By Kathy Chouteau
Father’s Day is fast-approaching this Sunday, June 21 and some of us are still looking for the right gift to honor dad. Even in the age of COVID curveballs, there are still some last-minute gift options available right here in Richmond.
Consider supporting local businesses with one or more of these Father’s Day gift ideas:
RICHMOND GEAR
Help your pop wear his hometown pride by buying him a gift from a local Richmond clothing designer. The added benefit is you can procure your gifts in time for the big day.
The Rich Clothing Company (formerly Rich City Apparel)—the official licensed apparel company for the City of Richmond—offers a variety of Richmond-branded selections for sale, such as hats, hoodies, T-shirts and even COVID-19 protective masks. Click here to peruse the apparel and call 510-322-0051 for quick, local pick-ups. Note: The Rich Clothing Company’s store at Nevin Plaza is currently closed, so calls for orders are recommended.
Another local company with cool apparel is Tooraw Gear. Check out their Facebook page or Instagram at @Toorawgear to see their wide array of Richmond-themed and other gear, including hats and T-shirts like the totally relevant “Quarantine and Chill” option. Message Tooraw on social media or email [email protected] for fast service by Father’s Day.
Other apparel options: For more local urban apparel gift ideas for dad, check out Savage Ice, LLC on Instagram at @Savageicewear and also Chill and Grow at @Chillandgrow or by clicking here. Message the companies to request fast service.
BEER AND/OR WINE
Most dads would be pretty hyped to receive some tasty locally crafted brews or wine to help him unwind on Father’s Day. Fortunately, Richmond checks both boxes when it comes to gift-giving some spirited fun.
Over at East Brother Beer Co., locals can order up some beer for curbside pick-up, including their award-winning Bo Pils and Oatmeal Stout. There are also many other options, such as East Brother’s Pride and Purpose, a Belgian pale ale where 20 percent of the sales proceeds go to the Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F) to help meet community needs during COVID-19 and beyond. Curbside pick-up is available now through Sunday between 2-7 p.m. Order in advance here and call 510-230-4081 with questions. East Brother is located at 1001 Canal Blvd. in Richmond.
If wine or cider is more up your dad’s alley, consider stopping by Rigger’s Loft at 1503 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond, where you can find a wide selection from R&B Cellars, Carica Wines and Far West Cider Company. Its COVID-19 store hours are now through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed Sunday). Click here to review your options before pick-up.
COFFEE
Another gift option to help your dad start his day off right is coffee from a local Richmond purveyor. Catahoula Coffee offers many gift options for dad, such as bags of its locally roasted coffee—like the new Brazillian Peaberry seasonal medium roast—and a Coffee Club where you can choose the frequency of coffee bag delivery from weekly to every four weeks. It’s open for take-out service from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at 12472 San Pablo Ave. in Richmond. Click here to check out your options before stopping by.
As another local coffee purveyor—Red Bay Coffee—puts it, “no one blew the sax like John Coltrane and this coffee complements his melodies.” They’re referencing their Coltrane Coffee, which features black grape, dark chocolate and cane sugar flavor notes that they think your dad is “sure to love.” Red Bay’s location in the Richmond Food Hall is closed at the moment, however, you can order this coffee and others online here (although delivery by Father’s Day isn’t guaranteed).
Whether or not you go the coffee route for Father’s Day, dad is sure to be pleased by some sweet treats either way!
SWEET TREATS
Richmond is home to top baker, Evangeline McKilligan, who operates The BakerE out of her home kitchen, where you can order delicious baked goods in time for Father’s Day. Options include a Cookie Box, Coffee Time Box or one of a variety of pies, such as apple, blueberry, cherry and strawberry rhubarb—for starters. Visit Evangeline’s website to check out all the options and contact her at [email protected] or 415.691.1976 for order arrangements.
