Father's Day 2021 Ideas: Gifts for Dad - and Local Organizations

Still trying to figure out what to give Dad for Father’s Day this Sunday, June 20? This year, why not try saying goodbye to the tie and yes to a unique gift idea – for a good cause? These gifts will make Dad happy and spread smiles to some great local organizations. 

Train Engineer for a Day at Hermann Park Conservancy  
All aboard the Hermann Park train! The Engineer for a Day program on the Hermann Park Railroad includes train safety checks, a private test ride in the morning, greeting train passengers and taking tickets, riding up front, ringing the bell, and blowing the train whistle! Engineers receive an engineer’s cap, bandana, train whistle, name badge, and certificate.
Admission: $150/individual; additional $50 for another person to join the fun 
See more details here. 

Flying High in the Sky in a Vintage Plane 
How about flying in a vintage World War II plane? The staff and pilots of the Commemorative Air Force Houston Wing Museum and Hangar and the Lone Star Flight Museum both offer a variety of flight experiences. 
Prices range from $250-$400.
See more details about the CAF aircraft rides here and the Lone Star Flight Museum rides here.

Coffee Connoisseur for a Cause 
Through its Coffee Cause Program, Houston’s Katz Coffee partners with charities to create special flavored blends and a portion of the proceeds are donated back to the organizations. The “Arboretum Early Bird” blend assists the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center; “Bayou Blend” benefits Houston’s Buffalo Bayou; “Cougar Blend” gives to the University of Houston. And four blends benefit the Houston Fire Department: “Runnin’ Hot,” “Classic Roast,” “Shift Change,” and “False Alarm." Find these buzzy offerings at Katz Coffee or local grocery stores.

Cheers to Smooth Sailing 
For beer lovers, Houston’s Saint Arnold Brewing produces an IPA beer, ELISSA, named after the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA in Galveston. Ships like the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA transported IPAs from England to the British colony of India. A portion of Saint Arnold ELISSA proceeds supports the Galveston Historical District for preservation of the ship. Cheers!

Fore! Have a Ball Swinging
Golf Magazine recently ranked Memorial Golf Course as the 7th best municipal course in the United States. Course remodels included expanding the practice facilities, which includes a 2-tier, 84 station, double decker driving range. Visit the pro shop to get Dad a FOB to purchase golf balls for the driving range. Remind Dad to hit from the 2nd floor because everyone says balls feel like they fly farther from up there. See details here. 

Another idea for golf lovers – let your champ watch the US Open Championship (and maybe sneak in a nap). It’s tradition that the last round of the US Open airs on Father's Day. This year is the 121st US Open. It's being played at Torrey Pines in San Diego and airs on NBC 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Taco-bout Delicious Donations
The Make-a-Wish Foundation, MD Anderson, and Phoenix House say “Ole!” when someone eats a Torchy’s Taco of the Month. A portion of the taco sales benefit these charitable partners. See the Tacos of the Month here.

Some Oldies but Goodies
More ideas of how to make Dad happy?

• Wash his car
• Let him pick the movie for movie night
• Bake his favorite dessert
• And perhaps the toughest one of all . . . laugh at his Dad jokes!

Happy Father's Day to all.