They are the hardest people to buy for.  They “have everything” and need nothing.  The worst is when they don’t have any hobbies and when asked what they would like for the Holidays, they say “I just want you to be happy.” Dads.  But I may have cracked this DaVinci Code for now.

I’ll start by saying that those of you who have a dad that golfs, roots for a sports team, wears neck-ties, or enjoys a hobby – you have it easy.  Mine is not like that.  He also doesn’t listen to music, won’t watch a tv show more than once, and has mentioned he doesn’t like it when people buy books for him.  It’s a conundrum. 

But maybe I shouldn’t complain too much.  There are a couple of options that Ann Arbor has for me in my quest to find him a thoughtful Xmas present.  Hopefully you’ll find them helpful.

A lovely sight.

First – my Dad is a pipe-smoker (since he was 19, when it was still good for you, so let’s get over it).  This has made gift-giving slightly easier since I’ve turned 18.  My favorite place in Ann Arbor for this type of thing is the tobacco shop close to campus in Nickels Arcade – Maison Edwards Tobacconist. 

They’re pretty old-school with a minimalist website but super helpful staff who know what they’re talking about.  Also, there’s usually at least one patron in attendance who is also willing to give you advice.  Hey – grad students have to do something with their time!  It’s close to campus and they’ve got a bunch of custom blends plus the various accessories that go with smoking (the legal kind). 

But for those of you who would like other options, may I suggest an Espresso Book? Never heard of it? “The EBM is a book-making machine that automatically prints, binds, and trims –on demand– library-quality paperback books with 4-color covers indistinguishable from their factory made versions. The EBM will print, bind and trim a 300 page book in about 7 minutes – a little more than the amount of time it takes to get a cappuccino across the way at Bert’s Cafe.”

The appeal is more novelty than anything else - titles include such as the 1860 smash hit, “Bees and Beekeeping”  - but can still make a good gift.  The idea is to offer historical works that are out of copyright for about $10 a volume.  You can find a more complete list of the titles available at the website.  Also note the limited hours of operation – I believe it’s something like 10am to noon during the week. You can find the machine at the circulation desk in the UgLi.

But – if you have also faced this problem (the difficult-to-buy-for-dad), share your tips!! Christmas may come just once a year, but Father’s Day and birthdays still loom ominously on the horizon.

-B.C.Bodnar

Check out more from this series: Part I (sisters)