» Stuff for Dads

March 17th, 2010

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Vintage album recreates Star Wars for the pre-DVD era

Let your kids time-travel back to a mystical land where things like Star Wars video games, “Battle of Endor” Lego sets, remastered DVDs, and constant SpikeTV marathons didn’t exist. Can you imagine the horror? Ah yes, the late 1970s, back when the only way to bring Star Wars home was through action figures and the “The Story of Star Wars” album (on vinyl and 8-track!)

Thanks to some vinyl historians, now the next generation of fans can hear “The Story of Star Wars” in all its glory. Clocking in around 50 minutes, the album features dialogue, music, and sound effects from the movie, as well as narration by the gravel-voiced actor Roscoe Lee Browne. It’s a vivid description of the Star Wars universe, so it’ll thrill devoted little Jedis, while still being a fun introduction for those kids just starting out on their journey.

February 11th, 2010

Shoes That Save The World

Shoe company strives to change lives, one pair at a time

Don’t worry, we know you’re a good person.

In the past few years, you’ve given to charities for New Orleans, Sri Lanka, and Haiti. You would have liked to give more, but hey, times are hard and you’ve got your own growing family to take care of.

Hmm, if only there was a way for you to buy the things you need, while still doing good in the world... Say hello to TOMS Shoes.

Each time you buy a pair of TOMS, they’ll give a brand new pair of shoes to a child in need. Started just over three years ago, TOMS’ One for One business model has already given away a remarkable 400,000 pairs of shoes.

Why shoes, you ask? Well, since most kids in the developing world grow up barefoot, they get cuts and wounds which lead to parasites and all sorts of other nastiness. That’s just one of many reasons why they’re so important.

Now, in addition to their shoes for adults, TOMS has introduced Tiny TOMS, a line of cool, stylish shoes for little ones. At around $30, they’re a whole lot more unique than those Nikes down at the mall.

It’s simple: kid needs shoes, you buy TOMS, kid looks good, you feel good. Repeat as needed.

January 21st, 2010

See The Dark Side of Curious George

Noted German director explores the depth of the human soul

For the past 70 years, millions of kids have adored H.A. & Margaret Rey’s Curious George books. In these stories, we’ve come to know George as a clever little monkey who has the best of intentions, yet somehow manages to always create a mini-disaster. Read more

January 11th, 2010

Monsters For Your Closet

Indie shirtmaker creates collections of heroes and villains for kids big and small

If you’re in the mood for cute, happy t-shirts, the folks at Threadless have plenty to keep you satisfied. Want something a little darker? Get yourself to Chop Shop. Read more

January 5th, 2010

The Return of Saturday Morning Fever

Recreate those cartoon-filled weekend mornings anytime

A long time ago, in a land before TiVo, cable and educational programming, there was a glorious thing known as Saturday morning cartoons. In the span of a few hours, legions of kids were treated to favorites like Fat Albert, Road Runner, and Scooby-Doo. They were all quality cartoons, but for many young boys, the highlight was undoubtedly Super Friends. Read more

December 15th, 2009

Attack of the Japanese Paper Robots

These crafty creatures will delight both kids and parents

How many times have you bought something for one of your kids because, secretly, it was you that really wanted it? Well, get ready to do it again.

While vinyl collectible toys (from the likes of Kid Robot) have been popular for a while, PIPEROIDs are the only Japanese robots made Read more

December 8th, 2009

Make Your Own Muppet

Whatnot Workshop lets you channel your inner Jim Henson

Sure, everybody knows about Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and the rest of The Muppet Show’s big-name stars, but let’s salute the unsung heroes of the show: the Whatnots. These hard-working Muppets were the wacky-looking extras that appeared in the Read more

November 6th, 2009

Create Your Own Private Lollapalooza

Treasure chest of live shows features all the bands you’ve been missing

If you’re like most Dads, it’s been a while since you’ve been out to see live music. Sure, in your past kid-free life, you saw a million bands. But these days? Read more

October 15th, 2009

Be the Smartest Dad on the Block

Nurtureshock offers surprising insight into children’s behavior

Two years ago, Po Bronson made a big splash with his article “How Not to Talk to Your Kids” in New York magazine. In one of those everything-you-know-is-wrong moments, Bronson argues (with the research to back it up) that parents’ never-ending praise — “Great job, Timmy!” — is actually hurtful for a number of reasons. Read more

October 14th, 2009

Make it Stick with BLIK

Stylish reusable decals let you decorate a room in minutes

When was the last time you had time to paint a room in your house? Exactly. Since it can be a small victory just getting the kid dressed in the morning, Read more