Americans are expected to spend nearly $14.3 billion celebrating their fathers this year. Keeping those dollars close to home creates an enormous economic opportunity for our state. There are a multitude of ways to salute dad with locally-produced gifts, and we’ve highlighted ten to get your wheels turning.

Detroit Train Depot Tie
There’s no more traditional Father’s Day gift than a necktie, but Cyberoptix puts a contemporary twist on this old standard. Each tie design is incredibly unique and comes in a multitude of colors, often with local flair. For example, these 100% silk ties inspired by Detroit’s old train station. Michigan Central Depot was once the tallest rail station in the world, and though not currently in use, it still stands out today. This beloved landmark has been painstakingly digitally restored from the original 1912 blueprints.

Beard Balm
It seems facial hair is all the rage again these days. If your dad sports a beard, he’ll really appreciate one of these soothing balms. From light conditioners that will keep his hair and skin looking and feeling healthy, to styling aids that can help tame the wildest scruff, Detroit-made Beard Balm can keep his beard in check.

Summery Cruiser Hat
If your dad is less into ties and more into casual comfort than Stormy Kromer has the hat for him. Their take on the popular Cruiser-style hat is made with 100% cotton duck, with waxed cotton trim and a removable chinstrap. It’s the perfect accessory to protect him from the sun’s rays and still stay stylish, whether he’s hanging at the beach, hitting the links, or just strolling through the neighborhood.

Bavarian Inn Cookies
Snacks are a welcome sight for most dads, and these scrumptious delights will take him back to the wholesome goodness of childhood. With fresh, local ingredients in every batch like flour from Star of the West Milling Company, sugar from Michigan Sugar Company, cherries from Traverse City, and cranberries from Cheboygan, just to name a few, there’s delight in every bite. Each box includes 10 cookies with your choice of 6 delicious flavors – Alpine, Glockenspiel, Germantown, Heavenly Hazelnut, Peanut Butter Chunkies, or Stollen. You can choose 10 of his favorite or mix and match, and let him discover each tantalizing flavor.

Domestic and Wild Game Jerky
Perhaps your father prefers meat to sweet, then Country Smoke House has just the thing. Get him the jerky you already know he loves, or shake things up with a variety. This 8-pack contains a mixture of Wild Game & Domestic selections so he can enjoy traditional options like beef and turkey and still try more less common offerings like buffalo and pheasant.

Michigan Antler Tailgate Hoodie
If your dad loves to hunt, then he’ll need to blend in and stay warm. This hunt-inspired hoodie from Livnfresh will help him do just that.  It’s available in charcoal or camo, comes with functional pockets, and is truly cozy. Don’t worry, if hunting isn’t his game, they also offer designs celebrating biking, boating, camping, fishing, golfing, and good old fashioned state pride.

Portable Campfire Grill
There’s nothing quite like cooking over and open flame, but carrying a grill around can be quite a hassle. Call of the Yooper has come up with the perfect solution. These portable grills fold up easily so that they take up very little room in a car or backpack, yet provide a stainless steel, sturdy campfire grill to feed a hungry family, or his buddies after a long day enjoying the great outdoors.

Custom-Made Golf Clubs
If you want to really surprise your father, consider a gift that is made just for him. For over 45 years Falcon has been making high-quality golf clubs here in Michigan. Each club is customized to meet the needs of the player who will be using it. You can start him out with one club, or get him fitted for a set of these high-performance gems.

Handcrafted Drinking Vinegars and Shrubs
Maybe your dad is more into the foodie and craft cocktail scene. If that’s the case, he’ll have a great time experimenting with these amazing mixers. McClary Bros combines organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with fresh, seasonal ingredients and organic cane sugar to create tasty shrubs, a Colonial-era drink mixer. They can be enjoyed with soda or turned into delicious cocktails.

Skyline Hammock
After a cocktail, or just after a long day, what dad doesn’t enjoy a good old fashioned nap? Now, with a hammock by Skyline, he can enjoy one in the yard or on the go. They come in a variety of colors and each is designed to be lightweight and convenient to hang with a creative stuff sack that makes hanging fast and trouble free. Made from ripstop nylon, they are soft and lightweight, yet durable enough to hold up to 400 lbs.

Author: Lisa Diggs

Lisa Diggs is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, business consultant, avid traveler, and founder of The Catalyst Company, LLC, Michigan Positivity Project, and Buy Michigan Now.