...because home doesn't happen overnight.

Father’s Day is just around the corner!  Today I’m sharing a few things that Handy Hubby already has and loves AND a few things I think he’d like to have and love. The best part? They’re $60 or less.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

1 – Grill Daddy Pro Grill Brush This grill brush uses the power of steam and stainless steel bristles to clean your man’s grill.  {$20}  Handy Hubby has had his for three years and still uses it after each grilling session.  Don’t tell my dad but he’s getting one this Father’s Day.

2 – Woody’s Hair & Body Shampoo Bar Skip the shampoo!  This mild vegetable-based bar works just as well on hair as it does on the body.  Don’t all Dad’s like quickies in the shower? {$12} Handy Hubby has used and loved a similar Aveda product that’s no longer available. Maybe he should give this one a try?

3 – Igloo Maxcold Hard Liner Cooler Big enough for 12 beverage cans but small enough for everyday use.  The removable hard liner makes cleaning a cinch.  {$18} Handy Hubby follows a strict gluten-free diet.  This heavy duty cooler allows him to take several glass Pyrex dishes filled with gluten-free goodness to work for lunch.  He packs a full entree lunch every day and never worries about breaking a glass container.

4 – Boyd Frame Frame up a pic of the family or kiddos in this reclaimed wood frame.  Men like rustic.  {$60}  Handy Hubby doesn’t have this but I bet if I showed it to him he’d say, “I could make that!”

5 – Oil Tanned Leather Tool Pouch Complete with eleven pockets, dual metal hammer hangers and a durable leather/suede construction, this tool belt is hard-working just like your handyman. {$48}  Handy Hubby uses a tool belt instead of running back and forth for tools and supplies. Bonus: I think it’s sexy.  Raerrr.

6 – Zappos.com E-Gift Certificate What handy Daddy has time to go out shopping for shoes? Not many that I know.  Zappos makes it easy with free shipping both ways and a 365 day return policy.  The selection and customer service can’t be beat.  The e-gift certificate is delivered via email, available for use within 24 hours and has no hidden charges or fees.  {starting at $10} Handy Hubby only buys his shoes from Zappos.com for the convenience, impeccable service and unique inventory.

7 – Stainless Steel Skewers Kabobs, anyone?  These commercial grade skewers hold food securely and are dishwasher safe.  {$10}  Handy Hubby uses these every summer and I reap the benefits.  From marshmallows to fish and veggies, he’s torched it all.

There you have it.  My Father’s Day gift round-up.  I know I’m cutting it a little close but you can always order and give your babydaddy/daddy the receipt or a picture of the gift on the actual day if it doesn’t arrive in time.  Handy Hubby and I have done that numerous times.  Too impersonal? …The Zappos E-Gift Certificate would make it in time!

In other babydaddy related news, Handy Hubby had outpatient surgery Wednesday to correct a severely deviated nasal septum.  I think we both underestimated the recovery.  He’s out of commission.  As in he has been sleeping ever since he came out of surgery and he’s in pain. Normally, I’m totally fine with blood and guts {I really enjoyed dissecting a human cadaver in college} but I got a little woozy when I helped him change his first dressing.  There was a lot more blood and swelling than I had anticipated and he didn’t look like himself.  I did get him to eat some rice, a half of a baked potato and a little bit of baked beef ribs even though he didn’t feel much like eating.  I feel so bad for him.  Of course, working on the Underdog is taking a backseat to resting, healing and taking it easy.  Other than bringing him water, feeding him, giving him pills, changing his dressing, preoccupying the boys and patting his leg every once in a while there’s not much else I can do.  So, if you wouldn’t mind, I know he’d appreciate any words of encouragement you’d like to leave in the comments section below.  Thanks!

images:  linked within

23 Comments

16.June.2011

Dear handiest hubby of the blog world,
How ya hangin in there? We’re rooting for your speedy recovery. Not only because we want to see more reno stuff on The Underdog, but because super dad/hubby/builder guys shouldn’t have to be laid up and feeling crappy. Here’s hoping that by Father’s Day you’ve perked right back up. Good luck with the nasal healing, and please let us know if you need a virtual bowl of chicken soup. We gotcha covered.
Sending you healthy vibes,
Rebecca and other H*T fans

16.June.2011

I feel you’re pain! I had the same surgery a few months ago. I too didn’t expect the pain levels to be what they were. I’ve had two kids, how bad could this be?! The first three days I felt awful. Truly. But it gets better. Don’t rush your recovery. Forget your to-do list and just heal. Don’t lift anything heavy for the first couple of weeks. Sleep and sit elevated; eat softish foods and take small bites. I found moving my mouth to also move my nose, which hurt. If you’re taking the big daddy drugs, take a snack with them, no matter the time. The blood was gross and lasted so much longer than I thought it would. Have tissues near by for weeks. All that being said, I’m so happy I did it. Totally worth it! Be aware, even now, I’m very conscience around my crazy kids. My
nose is still tender and I don’t want to be bonked. I hope you start to feel better soon. I promise the way you feel now will be worth it. You are gaining back part of your life!

16.June.2011

My husband had the same surgery pretty close to 6 years ago and like you, we totally underestimated the recovery. Changing the dressing was the worst!! And I use that word loosely.

Our wish for you to have a speedy recovery!

Kelly

16.June.2011

Dear Handy Hubby, I wish you a speedy recovery! I also hope that the surgery corrects your problem, and that you never have nasal problems again.

Dana, when I saw the picture of item #7, I thought they were hatpins! Skewers does make more sense in a “gift for Dad” post. (It’s early – I need another cup of coffee!)

Feel better I have know some people who have had this surgery and they said it was well worth it. Enjoy the time off from working on the Underdog.

16.June.2011

Yikes! Rest up and feel better soon! It’s important to take time to heal, otherwise, you’ll pay for it later–the to-do list (and the blog readers) can wait, so take care of yourselves and each other!

I had to play nurse to my son when he had his appendix out in preschool–it’s doubly hard to see the ones we love in pain…you’ll get through it and he’ll be back to his handy ways before you know it!

16.June.2011

Wishing your hubby a very speedy recovery. It’s never easy taking care of your husband, kudos to you! Father’s Day gift ideas: The kids and I are giving my husband a pair of “Vans” tennis shoes. Apparently according to two 13 year olds this gift will be sooo cool. I hope he likes them!

16.June.2011

Elaine – Hatpins! Too funny.

16.June.2011

Get better Handy Hubby!

16.June.2011

Love your collection for “Handy Hubby” especially the uber masculine oil-tanned, leather tool pouch (specially if hubby is also “oil-tanned”)!!

Hoping Handy Hubby recovers quickly! My dad had that surgery a few years ago, and it was so weird to see him afterward; he’s normally clean-shaven but had to hold off on shaving for a little while until everything healed up. It was like I had a different dad!

Bless you, Dana, for playing nurse!

16.June.2011

Thank’s for the well-wishes and words of encouragement, Tweakers! Dana says I look like I lost 3 rounds in the UFC, and I think she’s probably right. I’d post a pic, but I’m afraid we’d lose half our readers!

Side note, Dana really is as awesome in real life as she is in your browser. She took care of me and my nose, Layne with his cough, and Everett with his diarrhea (sorry, TMI) all night … and still wrote this post! We’re very lucky boys and would be lost without her.

16.June.2011

Feel better soon, Handy Hubby! You probably heard this from the doc, but just in case:

Take the pain medication every time it’s due. Don’t wait for your nose to hurt, because the medication won’t work as well. Wait until the swelling starts to go down to start weaning off.
I’ve taken care of a bunch of patients recovering from procedures, and that’s the thing that mattered most.

I’ve been told this is one of those “wow, this is amazing” surgeries – you feel so much better after! Enjoy!

16.June.2011

mostly I tell my hubby to suck it up! j/k, sort of……

I hope you feels well soon, and that Dana gets some sleep!

16.June.2011

Feel better handy hubby. Dana – Didn’t know if you saw that your fireplace was featured on YHL today. That should make your day brighter!! Hang in there you guys!

16.June.2011

Wow! I hope HH feels better, it’s a surgery that I need to have and have been putting off, looks like I might keep putting it off…

Just wanted to tell Dana that I stumbled on your blog a couple months ago and now get so excited when I see you come up in my feed reader. I love the way you write, your content and your adorable amazing family. Keep being awesome!

16.June.2011

Sounds terrible! Hang in there HH… and “Nurse” Dana!
And when you’re better, keep up the good work on the Underdog; I’m enjoying watching the transformation!

17.June.2011

Given the exceptional circumstances, I’m happy to de-lurk and actually comment here!
What with my own French Handy Hubby, and a current house under renovation (we are like twins!!) (except not, because we have never met) (unless we were secret twins, but I’m getting carried away, here…) (alright, enough with the parentheses), I feel for you (and also for Dana a bit, is that ok?).
Anyhoo, here’s wishing you a speedy recovery aaaaaaall the way from the other side of the Atlantic! Now if that doesn’t do it!!!

17.June.2011

Handy Hubby, get well soon! It’s no fun to be under the weather for your special day!
Dana, I just discovered your blog this week and am in love! My husband and I are under contract on our first house and you’ve given me tons of ideas! Love it!

17.June.2011

Been loving your posts lately, but this one had me in stitches! ‘Dad’s like quickies in the shower!’ Did you know that here in the UK a quickie can mean something else, lets just say Mummy would be in there with him! Thanks for making me laugh out loud today, even if you didn’t mean to! Hope things get better for hubby soon – I need my underdog fix! xx

17.June.2011

I know people who have had this surgery with a challenging recoveries also and unfortunately seems to be the norm. Sending up a prayer for your hubby to have a quick and complete recovery – better than new! Then it’s back to the remodel because us blog fans are anxious to see the next step : )

17.June.2011

HH – speedy recovery wishes! I eat GF too – was diagnosed w/Celiac Disease around June ’09…not sure if that’s the reason you eat GF.

Love the blog – read via feeds as often as you update.

Happy Father’s Day…

18.June.2011

Katherine – That’s what ‘quickie’ can mean in the US too! Please accept my apologies for the PG-13 rated innuendo…it was intentional. Glad someone got a kick out of it!