Guide to Last Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas

Somehow it seems that mother's day ends up getting a little more  attention than father's day: surprisingly, mother's day eclipses even Valentine's Day as the number one day for restaurant reservations, as well of sales of jewelery, flowers, and chocolate.

By the time Father's Day rolls around, everyone is busy getting ready for summer: school is out, there are graduations, people are on vacation, and college students are returning for the summer.

So it is easy to forget the day.  But if you did, never fear... you still have 24 hours to find a gift, or maybe an activity you can take your Dad to.  Here are six ideas:

1) looks like it is making the biggest play for Father's Day gift dominance in Altadena this year.  On the Facebook page of the long-time local retailer, there are multiple gift suggestions, including a male handbag and pendant that would probably be way too hip for my own father, but looks like a great idea for a young, cool dad (or one who aspires to be).  In addition to that, the page lists a wine pairing event for Saturday at 4 p.m. for Dads and recent graduates (college, I'll assume).

2) Get a necktie - This is my default suggestion, as the tradition in my home was for my father to shake each present we got him at any holiday and suggest it was a necktie.  But getting the real thing is a proud Father's Day tradition. The best bets for a quality tie probably take you over to the Paseo Colorado in Pasadena or to the mall in Arcadia.

3) Bicycle -  Again, I'm projecting here, as a cyclist myself, but if your dad needs to get into shape and hates the idea of jogging, how about a bike?  is your best in-town option.

4) Juneteenth - This year's Father's Day also falls on an important holiday, Juneteenth, which commemorates the announcemnt of the emancipation of slavery in the Untied States.  The closest celebrations to Altadena this year have already passed, but if your Dad likes jazz, you could take him out to the 22nd Annual Pomona Valley Jazz & Arts Festival today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

5) show - Another idea on the live music front is the Coffee Gallery, where tonight the a brother sister combination is performing at 7 p.m.  Singer/songwriter are the entertainment tonight at Altadena's premiere entertainment venue.

6) Grill - If all else fails, just get your Dad over to your place and cook him a steak.  Maybe get him a bottle of scotch as well.  If television ads and programs from the last 30 years have taught us anything it is that fathers like scotch and red meat.