Lifestyle: Practical and Classic Gift Ideas for Dad (From Travel to Accessories)

Will and I have known each other sixteen years now. Sometimes I think back to that summer where we met in 2000, and try to pinpoint the qualities that he possessed that drew me to him and why I stuck around. He's a perfect Dad and husband, but I didn't know that then.



It sounds silly when you write it out, but Will was and still is a very classy individual. Will thrives on planning for the future in a fiscally responsible way.  He knows the difference between his wants and his needs and thinks about every purchase he makes. 

Sometimes, people who are known to be frugal in life are not given the true accolades they deserve. My husband is not cheap by any means. He likes quality. He buys very little, but when he does, it is usually very good quality and then he wears until he gets his money worth. 

He's not into fads and trends. He's timeless. He's classic. He's like a classic, luxury hotel resort in many ways. No wonder I love him and hotels so much. 

He does not buy a product just to buy a name. He does not care to impress anyone. He buys something because he likes the quality and believes in the quality the item possesses. If he buys something and it doesn't live up to his expectations, he will probably never buy the brand again. 

Will has needed a new wallet for quite awhile now.  He has owned and used the same Hartmann wallet for the past twenty years. It's on his last leg. Seriously, the driver's license ID is about to pull away at the seam.



He has loved this wallet and the quality that Hartmann provides with its leather goods. Both he and I own Hartmann luggage and have been very happy with our purchases. This American-made company has been in business since 1877 and makes travel and leather accessories. Will has been so pleased with his wallet that he knew that he wanted to get the exact same wallet. He just had not bought it yet. Priorities like summer camps, two trips to Asheville (You know me...it is not just run and up and drop off or pick-up. It's now a vacation with four nights at two different hotels) and probably a new air compressor on my Audi. 

The good news for Will is that he is getting this wallet as a  Father's Day as a surprise. I was contacted by the company last week asking if I was working on any Father Day's stories. I told them his current wallet story and together, we decided this was a story to share. His brand new wallet is here courtesy of Hartmann. Even if I had not done this public story, he would have replaced his wallet with the same one. 

Practical and Classic  Gift Ideas for Dad (Hartmann Wallet)


Will has been supportive of my blog, and quite honestly, I've spent a lot of time here in this space without a paycheck, dinner has been late on the table because of a deadline so I'm glad to be able to give him this gift instead of him buying it himself. 

I have put together a few other ideas for good gifts in addition to the wallet. You already know his wallet's back history. It retails for $185. Will used his Hartmann wallet for twenty years.  There is a good change on this model though. The ID section comes out so if you wanted to take your ID and a room key to the pool then that it all you would need to take. I think that is an upgrade that he will enjoy. 

Hartmann wallet for Father's Day


I also think the Hartmann travel kit would be nice for Dad.  It retails for $135.  If you wanted, you could fill it with some of the necessary items I've included on my list. 

Hartmann Travel Kit for Father's  Day



My other gift idea for Dad is very practical and that is a good sunscreen.  Whether  he is playing golf, on the beach, or mowing the lawn, sunscreen is important. Will was diagnosed with melanoma last year and we caught it early, but sunscreen is at the top of our list. I've got Beautycounter sunscreen ready to go for our trip to the beach. It's one of the best-rated sunscreens on the market according to the EWG database.  I have both the lotion and stick packed for our annual beach trip with Will's family. 

Beautycounter sunscreen

If  you have a Dad who uses a regular razor then Young Living's shaving cream is ultra luxe and conditions the skin. Made with pure essential oils and moisturizing botanicals, Shutran™ Shave Cream delivers an incredibly close, smooth shave. Combining hydrating palm, grape seed, and olive oils, naturally derived vitamin E complex, and mango and cocoa butter, this luxurious shave cream provides a frictionless glide to reduce razor burn and nicks. There is also the Shutran Essential oil, which acts a cologne for me. It is a clean scent designed for gender-neutral use, and more importantly, it is free of harmful synthetic fragrances. 

lux shaving cream by Young Living



My final gift idea is travel. Even Dad needs a night away in a luxury hotel.  I think Dad deserves a massage. Many men will never book their own appointments so I think it's up to the wife to do it. I have two ideas for North Carolina. 

Treat Dad to a Hotel Stay at the Umstead Hotel in Cary, N.C.

The first is in Cary, N.C at the Umstead Hotel and Spa.  If your Dad is over 50, then you can get the AARP rate which is $360 for the night. Will is now eligible for this. I think I will one day take advantage of it. But, the best deal is the Summer Escape Deal with $100 property credit to be used in the spa or restaurant. It is $449 for the night. Even if you don't spend the night, drinks or dinner at the Lobby Bar is a great night out. We did this recently with family and loved it. 

Charlotte Ballantyne Summer Savings Perks.


The Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. is located on a golf course so it Dad loves to golf then this is a perfect getaway, and it happens to have a great spa on site as well. The hotel has golf packages, but the Summer Getaway package is a bargain. Rates begin at $229 and include a $50 resort credit. I just returned from the Ballantyne and cannot speak highly enough about the resort. I think Dad and you would love it. They also have a great afternoon tea. Will loves afternoon tea, too.  But, he likes beer even better. The Ballantyne is hosting the Ballantyne Beer Garden  on  Sunday, July 3 from noon to 7 p.m. on the South lawn of the hotel.  This pop-up Ballantyne Beer Garden will feature live music, local beer, a cookout, and prizes. There will be no admission fee and is open to the public. Menu items will be available à la carte.

Happy Father's Day! 



Be sure to follow the #OutaboutNC community on Instagram to know more about North Carolina travel.  Also, shop my sidebar for your latest vacation or overnight via Marriott, Expedia, Hotels.com and Living Social. 

Disclosure: Per FTC guidelines so you can weigh a blogger's words and opinions, no monetary compensation was exchanged for this post, but there are affiliate links. Will's replacement wallet was a gift from Hartmann. 


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