Showing posts with label gift guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift guide. Show all posts

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

The Real Man Travels 2016 Father's Day Gift Guide

The Real Man Travels 2016 Father's Day Gift Guide.

We here at Real Man Travels consider ourselves experts of sorts when it comes to buying gifts for Dads. With 60% of our staff being dads, and 100% of us having fathers you could say we have the required experience to make such a bold claim. Without further delay here is this years gift guide:

Gift Ideas from Ed

1. BBQ Light 

If your dad is anything like mine, then drinking in the sunlight trumps cooking in the sunlight. For the dad who doesn’t spark the grill until 8:30-9:00pm a BBQ light is the solution to night time cooking. These come in a variety of styles, the most common being an attachment to the BBQ’s handle. You can pick one up for as little as $10, just remember you get what you pay for!


Grill anytime with Weber BBQ light


2. Mounted Beer Opener 

You could take the easy route and buy a pre-made mounted beer opener for your dad. Or you could finally show off all the skills your dad taught you throughout the years by making him a custom one. Look around the interwebs for any opener that suits your needs and get out into the workshop to make a custom mount that your dad will not only be proud of, but use every day! My tips for this gift is to have a cap catcher on it and tie in some elements that speaks to your Dad, favourite sports team, favourite brand of beer, etc. Bonus if you end up making one that your Mom doesn’t mind having on the wall.



Mounted beer opener available on Etsy.


3. Secrid Wallet 


It is time for your old man to lose the bulky wallet system he currently has (he probably still has a Blockbuster membership card in there). Bring your old man into the present with Secrid’s line of sleek and sexy wallets. I’ve personally been using the Slimwallet for almost a year now and people always look at me when I press the button to slide my cards out like I have some space age contraption. The main compartment can hold 5-6 cards and it has slots for an additional 6. There is also a plastic fold for any cash your Dad may need to carry. The best part is the amount of pocket space that is freed up, and how much more comfortable sitting for long periods has become.


Secrid Slimwallet in Brown


Gift Ideas from Sam


1. Gillette Shave Club 

About a year ago I used a gift guide to recommend dollar shave club, So what's changed you ask? Up until recently if you wanted a razor delivered to your door you were restricted to Dollar Shave Club. Finally an entry from a major name in men's grooming is entering the subscription razor market, and I am in favour. I would describe myself as someone with sensitive skin, so other than finding a barber to offer a straight shave, the Gillette fusion was the pinnacle for me. Quite frankly my first shave was with a Mach 3, and it still might be the best shave on the market. Gillette Shave Club options are available on a subscription basis, as well as the most recent addition, the fusion ProShield, offering lubrication before and after the blades. for as little as $16.99 every 5 months (Gillette's cartridge may last up to one month each depending on your shave schedule) you can send your "Old Man" the best a man can get.


Gillette Shave Club package, the best a man can get.


2. Solar Powered Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth Speakers have been all the rage for over a year now. With every passing month they have been made smaller, longer lasting, more colourful, more powerful and even waterproof . Well now there's even solar for the dad who enjoys the outdoors. Now he can enjoy enjoy soaking up the rays while pumping out the kind of music that embarrasses you in front of your friends.
Eton solar powered Bluetooth speaker

3. Beer and Meat 

Sometimes it's the simple things that bring us the most joy. Plus, what dad doesn't enjoy grilling steaks while sipping back a cold one. Vegans and vegetarians, that's who. Alright, so there's a few dad's this won't work for, but if your dad is the carnivorous type, pick up some T-bones, or tenderloins, and pair it with a 6 pack of his favourite beer, and you'll be good to go.

MEAT!

Gift ideas from Chris


1. Muskoka Brewery's SummerWeiss

Is your dad a Weiss man? If so then he will love this unfiltered nectar of the gods.  If you are unsure of his taste get him a beer mixer pack, you're bound to get one or two that he will like

Muskoka Brewery Summerweiss

2. A Super Sweet Hawaiian shirt

If your dad has a good sense of humour and a terrible sense for fashion, BOOM! Perfect gift. Just promise me one thing, make sure that you get him a shirt that fits him properly. Everyone will at least thank you in advance for that.

A Hawaiin Shirt...actually looks good!

3. Matching Kid and Dad outfits

I may be a huge sucker for cuteness but I love matching my kids sometimes. Sometimes it feels like we are Luke and our little one is Yoda on our back. Or we are Arnold and he or she is Danny Devito. Or in this instance we are Maverick with your partner goose. Totes Adorbs.

Matching Dad and kids clothes

Gift Ideas from Scott

1. Power washer 

Dads like to keep their stuff clean. Cars, patio, siding, lawn mower – Dads know they all look, feel and function better when well maintained. Don’t worry, a power washer won’t be looked upon as a judgement of the current level of maintained cleanliness, or as an implication of work expected; it will be valued as a secret acknowledgement, a carefully directed wink and gun if you will, of Dad’s manly value of steadfast meticulousness.

Power wash all the things!


2. Undershirts

Dads have a lot on the go. They also tend to hate shopping for anything that doesn’t have 250+ horsepower or 80,000+ BTUs. Thus, Dads tend to wear underwear past its best before date. Consider picking up some high quality small clothes for the man who tackles the big stuff with ease.

If you must walk around the house with no pants on Dad, please look good doing it!

3. SoundTouch® 520 home cinema system from Bose 

For those who really want to make Dad happy, consider automating his life with a sweet home entertainment system from Bose. Give Dad the gift of controlling his music from anywhere in the house, including the backyard and garage. I’m not saying you’re going to win kid-of-the-year for this, but, really, you probably will.

Loud noises thanks to Bose.



Saturday, 13 June 2015

5 Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Dad Who Thinks He's Outdoorsy

5 Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Dad Who Thinks He's Outdoorsy

This is a list geared toward dads who love the outdoors and spending good old fashioned National Lampoons-style family time together. These dads like shore lunches and peeing outside. Here is the list of 5 Father's Day Gift Idea for the dad who thinks he is outdoorsy.

1. Duct tape - $5  

I can remember walking home for lunch in high school; my mom would make my friends and I a grilled cheese sandwich each and we would catch an episode of the Red Green Show. I remember when he would build things and secure the parts with duct tape. "The Handyman's Secret Weapon" will always have its place in your dad's toolbox. It is also handy to pack in your camping gear. You never know when you may blow a boot. Just slap a piece of duct tape over that hole and voila! Just like new.


2. Coleman Coffee Maker - $70 - $170

Coffee without electricity!! It can be done with the Coleman coffee maker. It may not be compact like a French press, but I own one of these suckers and it is worth the weight and space to have the sweeet nectar of the gods brewing on a cool summer morning. Chances are, if your dad thinks he's outdoorsy, he will love this.



CONTEST: Win a $125 Travel Shave Kit from @KingsCrown and @RealManTravels by tweeting the URL of this post, with the hidden hashtag #RMTOutdoorsDad and mention @KingsCrown1774 and @RealManTravels. You can also Like us on Facebook and post the hidden hashtag #RMTOutdoorsDad to our page for a bonus entry! Winner to be announced June 19th, 2015. Contest is only open to Canadian residents. More details here: Contest Details

3. Bear Grylls Survival Knife - $40 

When I came up with the idea of our annual Man of the Year camping trip I found this knife at the store and quickly bought it. It has several uses and makes you feel safe and protected when in the wilderness. It has been featured on our other gift guides as well, so you know we love it.



4. Lucky Strike Victor Spoon - $4

I was introduced to Lucky Strike lures by my brother-in-law when I was younger and I was shocked by the amount of fish we would catch with them. With this lure and a worm I have caught pike, bass, walleye and perch. If your dad likes to fish, this is a must try/buy.




5. Zero Gravity Chair - $40+

Imagine taking a nap in the summer shade. Now imagine taking that nap in space! That is the beauty of this chair, it is the ultimate lawn chair. I have slept entire nights in one of these chairs, and dads love naps. This will be a direct hit on the bulls-eye.



Friday, 12 June 2015

5 Father's Day Gifts For 'The Nerd' Dad

By: Justin Kierstead

Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope was released in 1977. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in 1985. Comic books/graphic novels have been around for centuries. So that means that there are a bunch of dads out there who grew up reading comics, watching sci-fi movies, playing video games and indulging in all things ‘nerd.’ Today’s gift guide installment is for the dad in your life who’s a nerd at heart. The dad who loves sci-fi, comic books, video games, cult classic movies and latest gizmos and gadgets.

1.       NES Game Cartridge Flask ($20)


Your dad likes alcohol. Your dad likes the NES. Honor your dad’s two true loves (excluding you, of course) and pick up one of these nostalgic takes on a flask.  

2.       Loot crate subscription ($28/month) 

It’s the gift that keeps on giving. The excitement of opening a nerd themed gift every month for a year is just what the doctor ordered. These epic crates come packed full of anything and everything nerd related. Each month they provide a different theme to suit each and every dad’s taste. The crates are typically worth $40+ retail, so they give you a break on the price too. Plus, you’re automatically entered into the monthly mega crate draw worth over $2,000!

3.       The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ($70)


It’s being touted as one of the best RPG’s ever made and it was released less than a month ago. If your dad is a gamer, this is a sure fire pick up.

4.       Death Star Bluetooth Speaker ($60)


Pretty much the coolest Bluetooth speaker out there. Now dad can listen to the imperial death march and look cool doing it.

CONTEST: Win a $125 Travel Shave Kit from @KingsCrown and @RealManTravels by tweeting the URL of this post, with the hidden hashtag #RMTNerdDad and mention @KingsCrown1774 and @RealManTravels. You can also Like us on Facebook and post the hidden hashtag #RMTNerdDad to our page for a bonus entry! Winner to be announced June 19th, 2015. Contest is only open to Canadian residents. More details here: Contest Details

5.       Hans Solo Carbonite Fridge Wrap ($140)


What better way to give dad’s beer fridge a makeover than with the iconic Hans Solo frozen in carbonite vinyl wrap. The good people over at RM wraps will custom make the wrap to fit any size of refrigerator and give it a look that will be the envy of nerds everywhere.

And with that…


Wednesday, 10 June 2015

5 Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Social Dad

Today's Father's Day gift guide is dedicated to the social dad; the one who has created a backyard primed for hanging out with friends and family.

1. The Canadian Craft Beer Cookbook by David Ort

Barbeques and beer, how can you go wrong. Combining these two beautiful entities is sure to win the social dad's approval. Great recipes and excellent photography make for a great book for use and display.


2. Patio Cooler 

A perfect mix of cool and practical, dad will appreciate being able to put the old igloo out to pasture and replace it with this new patio fixture.


3. Giant Tumbling Timbers 

Think Jenga, only bigger. An awesome outdoor party game that dad will love.

CONTEST: Win a $125 Travel Shave Kit from @KingsCrown and @RealManTravels by tweeting the URL of this post, with the hidden hashtag #RMTSocialDad and mention @KingsCrown1774 and @RealManTravels. You can also Like us on Facebook and post the hidden hashtag #RMTSocialDad to our page for a bonus entry! Winner to be announced June 19th, 2015. Contest is only open to Canadian residents. More details here: Contest Details
4. Napoleon Patioflame® Table 

If asked, dad might prefer a wood-fed fire. But he will surely appreciate being able to have a flame be the centerpiece of outdoor entertaining, at the touch of a button.

5. Big Green Egg 

Dad will love this cool cooking device that triples as a barbeque, an over and a smoker. Ceramic cooking surfaces have a lifetime warranty and won’t rust.



Tuesday, 9 June 2015

5 Gifts for the Dad who Thinks He’s Pretty Tech Savvy

Today’s list of Father’s Day gifts will focus on the dad who thinks he is pretty tech savvy, but you know he actually isn’t. These gifts are meant to be simple in use.

1. Smart Watch - $149+

Not too long ago the smart watch was just a fictional piece of equipment made for British spies, star fleet commanders and those deep into the military, AREA-51 style. Well, now your old man can join those ranks too!

Smart watches have come a long way from their original inception as they are no longer just big square screens with rubber wrist bands. Brands like Motorola and LG have embraced the classic timepiece style with round screens on the Moto X and LG Urbane. That’s not to say the square screen factor is gone. Sony, Samsung, Pebble and Apple all make solid smart watches as well.

Variety of Smart Watches - Image courtesy of Flickr
While these smart watches may not have a direct line to the president, be able to shoot mini rockets in a time of need, or even have a self-destruct mode, it is almost guaranteed that your dad will love feeling like he is a spy as he checks his messages discreetly on his wrist.

Want to spend a crazy amount to attach a strap to an existing watch with a screen on the bottom of the strap? Mont Blanc has you covered with their Urban Speed e-Strap. A monochromatic screen sits on the underside (bottom of your wrist) and will connect to most devices. Expect to drop an outrageous $3000+ on this strap.

2. Chromecast - $39 CAD

Watching videos, listening to music and sharing photos has been made simpler by the fine folks at Google with their handy streaming device, Chromecast.

How does it work? You simply plug the Chromecast dongle into an HDMI slot on your TV and then plug in the USB cord to either the TV or wall outlet for power. Download the Chromecast app and follow the easy instructions to get your Chromecast connected to your home’s WiFi network.

Chromecast Dongle
Once connected you can begin using apps that “cast” from your phone to your Chromecast connected TV. Currently apps like Netflix, Youtube, MLB TV, NBA Game Time, NFL Game Pass, Songza, Tune In and more are supported with more apps being added frequently. Full app list here.

We at Real Man Travels also recommend adding a gift card to Google Play or The App Store. This will allow your old man to get certain premium casting apps like All Cast which will allow other sources of streamed content. We’ll leave that gray area up to you to figure out though.

CONTEST: Win a $125 Travel Shave Kit from King's Crown and Real Man Travels by tweeting the URL of this post, with the hidden hashtag #RMTTechDad and mention @KingsCrown1774 and @RealManTravels. You can also Like us on Facebook and post the hidden hashtag #RMTTechDad to our page for a bonus entry! Winner to be announced June 19, 2015. Contest is only open to Canadian residents. More details here: Contest Details

3. Bluetooth Speaker - $50 +

Music anywhere; that's a beautiful thing for a dad who loves to rock out wherever he may be. Without breaking the bank your old man can bring his music to the garage, the backyard, the basement, camping, travelling and more. And you know he is going to feel pretty bad ass doing it all without wires.

The two speakers we recommend are:

Bose Soundlink Mini - $219,99 CAD

Plain and simple, this is the best sounding Bluetooth speaker I've experienced by far.

Bose Soundlink - Image courtesy of PC Mag

EcoxGear Ecorox Waterproof Wireless Speaker - $125 CAD


EcoXGear EcoRox - Image Courtesy of MEC
This is a great speaker for being outside with, whether camping or chilling on a hammock in the yard. It's waterproof and will last 10 hours.

4. Nest Thermostat - $249 CAD

How many times growing up did you hear something along the lines “Who turned up/down the thermostat!? Do you think this place heats and cools itself for free?” Then magically a piece of tape appears blocking the little switch…as if that tape is permanent.

Nest Thermostat
Get your old man the Nest thermostat and let him reap the benefit of energy savings all year around. The Nest system learns from your use, lowers/raises temperature when you’re away and is controllable by most phones and tablets. Bonus: Pair it up with the Nest Smoke and C02 detector if you really love your dad! $109

Put the energy saving power your dad craves into his hands this Father’s Day with the Nest Thermostat.


5. Wireless Wallet/Key Finder -$30+

Okay, maybe this is more of a necessity than a gift. What man hasn't lost his wallet or keys and wished there was an easier way to find them then rummaging through every pair of pants, jacket and drawers. That easy solution is a cheap and thin wallet/key finder. Simply pair the app on your phone to the key finder and never worry again. Unless of course you left them behind on a trip, then your S.O.L.

We at Real Man Travels like the look of the TrackR the most of the wallet/key finders.


The TrackR - Image Courtesy of NiftyReads
There you have it, five gift ideas to make your dad feel like he is a champion of technology, a spy, a hero amongst men...or, well, just like he has some cool toys to play with. If you were thinking of, or got your dad any of the above items let us know in the comments below!

Monday, 8 June 2015

CONTEST [CLOSED]: Real Man Travels Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's day is nearing and if you're anything like us at Real Man Travels you know your dad will never say what he wants or needs, so you will resort to calling your mom and asking.

Well this year skip the doubt (but still call your mom to say hello) and join Real Man Travels through our week-long Father's Day gift guide. Throughout the week we will be showcasing gift ideas for the many different types of dads that are out there. From the "Wannabe Techy Dad," the "Manly Man Dad," the "Outdoors-man Dad," the "Nerdy Dad" and all dad's in between.

Gear up and get ready for this manly gift guide collection that will run from June 9 - 12, 2015. Make sure you keep up with all the guides posted because we want to spoil a lucky reader's dad (Canadian only - sorry friends of the globe) with a beautiful double edge butterfly razor, bamboo towel and travel size shaving cream set from our friends at King's Crown. Valued at $125



Here's how to enter!

Entry Method One:

1. Read our Father's Day Gift Guide articles and look for the hidden hashtag in each one.
2. Tweet the URL of the article with the hidden hashtag and mention @KingsCrown1774 and @RealManTravels on Twitter.

Entry Method Two:

1. Read our daily Father's Day Gift Guide articles and look for the hidden hashtag.
2. Like us on Facebook and post the hidden hashtag to our page!

You can also complete both methods to gain two entries into the contest!

The winner will be drawn at random and announced on June 19, 2015 and said person will have one week to claim their prize. If it is not claimed we will then re-draw for a new winner. The contest is only open to Canadian residents. The prize is valued at $125 and sponsored by King's Crown.

Oh and in case you didn't know or forgot, Father's Day is Sunday, June 21. No excuses, go get your dad some gear he will love!