Dads – The Goods

Uncommon Knowledge: Can Fatherhood Rewire a Man’s Brain?

June 13, 2016

Fatherhood can change a man’s life; it can also change his brain. While most studies of the neurological changes that occur in early parenthood have focused on mom, scientists have recently discovered that dad experiences his own distinct mental shifts after bringing home his little bundle of joy. Some of these changes are immediate, and others occur gradually as the proud papa settles into his new role.

A study analyzed 16 fathers several weeks after their babies were born, and again a few months later. At each check, the researchers used an MRI to image the brain. Compared with the earlier scans, the MRI at three to four months postpartum showed growth in the hypothalamus, amygdala, and other regions that regulate emotion, motivation, and decision making. In men exclusively, parts of the brain that related to self-related thinking and responding to threats shrank, while the area responsible for empathy and auditory processing grew. This is your brain on baby.

Brain Dots Tie | $40

Uncommon Knowledge

Uncommon Knowledge: Why Did the Dad Cross the Road?

June 8, 2016

The fact that dad jokes are terrible isn’t exactly carved in stone, but it’s often taken for granite. Recent studies show that dad humor is actually full of useful information. For example, the fact that chicken coops have two doors because if they had four, they’d be chicken sedans. Or the fact that employees of calendar factories can get fired if they take a couple of days off. Or the fact that dreaming about being a muffler can leave you exhausted the next morning. So the astounding secret of dad humor is that it’s really a covert campaign to share fatherly wisdom, in the guise of cringe-worthy jokes and punishing puns. But don’t look to your dad to help with your knowledge of math: another study has shown that 5/4 of fathers are bad with fractions.

Dad’s Playbook | $13

Uncommon Knowledge

Uncommon Knowledge: What Do You Give the Cosmonaut Who Has Everything?

June 6, 2016

Some Father’s Day gifts fall squarely in the category of “you shouldn’t have” (we’re looking at you, football-shaped TV remote from the mall). But some gifts for dad are truly stellar. Take for example the talking picture frame presented to cosmonaut Yuri Usachev in 2001. A gift from his daughter back on earth, the state-of-the-art frame made its odyssey from earth to the International Space Station thanks to Radio Shack, which filmed the presentation for a commercial. Guess Moscow’s department stores were fresh out of “My Dad’s Out of This World” mugs.

Outer Space Sand Art | $110

Gift Guides

The Most Interesting Father’s Day Gifts in the World

May 30, 2016

Because your dad is anything but ordinary, we consulted the Most Interesting Dad in the World to choose some uncommon Father’s Day gifts. Each design he selected has a story more fascinating than the last.

The Uncommon Life

Instagram Challenge: FATHER’S DAY

June 11, 2015

So your dad might not be on Instagram, and we would be pretty surprised if your grandpa knows what a #hashtag is. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t join in on #UGInstaFun! Whether it’s your pops opening his funny Father’s Day gift, or your family enjoying a new adventure together, we want to see how you’re celebrating your favorite guy’s special day. While sharing your Father’s Day photos, be sure to use the hashtag #UGInstaFun to be in the running for a $50 gift card. Visit here to see the entries we’ve received so far.

From all of us at UncommonGoods, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Father’s Day!

Congratulations to @sarastubbert for winning our Adventure Instagram Challenge with this breathtaking photo of her excursion in the Sahara Desert.

Gift Guides

Funny to Fantastic: Our Favorite Father’s Day Gifts

May 28, 2015

Father’s Day gifting has gone through some changes since it was officially designated a nationwide holiday in 1972. Twenty years ago, Dad might have been hoping for the latest tabletop “Screen Phone” from Rolodex. Now, according to Yahoo Finance, Dad just wants steak. Nothing against 90s technology or your dad’s favorite grilled foods, but we think you could do so much better on his special day! We’ve gathered our favorite gifts that will make your favorite guy laugh, smile, cheers, and high-five all while the grill is warming up.

From all of us at UncommonGoods, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Father’s Day!

Funny Gifts (Dad Jokes, Anyone?)

Your dad might not know what “lol” or “rofl” means, but these gifts will be sure to make him burst out loud into embarrassing coughing, snorting, crying laughter.

It’s about time to pay your Dad back for all of those times he told you that you put your foot in your mouth. | Face Mug

No more searching around trying to figure out where your pops put his glasses! | Eye Glasses Holder

From chocolate stout to pumpkin ale, each Beer Soap is made from scratch with pure, traditional ingredients. Cheers to a “Hoppy” Father’s Day! | 6 Pack Beer Soap Set

You can fill it with sweet memories, or write in your best Mad Libs style jokes. We’ll let you decide. | What I Love About Dad By Me Book

Man Cave Must-Haves

Whether your dad’s domain is the basement, the garage, or just his own closet, these finds will give his man cave a well-earned upgrade.

Even if your Dad can’t jam like Jimmy Page, these coin guitar picks have been used by musicians for a century because of their unique tonal qualities. | Custom Repurposed Quarter Guitar Picks

Whether his buddies prefer Irish or Scotch, bourbon or moonshine, this homage to whiskey will be sure to become his favorite showpiece at game night. | The Many Varieties of Whiskey Wood Engraving

More than just a place to put his morning coffee, these state side tables will be sure to conjure up Dad’s best storytelling. | Barnwood State Side Tables

Because he might not ever get rid of his prized vinyl collection. | The LP Encyclopedic Print

Dad shouldn’t have to deal with those kernels that just couldn’t get it together. | The Popcorn Bowl with Kernel Sifter

Dad Deserves a Cold One

Your pops works hard, so if he’s the type who enjoys popping the top of a brewsky when it’s time to kick back, he’ll love these beer and booze accessories.

Dad’s proven that he’s a Renaissance man. Show him you appreciate everything he does with a 14th Century Beer Stein.

If Dad’s more of a DIYer than a pick-up-a-6-pack type, an Oktoberfest Ale Beer Brewing Kit is sure to make him smile. (Even though it’s only June!)

Once he gives the Oktoberfest a try, he might just become an all out brew-thusiast. Help him track his homemade craft beer creations with a Home Brew Journal.

Your proud papa always encouraged you to give everything you try your best shot. Now he can give his favorite beer a shot of his best whiskey. | Boiler Maker Set

If beer’s not Dad’s thing, but sipping a fine spirit is just his style, he might enjoy having a drink “on the rocks” in style. | Drink Chillers

Whether Dad prefers whiskey, whisky, scotch, or bourbon, he’ll have fun sampling them all and taking notes on the whole “experiment” with the help of a Whiskey Tasting Kit.

MVD: Most Valuable Dad

No one can replace the guy who first taught you how to catch, ride a bike, or play a fair game. These picks will let him know that he’s the ultimate MVP of your life.

Take me out to the board game! | Baseball Game

As a kid, you imagined that he could shoot a hole-in-one better than anyone else’s Dad. Even if you can beat him at his own game now, these cufflinks will keep him looking dapper all season long. | TPC Sawgrass Golf Ball Cufflinks

Whether he’s a devout runner or a loyal spectator, the Chicago Marathon Map will be sure to capture the energy he loves about any race. (Also available for New York and Boston!)

A nostalgic piece for any true baseball fan, no matter which team he’s rooting for! | Baseball Stadiums Tie

If he can’t be there to watch the game, this 3D tribute to his favorite stadium will make him feel like he always has home field advantage. | College Stadium Art

Gadgets for the Geeky Guy

When your father’s a fan of gizmos and tech toys it can be hard to beat him to the next new thing. Ensure he’s surprised with these uncommon geek-chic goods that are definitely different than the ones he’s already picked up at his favorite electronics store.

You’ve been gearing up to start looking for a great Father’s Day gift. Congratulations, you already found it! | Kinetic Gear Key Holder

Sometimes gadget geeks are also outdoorsy types. The Solar Powered Charger and Light is perfect for the tech-savvy dad on the go.

Does Dad love to tinker? Complete with 12 electronic and mechanical modules, 5 NASA lesson plans, and 10 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities, the Modular Space Science Kit might just be his dream gift.

Grill Master Favorites

He’s skilled with a spatula and quick with the ketchup, so show Dad you can’t wait to see what he cooks up next with one of these picks to help him kick off BBQ season.

A big backyard BBQ is always fun, but sometimes firing up a full-sized grill isn’t necessary. For those occasions, the Tabletop Party Grill is perfect!

Dad’s already a pro at searing, flipping, and cutting. This handy tool makes it even easier for him to man the grill. | Four in One Grill Utensil

A flame-kissed meal is just the beginning when it comes to outdoor family fun. Keep the backyard party rolling with Yard Dice.

The flavors in our Beer Jelly Set aren’t just for spreading on bread! Each can also be used as a delicious grilling glaze.

Mastering the grill also means minding what’s sizzling. Let dad enjoy keeping an eye on the feast-in-the-making without having to abandon his station to hunt down a bottle opener | Beer Opening Glass

Fantastic Gifts

The “#1 Dad” mug you got him when you were 12 still holds his daily morning coffee. Every crayon drawing and construction paper card you ever made him is stashed in his desk drawer. He calls you by your childhood nickname, even though you’re all grown up. (And you don’t mind.) If you’re looking to go all out on something great for your fantastic father, give one of these fantastic gifts a try.

Dad’s good at many things, and he’s not ashamed to say that napping is one of them. Help in do it in colorful comfort with a Do Good Hammock.

What better to symbolize how he’s been there for you through the years as you’ve grown than a Tree Ring Pen?

Maybe he likes a clean shave. Maybe he sports a champion dad ‘stache. Either way, he’ll dig this Deluxe Shave Set.

This bottle opener was once part of an airplane, making giving it the least cheesy way possible to say, “Dad, thanks for being the wind beneath my wings.” | Pan Am Boeing 707 Bottle Opener

The Uncommon Life

Our Hipster Dads

June 10, 2013

Pops. Daddyo. Old Man Pots and Pans. No matter what you call him, he’s probably always been a great influence in your life and kept you laughing. He’s always been Dad to you so it’s hard to think that once upon a time he was a young, hip guy throwing back brewskies and causing a ruckus.

Ok, maybe it’s not that hard.

It’s not news that dads are the original hipsters so we’re sharing some stories and photos of our fathers from back in the day.

Warning: This post contains a dangerous amount of facial hair.

My Dad was great growing up. He was a Disco DJ in the ’70s & ’80s and now has his own online radio show (Disco935). My dad has given me a GREAT love for music and my entire family thought I would follow in my dad’s footsteps and be a DJ one day. My Dad would play his “mixes” for me and I would dance & sing around the house all day. (I still do) Daddy’s Little Girl is an understatement.

-Lauren Negron, Custom Orders Specialist

My father plays a huge part in me being the person I am. Things he has introduced to me that have held my interest throughout the years are: hip hop, flowers (he’s a florist), graffiti, style and having a good sense of direction.

–Ne’Quana Rollings, Merchant Assistant

Whether on the back of a motorcycle, out camping with his not-quite hippy friends or on cross country road trips my dad took me on all sorts of unpredictable adventures. When we were lost or if we didn’t know what was around the next corner it didn’t really matter since he always led by example and taught me how to follow my true north in both life and on the road.

-Matt Monsees, Paid Search Analyst (and robe model)

My dad is the KING of corny jokes. We even created a term for his ridiculous puns – they are called “Dale-isms”. And boy, when one of those suckers comes out, the eye-rolls are all over the place.

-Mindy Wilson, HR Manager

The most important thing my dad taught me was to care about stuff in a genuine, nerdy, non-ironic way. His dedication and work ethic is something I try and apply to every challenge I face. The second most important thing he taught me is that craft beer is for drinking and sh***y beer is for pouring on your head.

-Hannelore McElheny, Graphic Designer

My dad taught me tolerance for racial and religious differences, the value of the family dinner, to explore the outdoors, and how to pick up women in the supermarket.

–Zack Notes, Search Engine Guru

My Dad simply had the best work ethic of anyone I have ever known. He was real consistent in trying to impart this on both of his children. He said “Only one person can be the best at any one thing, strive to be that person, but if you are not, simply give your very best effort nonetheless.”

-Jeff Mayer, Customer Service Rockstar

My dad was a school teacher for more than 30 years and I witnessed how positively his students responded to him. I thought it was so cool that they liked my dad as much as I did.

–Jackie Udden, Assistant Buyer-Jewelry & Accessories

Big Al’s always thinking up ways to make things better and what his newest invention or innovation can be. He’s definitely passed on his enterprising ways to me, and his amazing good looks.

–Gaby Dolceamore, Community Outreach Coordinator

Gift Guides

Gift Lab: Father’s Day Puzzle Project

June 8, 2012

Every year for Father’s Day I get my dad the same thing – a store bought tie. This year I decided not to add to the mountain of ties in his closet, but instead give him a unique gift we could create together. The vinyl collection puzzle was that perfect unique gift – what’s better than some quality father-daughter time, while creating DIY wall art!?

Background Research:
Many a family game night during my childhood was spent working on puzzles. You would think that putting together puzzles would be a calm activity; however, in my family it is practically a competitive sport. Each piece was quickly put in place as we raced to see who could put in the most pieces in our 250, 500, even 1000 piece puzzles. It was a fun challenge that we could compete in together!

Hypothesis:
The Vinyl Collection Puzzle will be not only a great father-daughter activity, but also a great DIY Father’s Day gift.

The Experiment:
On a slightly overcast Saturday – perfect for a family afternoon indoors – my Dad and I set up an old folding table in the basement, opened the box, and got down to work*. Now, I am sure everyone has his or her own unique “puzzle-ing” style. My Dad insisted (like he always does) that we start with the edges, and then work our way in.

While working on the puzzle, I got to spend some quality time with my Dad! I heard about some of his records and we even took a break to look at some of them. (Disclaimer: The Bruce Springsteen Collection is actually my Mom’s…she had a New Jersey roommate in college.) The vinyl collection of the puzzle is quite unique and diverse, but my Dad found a tape version of one of the records in the puzzle (Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits)!

My Dad and I were not the only ones working on the puzzle – we had a little “helper.” She decided to walk through the center of the puzzle taking some of the pieces with her. Beware of these four-legged “helpers!” Despite this adorable distraction, after a few hours, my Dad and I finished the puzzle. (Disclaimer: My Dad is incredibly good at puzzles!)

The next step was to create the wall art that would become my Dad’s present. I set out to my local arts and crafts store to buy a picture frame. I chose to get a nice black frame that was 18” by 24” – the dimensions of the puzzle. The tight fit holds the puzzle between the glass and the backing, which means the puzzle can be mounted without being glued together. (You never know when you might want to take down the puzzle and put it back together again!)

When putting the puzzle into the frame, make sure to take extreme care. (You don’t want the puzzle to fall completely apart and you’d have to redo it, unless you are a master puzzler who enjoys the challenge.)

*Helpful Hint: When beginning the puzzle find a large poster board to do the puzzle on, the sturdier the better. When you frame the puzzle, the poster board makes it easier to slide the puzzle to the backing of the frame.

Finally, we attached the framed puzzle to the wall with standard picture frame hooks. Then stood back and admired our work!

Results:
The finished product is not only a beautifully completed puzzle, but also a piece of wall art. It now hangs in my family’s basement so that my Dad will see it every time he (and anyone else) hangs out down there, which is pretty often!

Conclusion:
The vinyl collection puzzle is a great family activity for anytime, but especially this Father’s Day. Even if you aren’t able to make it home to spend time with your Dad, a DIY activity like this puzzle is a great Father’s Day gift. To all the fathers in your life, I wish them and you all a Happy Father’s Day! I hope your day is full of memories and perhaps a few DIY craft presents!

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

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