Nebraska dads are special. Whether they root for the Huskers (or some other team we won’t mention here) or like to grill delicious meals on the grill (or eat the delicious meals someone else makes), we’ve got some great made-in-Nebraska gift ideas to make them feel loved and special this Father’s Day. (Click on the red links for more information about each gift idea.)
For the Husker Fan: Hail Varsity Magazine features all the latest Husker sports news, including football, basketball, volleyball and even bowling! It’s full color-glossy magazine is printed 10 times a year and features top-quality photos of Husker events.
BBQ Lovers: Mike and Renee Holen’s Holen One Farms glazing and dipping sauces and roast rubs are sure to delight dad. And, if he’s looking for something a little flame, try Sparky’s Fire Wing & Dippin’ Sauces developed by Grand Island Firefighter, Todd Morgan and his wife, Fae. One Sparky’s recipe even features half sauce and half Dorothy Lynch salad dressing, another Nebraska favorite.
Popcorn: HR Poppin’ Snacks based in Gibbon sells more than 60 flavors of gourmet popcorn, including Bacon Cheddar, Birthday Cake and Caramel Apple. Nebraskan Jeff Cole took his family’s kettle corn business a step further, and his Land Alive brand kettle corn is now sold in grocery stores around the state.
Beef: Nebraska is known for its cows and the delicious beef produced in our great state. At least two Nebraska companies offer steak gift packages. Omaha Steaks has been selling quality Nebraska beef since 1917 and even has on its website a special section dedicated to dads that includes Filet Mignon Burgers, Ribeye Crown Steak and Boneless Strips and Seas. Nebraska Star Beef is a family run, single-source premium beef company located north of Holdrege. Products included premium Angus beef steaks, Wagyu beef and Lucky Brand beef jerky.
Suzy Swede Shirts: Suzanne Carlson is Nebraska native who now lives in Tecumseh and markets her snarky Suzy Swede t-shirts worldwide. Dads might enjoy shirts from the Great Outdoors or Mellow Vibes collections, including the “Fishmore & Dolittle” shirt or the “Let’s Be Honest, I’m Just Here For the Food” shirt.
Man Soap: You may think scented soap is a women’s gift, but not anymore. ManHands Soap started in 2013 in Lincoln and features handmade soaps with more than 60 manly smells like beer, bacon, baseball glove, fresh cut grass, clean underwear, urinal mint, buttered popcorn, new car scent and bonfire.
Beard Supplies: Beards are “in-style.” And, let’s face it, dad’s beard might need a little TLC. Oliver Ridge Company beard products can help. This Omaha-based company makes organic beard oils with natural ingredients like almond, apricot, coconut and jojoba. They also sell beard care kits, beard balms, mustache waxes and hair care products.
Beer: Beards are trendy right now, and so are breweries. Treat dad to some hand-crafted beer at one of many great breweries around the state. Here’s a few to visit: Thunderhead Brewing Company in Kearney and Omaha, Scratchtown Brewery in Ord and Kinkaider Brewing Co. in Broken Bow.
Bags & Aprons: If dad likes to “man” the grill, he might need a strong apron to stand the test of time. Artifact Bags Co. in Omaha promises a lifetime guarantee on its products, which range from aprons, bags, jackets and pencil pouches.
For more Nebraska gifts, visit Grow Nebraska’s made in Nebraska shopping site www.buynebraska.com, which features hundreds of Nebraska-made products from cologne and books to sunflower seeds and windchimes.