Editorial
Front Page - Friday, June 4, 2010
Across town endless options for Father’s Day gifts abound
Erica Tuggle
Several unique or just plain “cool” items are out there waiting for Father’s day gift giving. A top hat full of chocolates from Couture Cakes in Hixson, toning footwear from Academy Sports + Outdoors or Mori Luggage and Gifts’ “Grand Band” are just a few items that dad will be sure to enjoy.
- Erica Tuggle
Although it may be tempting, getting your dad another tie for Father’s Day doesn’t have to be the failsafe. Breaking out of the routine by getting him something unique is simple according to Andre Beattie, owner of Couture Cakes.
Couture Cakes, a division of A Bountiful Harvest, is a local, family owned company that has been in Hixson for 10 years. Although they started out by offering gift baskets, Beattie says they were not satisfied with the generic wholesale items they were buying and decided to make the chocolate themselves. With the shop doing more business than ever, he says they are glad they made the switch to making customized, fresh items with premium ingredients.
Everything from Guinness filled truffles, dipped Oreos, handmade chocolates, chocolate fish and gourmet filled gift baskets are offered at Couture Cakes. The cakes themselves have also become popular for father’s day, probably because it is something that dad doesn’t often get to indulge in guilt free, he says.
Couture Cakes has allergy friendly products, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free and vegan alternatives of their work. Since they ship their products all over the country, they can send a special something to the father who is out of state. He said the safe bet for dad are the Guinness or rum truffles, Chile chocolates or a top hat of assorted chocolates.
“Guys are usually giving chocolate but never receiving it, and I think they would like to,” he says.
Couture Cakes has only been open at their current location since May, but Beattie says they are slammed with business in weddings and summer parties. He attributes the interest to their use of natural and organic ingredients as well as the huge cupcake call of Chattanooga.
They also offer jams, sauces, dressings and homemade cookies at their store from their
own recipe and packaged
in Florida. For those who
simply can’t decide, gift certificates are also available. For custom orders, those interested should call a week in advance to check on availability.
When dad’s stomach is cared for, head over to Academy Outdoors + Sports for their offering of items that will turn heads, and keep father in the latest style.
David W. Biediger, senior communications coordinator for Academy, says they carry gifts for dads in every department from athletic, casual apparel and footwear to BBQ, golf, fitness, hunting, fishing and camping equipment.
The week before Father’s Day, Academy shoppers will find deals on every fishing rod and reel combo in the store, he says. Shoppers can also get $10 back instantly when they make a $50 men’s Wrangler denim purchase, and if dad is a golfer buying him Callaway Diablo Edge Driver will get you a free Kodak Playsport Video Camera through mail-in rebate. This is a gift you can choose to pass along to dad or not.
If you father is a griller, Biediger suggests going in for a purchase of a Char-Griller Trio that includes a free grill cover with it. New Academy products, Biediger says, are toning footwear from Skechers, Avia and Reebok and the Outdoor Gourmet infrared table-top grill that has been reduced from $99.99 to $79.99.
If shoppers are still unsure what direction to take in making a gift purchase for dad, Biediger says Academy can help.
“Visit any of our stores, tell us the activities your dad enjoys, and our associates will suggest items that will make great Father’s Day gifts,” he says.
For the business-oriented father, Mori Luggage and Gifts has all his wish list items covered.
Gwin Hammond, marketing manager of Mori, says they offer a wide selection of luggage, briefcases, leather goods, travel accessories, pens and distinctive gifts for everyone on any occasion. Mori has been inside Hamilton Place Mall for 23 years, and currently operates 26 stores throughout Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida.
Hammond says, “One of the great things about our store is that you’re sure to find a gift for every dad, no matter what his interest. From business-related gifts including briefcases, letter pad covers, business card cases, writing instruments, and desk accessories to games including chess, backgammon, as well as other gift ideas including manicure sets, shave kits, watch boxes, globes, golf-themed gifts, Swiss Army knives and wallets.”
She says she thinks their Leather Watch Box as well as the Grand Band will be popular items this Father’s Day.
Most people want to give unique and memorable gifts, and that’s what Mori offers, she says. If someone is not sure what Dad will like, Hammond says, Mori gift cards are a win, and they also provide gift receipts, so that Dad can exchange his gift if it’s not the perfect fit.
Whatever the item shoppers choose for their dad, with gift ideas like these it certainly will not be just another tie to add to his collection.
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