A Sad State of Affairs on Father's Day

Yes, I am biased. But this article made me very sad. There's just something wrong, something disrespectful - especially with Father's Day just around the corner - when children demand that their parents communicate on their terms.

Dear Dad: I'm much too busy and much too self-absorbed to sit down and write you a note. So, I'm sending an e-mail to this company who I pay $10 a month to print this e-mail, put it an envelope, stick on a stamp and mail it to you.

I can't write my Dad a note; we lost him quite a few years ago. I so wish I could write him a note on this Father's Day. A note written in my own terrible handwriting, that I fold and put into an envelope that I address in my own terrible handwriting, that I stick a stamp on and that I drive to the Post Office.

Countdown to Father's Day: Idea #5

Good

A motif of a golf green with flag and ball is flat printed in hunter green ink at the top of these natural white 3 x 5 jotter cards. Perfect for Dad to write down notes, ideas, tee times and great golf scores. 50 cards for $11.

Better

Rich full-grain garnet goat leather Jotter Card Holder fits a standard 3 x 5 inch jotter card. Storage pocket in the back holds a few extra cards. Perfect way for Dad to keep his golf jotter cards handy and organized, ready to take notes or jot down ideas. The slim styling fits nicely into his pocket. Jotter cards sold separately. $24.

Best

This cherry finish all-wood tray is stylish and a convenient way for Dad to store jotter cards on his desk. The tray holds a ready supply of 3 x 5 inch jotter cards. The tray comes with 75 blank natural white jotter cards. Refill packs available. $34

Countdown to Father's Day: Idea #4

The Brown Mamba Tornado rollerball pen by Retro 1951 has an exotic faux snakeskin pattern on real leather. The barrel is accented with gold finished appointments. Dad will delight in how it feels in his hand. Each pen measures just over 5 inches long and writes in black ink. It comes in a brushed aluminum tube case in a felt pouch. $30.




The Original Wallet Pen is a must-have for the well-appointed and well-organized Dad. The sterling silver Wallet Pen clips into the fold of your wallet or checkbook. An amazing little instrument that is barely over 3 inches in length, but makes a large enough impression to land a spot on Oprah's O List. Each Wallet Pen comes in a random, bright-colored box with instructions and spare refill. $49.




Monteverde blends art and technology for Dad, creating this distinctive pen by combining classic style, elegant balance and modern materials. This Black Tie Ballpoint Pen is part of the Invincia collection. Black and white acrylic barrel with chrome-plated brass appointments. $70.




The Waterman Expert Ballpoint Pen in the new City Line Urban Brown finish with chrome appointments is presented in a stylish handsome gift set. The pen is paired with a brown leather magnetic closure pen case in an elegant gift box. Just in time for Father's Day. $100.

Countdown to Father's Day: Idea #3

The hottest trend in personalized stationery. Perfect for Dad, who you've been telling for years to "Get a life!"



Simply stated. These taupe cards are a perfectly stylish way for Dad to leave contact information or e-mail address with a friend or new acquaintance. Thermographed in your choice of ink colors. 50 cards for $78. Don't put the street address on there. He'll think you want to move back in.....




Dad will make a lasting impression with these trendy square calling cards. Silver square motif is complemented by Dad's information thermographed in kona, Newport blue, moss green or black. 100 cards for $187. The perfect card for your "square" Dad.




Very cool calling cards for the person on the go. A sketch of a convertible is engraved along with Dad's personalized text in your choice of ink color on these taupe cards. 50 engraved cards for $150. Just tell Dad to keep the Dodge Dart in the garage.




These rich espresso brown calling cards will surely be remembered. Dad's information is hand engraved - along with a decorative motif - using your selection from a variety of ink colors. 50 engraved cards for $151. Costs way less than a case of halfway decent wine.

To purchase or to find a retailer nearest you, please visit Crane's website.

Countdown to Father's Day: Idea #2

Inspired by the man behind the brand, the new Walt Disney Signature Executive Wood Grained Sheets and Cards will stimulate your Dad's imagination and inspire his sense of style. Produced on handsome Ecruwhite Kid Finish® sheets and luxurious heavyweight card stock with matching black-lined envelopes, each features a wood-grain styled border with a black edged accent and plenty of white space for Dad to pen his thoughts.

Ten cards and ten envelopes for $29. Twenty sheets and 20 envelopes for $29.


A crisp silver and black border sets a sophisticated tone for every piece of correspondence Dad will create on this Disney-inspired set. Borrowing the lines and aesthetics of Walt Disney’s studio, each of the cards and sheets produced on an Ecruwhite Kid Finish is paired with a sleek black-lined envelope. The overall impression is both refreshing and refined, just like Dad.

Ten cards and ten envelopes for $29. Twenty sheets and 20 envelopes for $29.