gift from one of these Chicago startups. And remember, we can't stress enough the importance of shopping local.
1. Imprint Plaid--Serene Blue Skinny Necktie From The Tie Bar ($15)
Take Dad to church in style on Sunday with this serene blue, plaid necktie from the Tie Bar. It makes a statement without being overly flashy, and it's only $15.00. In fact, all of the Tie Bar's neckties are $15.00. The online-only men's accessories shop opened in 2004 in Naperville, but recently announced it's moving its headquarters to Chicago.
Being frustrated by the growing cost of neckties, the Tie Bar founders wanted to sell affordable, stylish ties. The company has taken off since its launch, with revenues at $16 million in 2013. Tie Bar products have been endorsed by celebrities like Dwyane Wade and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and the company has been regularly featured in GQ, along with Esquire, Men's Health, and the Today Show.
Maybe plaid isn't you dad's style? They have a wide variety of styles and colors, so you're bound to find something he'll like. The Tie Bar also sells pocket squares, socks cufflinks, suspenders, and other accessories.
2. Trunk Club Gift Card ($100 and up)
Let's face it. Sometimes it's best to just let Dad pick out his own clothes. What better way to do that than with a gift card to Trunk Club. All Dad has to do is sign into the website, select his style, and he'll receive the clothing in the mail. A personal stylist will work with him to hand-select clothes that fit his style and body type, so he'll be confident he's getting a great look. He can even try on the clothes from home and return them in 10 days if he does't like them. Trunk Club's prices are similar to high-end retailers (denim prices are $170–$250, casual shirts $100–$200, and sweaters $100–$300), so go in with your siblings and get at least a $250 gift card. Best of all, your dad can avoid the shopping mall and do everything from his computer.
Trunk Club, a Chicago-based fashion startup, launched in 2009 and has grown from four to more than 300 employees. The company is backed by US Venture Partners, Greycroft Partners, Anthos Capital, and Apex Ventures, and it has raised more than $12 million in funding, according to Built in Chicago.
3. Growler from DryHop Brewers ($10-$13)
Step up Dad's beer game with a growler from one of Chicago's best young brewpubs. Coming up on its one year anniversary, DryHop has a huge selection of craft beers, and you're sure to find something that Dad will love. DryHops is located at 3155 N. Broadway in Lakeview, so swing by and give your dad some of the freshest beer in Chicago. And after he's done, bring the growler back and get it refilled, which keeps cardboard, glass and aluminum out of landfills. With a Dryhop growler, you'll not only be a good gift giver, but you're environmentally conscious.
4. Music Gear From Reverb (Prices Vary)
If your dad's into playing music, look into upgrading his gear from Reverb, a website where you can find vintage, used, handmade and new equipment online. Reverb has built a marketplace for musicians to buy and sell gear, and by offering a low 3.5 percent transaction fee, the site has kept prices down for buyers, and maximizes the value for sellers. The Chicago startup, which launched in 2012, received $2.3 million in funding in November 2013 from Lightbank, Lean Startup, and Cheap Trick, according to Built in Chicago. Brows the site and check out Reverb's wide variety of equipment.
5. Mission Canvas Slip-On From Bucketfeet ($68)
You might think Bucketfeet is a little too flashy for your dad, but they do have a selection of tamer styles that will still keep him looking fresh. The Mission Canvas Slip-on is great because it has a clean, earth-toned look with subtle details. Made by San Diego artist Tekst, these shoes are $68 and include free shipping and returns in the U.S. Launched in 2011, Bucketfeet is the first shoe brand founded in Chicago. Originally an online-only retailer, the company has since opened brick and mortar shops on State Street and in New York City. To see more styles, check out this video Chicago Inno produced with Co-Founder Raaja Nemani.
6. The CTS-01 from Central Standard Timing ($299)
Marketed as the world's thinnest watch, the CTS-01 will give Dad something to brag to his friends about. It is paper thin (0.8 mm) and comes in three wrist sizes. The watch charges in 20 minutes and lasts for an entire month. It is currently available for pre-order, with orders expected to ship this summer. Chicago-based Central Standard Timing launched a kickstarted campaign for the product back in 2012 that raised more than $1 million.
7. Six Months of Mystery Tackle Box ($90)
If your dad loves fishing, Mystery Tackle Box is like Christmas every month. The Evanston-based startup is a monthly subscription service that delivers fishing lures to your door for $15 a month. You can order Dad one single box, or a box each month for a year. Launched in 2012, the company offers a variety of fishing lures and other products. On average, recipients get 4-5 products per box.
Did we miss anything? Leave other great Father's Day ideas from Chicago tech and startup companies in the comments.
