Father’s Day is more about the thought behind the gift than the actual present, but I still got excited when my children replaced their hand-painted T-shirts with aloha shirts from Tori Richard. Not that I didn’t like T-shirts with their hands stamped on them, I just couldn’t wear them to work. Now my closet is full of Tori Richard’s distinctive patterns, in cotton and silk, and I look forward to a new aloha shirt every Father’s Day. They fit well, feel good and the designs remind me of the understated aloha shirts I wore when I was growing up. Best of all, they come from my daughters, and on Father’s Day, there’s nothing finer. (And if anyone is shopping for me this year, the new-to-stores Melia shirt, pictured, a throwback to a 1987 print, is not a bad choice. Yes, it’s $128, but I like to think I’m worth it.)
—Mike Gordon
Tile app keeps possessions from wandering away
If your dad, like mine, has trouble finding his keys or TV remote, get him Tile, a small, lightweight device you attach to anything that may go missing. Download the Tile app to a smartphone to create an invisible, Bluetooth-enabled tether to your things. When you begin searching for the lost item, your phone tracks the Tile’s signal up to 100 feet. A visual indicator lets you know how close you are and the Tile plays a tune until it’s back in your hands. It also maps the last place you had it to give you a starting point. One Tile is $20, with discounts for multipacks at thetileapp.com.
—Jermel-Lynn Quillopo, honolulupulse.com blogger
New fedora replaces that old baseball cap
Say “hats off!” to Dad with a stylish topper from Chapel Hats. The natural-fiber fedoras, called Panama hats but usually handmade in Ecuador, will impart an air of distinction on your family patriarch, who can wear it with panache for golf, Sunday brunch, the beach or a backyard barbecue. (And if you can get him to lose that silly baseball cap in the process, all the better.) Pictured here are Bailey’s Brooks design, left, for $135, and Tommy Bahama’s made-in-USA Outback model with ventilated crown, $125. Find Chapel Hats at Ala Moana Center, Pacific Beach Hotel and Sheraton Waikiki and Princess Kaiulani hotels.
—Christie Wilson
Harry’s plan keeps Dad looking sharp
Give the gift of convenience this Father’s Day and reap the benefits of a clean-shaven gentleman for months to come. Founded by entrepreneurs Andy Katz-Mayfield and Jeff Raider, Harry’s is an online retailer focusing solely on providing “quality craftsmanship, simple design (and) modern convenience” for men at a price point that’s more affordable than traditional stores. Go to harrys.com and sign up for one of Harry’s “shave plans.” Every two, three or five months Dad will receive a gift — the cost is as low as $3 to $5 a month for an eight-pack of replacement blades to $15 to $20 for blades, shaving gel and after-shave moisturizer. For a one-time gift, Harry’s offers German-made razor cartridges, shaving cream/gel and aftershave ala carte, and free shipping is included to ensure Dad will never have to visit a store for shaving supplies again. And check out the $40 Father’s Day special.
—Jason Genegabus
A Banan for the man
Indulge Dad’s love for frozen treats — and show your love for him — by taking him for a creamy, cold Banan Bowl. Founded by four local guys and served from a food truck on the back side of Diamond Head, this rich-tasting, dairy-free soft-serve is made with frozen local bananas, with seasonal produce, such as mangoes, blended in to create different flavors. There are no added sugars in this naturally sweet vegan “cream,” and Dad can enhance it with toppings that include pineapple, lilikoi, lychee, kale, ginger, spirulina, coconut and chocolate. All the food waste is composted and donated to farms.
“This could become addicting as you’re getting your jog around Diamond Head,” commented one dad as he polished off the Amazon — a papaya boat filled with acai-infused Banan. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3212 Monsarrat Ave., cups are $4, boats $6, bowls $8; toppings extra. Call 392-8862 or visit bananbowls.com.
—Mindy Pennybacker
5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
