Stocking stuffer idea or gift for rough and tough dad

Author
Paul Banas

The folks at
On the Job Lotion and Cleaners sent me some samples of their products for guys who work with their hands, or guys like me who get stuck with the dirty chores on the weekends. I’ve had a chance to try them and they look pretty good. At a bit under $10, they make a nice gift or stocking stuffer for someone who might not go out and buy something for themselves.

I particularly like their On the Job Hand Lotion, which comes in a pump bottle that mixes lotion with antiseptic. I have very dry hands which are always cracking, especially in the winter. This lotion promises to not only moisturize but also kill 99.99% of germs on contact. This makes it a good alternative to drying bacterial wipes and cleansers that quickly dry out the hands if used very often.

They also make On the Job Hand Armor, which protects the hands and makes it easier to clean up after greasy or messy jobs. They also make a hand cleaner that promises to be hard on messes, but easier on hands, as well as a lip balm

Like the old Lava soap ads, these products look very good for hard jobs and worth a look.

GreatDad.com Review Policy: The featured product for this review was provided to us, at no cost, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. We do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. We only review products that we have personally tested and used in our own homes, and all opinions expressed are our own.

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New innovation in foldable chairs for tired old dads at soccer practice

Author
Paul Banas

I LOVE these fold-up chairs that are such an improvement over those goofy aluminum chairs we had when I was a kid. These are nice and light, fold up to thin little bundles and support you all over rather than creating semi-permanent lines in all your exposed skin. We have three at home because I’m always fighting for my little piece of heaven with my wife and two kids.

The newest addition is the Kelsyus Canopy Chair. This chair won the Consumer Product Innovation Product of the Year for 2009 and I can see why. This chair has a canopy! And the canopy is actually the carrier, so there is no extra carry bag to take care of. You unfold the canopy which surrounds the chair and pull it up over you when you want some shade. It’s not even a matter of “how” do you do this, it’s just dead simple. Not only that, but the carrier/canopy features backpack straps, rather than the usual over-the-shoulder strap, making it easier to carry with both hand free to lug something else for your wife and kids. If your family gives you this as a gift, it’s probably because they think they can get even more efficiency out of you as a pack mule.

Two thumbs up on this new chair. Weight 11.2 pounds (a little heavier than the lightest weight chairs but not too heavy). $35-55 on Amazon.

Popularity: unranked [?]

New green gift ideas for Father’s Day

Author
Paul Banas

Here are some unconventional ideas for the green dad on your list. For some dads, of course, a home improvement gift is a bit like getting a mixer for mom’s day, but, just like a primo Kitchen Aid mixer is a great gift for a baking mom, these gifts can be killer choices for dads who love to tinker and save.

Here’s a cool toy for the energy sleuth on your list:
Kill a Watt Electricity Monitor. Monitoring systems for gauging energy use usually require pro installation, but this small device lets you see the effect of plugging in and unplugging appliances right away. A small LCD screen shows you electricity usage, cost, and projections over weeks, month and year so you can decide if it’s time to upgrade that old fridge.

One thing you might find in your sleuthing is that many “always on” appliances are eating significant amounts of juice. Now there are a number of power strips on the market that turn these off on a Timer. Of course, you don’t want your Tivo or your clock radio off at 3 AM, but maybe your living room receiver or rec room TV. Consider the GE Power Strip Timer. $20 on Amazon.


The Eyemax WB radio receives AM, FM, and the US/Canada Weather Band, and acts as a speaker system for your iPod/MP3 player. It has both a solar panel and the ability to power it yourself when needed. It also includes an integrated LED flashlight. The Eyemax WB 2009 is a radio that you and your family can depend on, anytime, anywhere, any weather. Freeplay Solar Radio Eyemax Weather Band • $80.00 at www.SustainStores.com.


A truly easy, convenient way to compost. Just place your organic waste in the drum, spin every so often, and soon you have amazingly rich and garden-growing compost. A perfect choice for those not interested in an open compost pile–more discreet and no smell. The Envirocycle produces two excellent compost fertilizers, both solid and liquid. Comes with complete instructions. This item ships directly from the manufacturer via Standard Ground Shipping only. Envirocycle Composter • $140There is an additional shipping and handling charge of $30.00 at www.SustainStores.com.


Just let the worms do their work in their Worm Farm inside or outside and at the bottom you’ll get worm tea, perfect for enriching the soil of your garden and create super-growing plants. Use Red Wiggler Worms, which are not included. First fill your Worm Farm with bedding: leaves, shredded paper and dirt, for example. After the worms have moved in, start feeding them you all your organic kitchen waste like coffee grounds, leafy green trimmings and eggshells. Soon you’ll have worm castings (otherwise known as “black gold” for gardens) in the bottom of the bin. Collect, and watch your plants act like they’re on steroids, completely naturally. Lid keeps worms covered, maintaining the dry bedding they thrive in, yet roof is ventilated for worm comfort. High Strength. 4 Trays. Made from recycled material. This item ships directly from the manufacturer via Standard Ground Shipping only. Guasanito 4-Tray Worm Composter • $68.95 at www.SustainStores.com

For other green dad gift ideas, check out www.SustainStores.com. Use discount code “sustain” in the keycode section of the checkout form for a 20% discount off everything (the discount will be confirmed in an email after the order is processed.) This code expires June 21, Father’s Day.

  

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