Six local shop picks for dad this Father's Day

He raised you, he taught you, he made you a man. Or, he's your boyfriend or husband. In any case, the least you can do is get your father (or the dude in your life) something cool.

Dad can be a tough guy to buy for, and he's not always forthcoming with the list of things he'd really like to open on Father's Day. Here are five local picks to please the patriarch in your life, all gifts found within the neighbourhood.

Photo: Olliffe

FREE KNIFE SHARPENING AND QUALITY CUTS AT OLLIFFE

It’s often said that a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. Keep dad safe this Father's Day with a tune-up at Olliffe, Leslieville's boutique butcher. The shop is offering complimentary knife sharpening and demos to new, old and aspiring dads outside its store from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Father's Day (Sunday June 19). While you're there, you can treat him to a few of his favourite cuts through the shop's knowledgeable staff or by purchasing an Olliffe gift certificate that he can redeem at any of three locations.

Note: One knife per household, so bring your favourite!

1378 Queen St. E
olliffe.ca

 

Photo: Courtesy

RADIOHEAD ALBUMS ON SALE AT TINY RECORD SHOP

After an agonising five year wait, the new Radiohead album, A Moon Shaped Pool, is out and the vinyl edition will be released June 17. To mark the occasion in conjunction with Father's Day, Tiny Record Shop will have all Radiohead albums on sale, including the band's entire back catalogue as well as stock of the new album. According to the shop, it will all be 'very specially priced.'

804 Queen St. E
tinyrecordshop.com

Photo: Matt Forsythe Photography

HAIR CUT GIFT CERTIFICATE AT HASTINGS BARBER SHOP

Hastings Barber Shop’s mantra is simple: Look Better. Feel Better. This no-fuss shop keeps things simple and stylish — what guy doesn't want just that? With locations in Leslieville and Cabbagetown, it's easy to grab a gift certicate and give him the gift of grooming with a fresh cut. The shop also has its own line of paste and pomade to round things out.

1270 Queen St. E
hastingsbarbershop.com

Photo: Jim Ryce

INDOOR CYCLING SESSIONS AT TORQ RIDE

Make dad sweat a little, and he'll (probably) thank you for it later. Leslieville's newest indoor cycling studio, Torq Ride, is offering a $10 credit towards future rides for all dads that attend a ride on Father's Day. Torq's 5-ride package is $99 or you can take the commitment further with 10 rides for $189. Not sure if spinning is his thing? Torq offers a $15 beginner ride every Saturday morning that's open to all.

978 Queen St. E
torqride.com

Photo: Tom Fidgen

INTRO TO HAND TOOLS CLASS AT THE UNPLUGGED WOODSHOP

Remember a time when all dads knew how to build stuff with their hands? Let's bring that back! Empower dad with the knowledge and skills of using hand tools at The Unplugged Woodshop, Canada's first hand-tool only woodworking school right in Leslieville. From home renovations to fine furniture, Introduction to Hand Tools is the perfect place to get started. $100 for a two-hour class.

388 Carlaw Ave.
theunpluggedwoodshop.com

Photo: Left Field Brewery

CANNONBALL LAGER FROM LEFT FIELD BREWERY

Dads and beer is a winning combination. Pick up Left Field's new one-off brew, inspired by the legendary baseball talent of Ed “Cannonball” Crane who, on one occasion, pitched back-to-back complete games and amazingly, also hit the game-winning home run. He led the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball club to their first international league pennant. Sounds like a winner to us.

36 Wagstaff Dr.
leftfieldbrewery.ca