Three local picks for dad this Father's Day

Everyone knows hunting down a gift for your dad/husband/boyfriend/bro/fling on Father's Day can be a tough one. And, sure, he'd probably be fine with just a high five. But why not show him some love with gifts picked up right here in the hood? We did the grunt work for you by rounding up solid finds from three local shops. Music, beer, sports — you know, typical guy stuff. 

Vinyl, books and gift certificates from Tiny Record Shop

Vinyl is a solid route to go on Father's Day so help the music-fan dad build out his record collection by popping into east-end music boutique, Tiny Record Shop. Out of print for a decade, Sam Roberts' classic album We Were Born In A Flame has been reissued and it's in stock as Tiny Record Shop's album of the month. Go one further and try to get it autographed — Sam Roberts will be doing an in-store acoustic performance on June 18. 

If Sam Roberts isn't your thing, the shop's got all sorts of other vinyl deals. From June 16 to 21, all used jazz vinyl will be 10 per cent off with plenty of classic and rare titles on the shelves. Tiny Record Shop s also starting to carry the fantastic 33 1/3 book series that delves into music's most classic albums. If you're still unsure, give the gift of crate digging with gift certificates that let dad pick out exactly what he wants. They're available in any denomination and never expire.

804 Queen St. E
tinyrecordshop.com

Eephus Oatmeal Brown Ale and Sunlight Park Saison from Left Field Brewery

"I don't like the taste of beer," said no dad ever. Indeed, there's perhaps no better way to show your love than by giving dad the gift of locally brewed beer. Bonus points if he's into baseball because the theme of Left Field Brewery's craft beer is inspired by the old ball game. Here are a couple of out-of-the-park beers to pick up at Left Field's local bottle shop, open daily until 9 p.m.

Eephus Oatmeal Brown Ale is inspired by the seldom thrown Eephus — a risky and unexpected high-arcing pitch that catches the batter off-guard. This American Brown Ale finds its sweet spot with aromas of roasted malts, toasted nuts, a touch of bitterness, and a surprisingly creamy, smooth taste. Sunlight Park Saison brewed with organic grapefruit zest was created in honour of Toronto’s first professional baseball stadium, right in Riverside. This tart and refreshing session saison is brewed using a generous amount of malted wheat and honey malt and 1 kg of organic grapefruit zest in every batch.

36 Wagstaff Dr.
leftfieldbrewery

Dad group workouts from Anchored Social Club

All that beer drinking doesn't come without consequence, so kick dad's ass into shape with a group workout package from Anchored Social Club. This Leslieville garage-turned-gym puts the focus on fun and functional movements as part of its physical training system. The creative group workouts are high-energy, interactive and loud, and engage members of the group with others for a challenging session.

Dad group workouts run Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. at a cost of $25 for a drop-in or $20/class when you book a package of eight sessions. Best part? You get to take an hour off diaper duty — child care is included in the workout. Anchored Social Club is also offering a special Father's Day workout on Sunday June 21.

899 Queen St. E
anchoredsocialclub.com