Discount
-Custom Made For Kids: If you use the code “summer2009”, you will receive 20% off personalized book orders placed by September 21, 2009.

Father’s Day
-Care.com: They are offering some cute FREE Father’s Day coupons that you can download at Coupons for Dad. (They are also offering a 15% promotional code to sign up for Care.com (simply enter “DAD15” and receive 15% off the cost of a Care.com membership.

-Outback Steakhouse: Every Dad who eats at their restaurant this Father’s Day weekend will receive a $10 gift certificate towards his next visit. (Restaurants will be open at 11AM that Sunday so you can take him for lunch or dinner.) Plus (if you’re especially budget-conscious), they are still running their 15 meals under $15 promotion.

Helpful Site
MomActive: This new site is geared towards supporting moms with fitness and healthy living. One of the co-founders lost over 100 lbs. after the birth of her son – how inspiring! (There is also a MomActive radio talk show.)

After sifting through almost 400 Father’s Day gift suggestions, I’m happy to see that Dads are being focused on after all. (My initial impression was that dads got the short end of the stick holiday-wise.)

Honestly, when it comes to getting gifts for the men in my life, I usually get them something that they have recently mentioned in casual conversation that they wanted or needed. If they haven’t mentioned anything lately, I just ask. (I started this practice after getting Kangols and Old Spice for my own dad year after year until he protested. Me: “You were the one who asked me for them. I thought that you liked them.” Him: “Yes, I did, but that was many years ago. I do like them…just not every year!” Point taken.) This year, I bought my dad a gift card to Macy’s. (He has very specific tastes in clothes – he’s a “Dapper Don”. So, if he doesn’t tell me specifically what he wants clothing-wise, I let him choose for himself!)

My husband mentioned that he needs some new pants, so I also bought him a gift card to Macy’s. I’m going to go shopping with him though as a part of his gift, because he’s one of those people who won’t ever use their gift cards! In addition, I’m creating a photo/video montage as a gift for him with the boys. I’m using One True Media to create it. They gave me a trial Premium Subscription to test out the site and it’s so easy to use! You simply upload your photos and video, add music and any other effects that you desire and you’re done. (I’m writing this on here, because my husband doesn’t read my blog without asking first!) I’m going to turn the montage into a gift DVD. (You can also e-mail it, post it on social media sites or send it to TiVo so it can be watched on TV.) Basic membership to One True Media is free (while premium membership is $3.99/month or $39.99/year) making this a great gift idea. I’ll post the montage on the blog after my husband sees it first.

Okay, so that’s it for the dads in my life, since my husband is getting his father’s gift. Below are two more tech gift ideas that I wanted to highlight. (I’ve seen them, but I don’t own them.)

1. Motorola TALKABOUT® MR350R Radios ($79.99 per pair): Active dads will enjoy these two-way radios that are best suited for outdoor use. That is where you will see the best range (they have a range of 35 miles). The radios also come with NOAA weather alerts, an Emergency alert button and many other features. (I’m thinking of some of my “outdoorsy” guy friends who would love this – especially since summer vacation camping/trips are right around the corner.)

2. Vue personal video network ($299.99): Earlier this year, I was able to see a preview of this system at an Editor’s Showcase. It is a wire-free video system that can be used on a daily basis. With it, dads will be able to see their families from practically anywhere. (When I initially saw it, I thought that it would be a great purchase for parents who are away from their families a lot for business or other reasons.) What I especially like about it is that it’s simple. You just set up the cameras, plug an Internet connection into the back of the Gateway and start viewing. There are no wires and no software to set up, so it’s easy to use no matter how tech savvy you are (or are not!). The Vue will be shipping soon, but you can pre-order now in order to be one of the first people to experience it.

Congrats to the winner: Karen E

Back in January, I reviewed and gave away some Jockey Women’s Activewear. The pieces were so comfortable that I’m still using them. That’s why I’m happy to introduce Jockey Euro Sport for the men in your life. For Father’s Day, Jockey is giving away a set of three products from this collection: a Euro Sport Trunk, Brief and Boxer Brief.

If you’re like me, then you usually end up buying your husband’s underclothes. The Jockey Euro Sport Collection is available in CoolMax® and Microfiber Mesh fabrics that are lightweight and quick drying. Priced at $12-$28, the products are a relatively inexpensive way to keep your guy cool while he’s out and about.

To win the three products, please share your favorite item from the Jockey Euro Sport Collection in the “Comments” section below by Sunday, June 21st at noon.

For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter or friend me on Facebook.
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until June 21st.

Good luck!

(To see other contests & giveaways around the web, visit Contesting Monday or Contest Monday.)

I’m not really putting together a Father’s Day Gift Guide. Rather, I’m going to do two days of gift ideas (Books and Unique Gifts).

Books are some of my favorite things. Below are eight that I think will make wonderful Father’s Day gifts for a variety of dads:

1. Afterbirth: Stories You Won’t Read in a Parenting Magazine
“(It) is a new book offering compassion and hope for parents of any age and disciplinarian follower. (It) is not a sentimental love-fest about the joys of parenthood. Rather, it has more heart in its depictions about the shocking, wonderful, and terrible moments of being a parent, and embraces the complaints, brutally honest opinions, and parental failings about the most mystifying job in the world. Afterbirth is largely written by fathers, and not just any fathers, but some of the funniest dads today, most of whom are award-winning comedy and television writers.”

2. Always By My Side
”The National Sportscaster of the Year beautifully recounts his loving relationship with his own father, Jim Nantz Sr., who ultimately succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. Nantz discusses how his father shaped him as a person, and helped him become the man he is today.”

3. Crash Course for New Dads: Tools, Checklists and Cheat Sheets
“Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, a non-profit orientation program for fathers-to-be, operating in more than 260 hospitals, clinics, schools, fire stations and churches around North America and internationally, has recently released his second book on fathering…which serves as a terrific “how to” guide for new fathers.”

*4. Dance Me, Daddy
” In her new children’s book, singer/songwriter and 2009 Dove Award Winner Cindy Morgan celebrates the bond between fathers and daughters everywhere. With lively illustrations by Philomena O’Neill, Dance Me, Daddy recalls the days when Daddy was the “King of the World.” The final copy of the book will include a CD with the song “King of the World” (written by Morgan and inspiration for the book) performed by Point of Grace, as well as a reading of the book by Morgan.” (I was sent this beautiful book. Since I don’t have a daughter, I’m going to give it to one of my mom friends that does have a little girl.)

5. Keel’s Simple Diary Volume One
“This unique mole-skin diary is TASCHEN’s first release primarily filled with text which TASCHEN describes as, “a book that provides us with a little comfort in difficult times.” Illuminating thought starters, queries and illustrations enable the reader/creator to explore, navigate and document the chaotic adventure that is life.”

6. LAMENTATIONS OF THE FATHER
“Celebrated humorist Ian Frazier’s (book is) a collection of The New Yorker contributor’s essays from the past fourteen years of his career. Stories included are “The Cursing Mommy Cookbook,” “Kid Court,” and “How to Operate the Shower Curtain.”

7. LIFE with Father
“Celebrate the joys of parenthood. Featuring celebrities—think Jackie and Caroline Kennedy—and everyday moms and dads; these books are the perfect gift to express the sentiments words cannot.”

8. Love Equals Sacrifice
“An emotional and moving autobiography chronicling the author’s experiences caring for a father with Alzheimer’s and his realization that true love does not come without sacrifice.”

On Thursday night, I went with a group of people to see Diane Birch perform at City Winery. (She did an amazing job and I’ll be sharing more about it next week.) Before the show began, I met several new, wonderful people. One of the more lively ones was John Andrews. He has this brilliant marketing mind and background, but the thing that attracted me the most was his obvious love for his wife and young daughter.

Anyway, someone mentioned to John that I might be doing a Father’s Day Guide this month. Immediately, he called me over and started raving about the Kroon jacket that he was wearing. (I can’t seem to find a website for Kroon, but if you google “Kroon Jacket”, you can see where to purchase them.) John loved his jacket so much that he thought that it would make a wonderful gift for any dad. (Since he doesn’t work for the company in any capacity and recently purchased two of the jackets himself, I was intrigued.) Since I had my Flip camera with me, I asked him if he would share about it on video. He happily obliged and the clip is below:

Congrats to the winner: Sarah Daniels.

What is it about guys and grills? We’re going to a barbecue tomorrow and my friend is telling me all about how excited her husband is to grill chicken and other meats on their new grill. Even my husband (who has a pretty laid-back personality) gets excited when he hears that we’re going to a barbecue. He also loves “manning the grill” at various outings. Practically every man that I know just loves to grill – it’s like they have an inner grill-master inside! It’s no wonder that grilling gadgets are such top Father’s Day gift items.

Unfortunately, there’s not always a lot of space for grills in small, urban apartments. That’s why I’m so excited that Breville gave me and is giving one lucky Mom in the City reader their Die Cast Indoor BBQ & Grill ($249.99).

Normally, my husband is not excited about the items that I review or give away on this site. However, he was really happy about this one! I let him know that he would have to work for it though by sharing his thoughts. Here are the 5 things that we like the most about the grill:

1. It is versatile. The height adjusts so you can grill a variety of foods from pancakes to thick cuts of meat.

2. It is compact. Although you have the option of opening it to grill, it can also fit on a countertop when closed. For me, it’s replacing my Crock-pot on the counter while the weather is warm. (I really don’t like a lot of stews/chili type foods when it’s warm outside.)

3. It gives real barbecue results. (Although honestly, it’s impossible for it to have that same charcoal smell and taste.)

4. It is easy to clean. Some women love cleaning. It makes them happy. I’m not one of those women. Since I clean when my husband cooks, the non-stick plates on the grill get a thumbs-up from me!

And

5. It is a healthy choice. You have the option of draining the fat into the included dip tray. (My husband doesn’t really care because he has a crazy metabolism. He can eat whatever he likes and not gain an ounce.)

To enter, please share your favorite feature of the grill in the “Comments” section below by Monday, June 15th at noon.

For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter. (If you’re already following me, you can tweet about this giveaway.)
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until June 15th.

Good luck!

Congrats to the winner: Junnie

Gadget-loving Dads will love the Roku Digital Video Player (also known as the Netflix Player by Roku) that allows you to use your high-speed Internet connection to start watching movies in seconds.

Recently, I’ve been watching movies from the Internet (because I’m one of the LiHD families) and it has been so convenient to have this ability. Now, I know that everyone can’t necessarily afford to (or desire to) go out and get a Viera HDTV that connects to the Internet. That is why I’m giving away the Roku Digital Video Player ($99) that I was sent to review to one lucky Mom in the City reader!

There are so many great advantages to this compact, little box. It’s easy to connect to your television because both Wi-Fi and Ethernet are built into the system. It also works with almost every television – from older models to newer HDTVs. Best of all, you can easily stream movies (and television shows) from Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand from the Internet directly to your TV with it. Engadget.com (a site that I trust for gadget recommendations) readers and editors even awarded the Roku Digital Video Player the “Home Entertainment Device of the Year” award. Personally, I think that the instant access to programs (including many HD ones) at the relatively reasonable price of $99, makes the Roku player a wonderful gift option. (Click on the image below to see some features that explain why the Roku Player is Netflix members’ #1 rated streaming device).

To enter to win the Roku player, please share your favorite feature of the Roku Digital Video Player in the “Comments” section below by Monday, June 15th at noon.

For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter. (If you’re already following me, you can tweet about this giveaway.)
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until June 15th.

Good luck!

Congrats to the winner: amy

June 6th Update: CityPass is so kind – they sent over two CityPasses with no id required for the winner. Now this giveaway has a $280 value/$158 price.

One of the things that I love the most about living in New York City is that there is always something to do. That’s why I’m so excited that CityPass (www.citypass.com) is giving one lucky Mom in the City reader a New York CityPass ($140 value; $79 price).

If Dads are planning on visiting NYC anytime in the near future (or even if local dads would enjoy a “staycation”), then this is a perfect gift. CityPass is a pocket-sized booklet that includes six tickets to some of the city’s top local attractions – Guggenheim Museum, MoMA, Metropolitan Museum of Art & The Cloisters, Museum of Natural History & Rose Center, Empire State Building, and the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise or Statue of Liberty. Personally, I have been to all of the attractions (except for the Statue of Liberty?!) and each has its own charm. (I must say that the Museum of Natural History is our family’s favorite museum – there’s so much to cover that you could literally spend the whole day there.) Anyway, there’s just so much to like about the CityPass. In addition to the tickets, the booklet includes a map, the hours of operation for each attraction, transportation directions, coupons and more. Another especially neat aspect of the CityPass is that your tickets allow you to skip most main ticket lines – which is especially nice when you have young kids!

For me personally, some of the best gifts that I have received are experiences – times that I can look back on and recall the memories. (That’s why I loved my High Tea birthday gift so much!) In any event, this gift idea deserves a try. FYI: CityPass.com offers booklets for 10 other cities besides New York (Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California and Toronto).

To enter, please share your favorite attraction ticket that is included in the New York CityPass in the “Comments” section below by Monday, June 15th at noon.

For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter. (If you’re already following me, you can tweet about this giveaway.)
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until June 15th.

Good luck!

Congrats to the winner: Leann S

So many people entered to win the $100 HP gift card for Mother’s Day that I decided to give away another one for Father’s Day! (I have 3 cards in total – for a chance to win the third one, visit this post about my new tagline contest.)

To enter, please share how “Dad” (yours or your kids) uses technology to make his life more simple in the “Comments” section below by Monday, June 15th at noon.

For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter. (If you’re already following me, you can tweet about this giveaway.)
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until June 15th.

Good luck!