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The Gift of Style – Every guy deserves to look sharp while relishing a little pampering, too. 1924 Fine Men’s Salon Barrington. $$

Featured Article

Dads & Grads Gift Guide

Presenting a Crazy Variety of Gift Ideas Available Locally.

Article by Michael Beightol

Photography by Stephen Neilson and Provided

Originally published in SW Lake Lifestyle

June means gifts galore for dads and grads. We’re lucky to have so many local businesses offering an incredible array of gift items that will surely put a smile on any guy’s face. From Lake Barrington to Kildeer, Barrington to Wauconda, the SW Lake team is grateful for the contributions submitted to allow us to present this annual gift guide. Put away your phone, shut down your laptop and be sure to shop locally for a special guy in your life.

We've marked the gifts on a scale from least to most expensive ($ to $$$$) to guide you in your shopping quest. For details and availability, contact the merchants below. 

  • Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver - Take to the course (or simulator) with the newest carbon twist-face technology. X-Golf Kildeer. $$$$
  • Perfect Putting Practice Mat - Practice your putting at home or anywhere else with a 9-foot putting mat. X-Golf Kildeer. $$$
  • PXG Xtreme Golf Balls - Stock up your golf bag with PXG's new premium golf ball that’ll take your game up a notch. X-Golf Kildeer. $
  • The Gift of Style – Every guy deserves to look sharp while relishing a little pampering, too. 1924 Fine Men’s Salon Barrington. $$
  • Crown Shaving Co. - Small-batch haircare products for vagabonds, gentlemen & ruffians. 1924 Fine Men’s Salon Barrington. $
  • For the Caffeinated Rock n’ Roller – Art and more, including hats, key chains, cups & signature coffee. The Absurd Art Gallery Lake Zurich. $
  • Unleash the Artist Within – Paints, brushes, and a huge assortment of professional-grade colored pencils. The Absurd Art Gallery Lake Zurich. $
  • Flag & Anthem -- Button-up short-sleeve shirt and shorts with built-in stretch, moisture wicking & quick drying. Threads Boutique Wauconda. $$
  • Flag & Anthem – Go boldly this summer with a pattern shirt and above-the knee shorts that pop. Threads Boutique Wauconda. $$
  • Pavilion Designs – Outdoors Man 32-ounce tumbler; Smallmouth Bass wooden sign; Out Fishing flask.  Threads Boutique Wauconda. $
  • Just for the Fun of It – Statement socks by Foozy in a variety of patterns and colors that are flat out silly. Threads Boutique Wauconda. $
  • Give the Gift of Better Fitness – Get the guy in your life something that might just be life-changing. Restoration Fitness Lake Zurich. $$$$
  • Stainless Steel Bulova Watch – Since 1875, Bulova has created supremely crafted timepieces. Now 40% off. Timothy Grant Jewelry Lake Zurich. $$$$
  • Bulova Watch with Semi-Skeletal Dial – Stainless steel and silicone band for an updated classic design. 40% off. Timothy Grant Jewelry Lake Zurich. $$$$
  • Lightweight Cotton Floral Shirt – Stay cool and breezy with a summertime look that people will notice. DIBI Menswear Lake Barrington. $$
  • Perforated Nubuck Leather Belt – A contemporary design for times that call for being a little dressier. DIBI Menswear Lake Barrington. $$
  • Summer Elastic Belt – For a pop of color with jeans, shorts or on the golf course. DIBI Menswear Lake Barrington. $
  • Own an Original – Adam Mayster is the artist behind this impressively colorful large-scale abstract. The Absurd Art Gallery Lake Zurich. $$$$
  • Bring Nature Inside – Adam Mayster has an impressive range of artistic skills, including nature photography. Absurd Art Gallery Lake Zurich. $$$$
  • Blaze New Trails – After riding a Pedego e-bike you won’t want to get off (except to charge the battery). Pedego Wauconda. $$$$
  • Plaid All Over – A lightweight shirt for work, evenings, weekends, pool parties, backyard and you name it. Mr. Tux Lake Zurich. $$
  • Get in the Swing – Any golfer won’t be handicapped in a classic pair of tan slacks.  Mr. Tux Lake Zurich. $$
  • Real Men Wear Pink – Any golfer will look like a million bucks with these comfy slacks featuring a nifty tee holder. Mr. Tux Lake Zurich. $$
  • Flower Power – A comfy, casual lightweight shirt from Mr. Tux Lake Zurich. $$
  • It’s Not a Stretch – Jeans like these were made to be worn every day of the week. Mr. Tux Lake Zurich. $$