As a father of young children, I can say that the gift I want most is for everybody in the house to be asleep all at the same time for like one more hour than average on Father’s Day. But because I know that’s not going to happen, here’s a list of material items and experiences that could be reasonable substitutes! (Also — this originally ran in the Denverite Parents newsletter — sign up here or see what it looks like here!)

Indoors Dad

$15 or less: Take him to “Mi Tierra” or “The Western” at the Denver Art Museum.
More than $15: These Colorado theater companies do things that will fuel conversations over cocktails after the shows: Buntport Theater, Curious Theatre Company, Square Product Theatre.

Outdoors Dad

Less than $15: Go outside with him.
More than $15: A Colorado State Parks annual pass is $70.

Space Dad

Less than $15: The SkyView app is $1.99 for iOS or Android. Dad can look at Jupiter while taking out the recycling. More satisfying than it sounds.
More than $15: The Denver Astronomical Society suggests looking at space through binoculars. This Space.com buying guide had lots of information on affordable options.

Book Dad

Around $15: “15 books every well-versed Westerner should read,” by High Country News.

Whiskey Dad

Less than $15: Laws Whiskey House tours (1420 S. Acoma St.) are $10 per person and include a tasting. Book them online in advance here.
More than $15: Whiskey. Try Laws or Leopold Bros. for a local touch. Or buy him a drink somewhere nice. The $11 5 Spice Old Fashioned at Linger (2030 W. 30th Ave) is great, but you’ll probably need reservations and you’ll definitely end up spending more than just that $11.

Sports Dad

Less than $15: Rooftop Rockies tickets start at $14 and they’re really good this year.
More than $15: You can find Rockies tickets with actual seats for as low as about $19, and Rapids tickets for somewhere in the $20s.

Geek Dad

Less than $15: You could go to your local comic book store and pick up a kinda dad-themed comic book, like Saga vol. 1 or Vision vol. 1. Just … don’t tell Dad that Vision reminds you of him, necessarily. Also, Saga has a lot of nudity in it, which could make for an awkward Father’s Day gift. You know what? Maybe a gift certificate is the way to go here. Hit up Kilgore, Mutiny, Mile High, Time Warp — somebody.
More than $15: Denver Comic Con is June 30-July 2. Tickets are on sale now. (Also: The Denverite geek newsletter is launching very soon. It’s free. You can tell Dad he can sign up at denverite.com/newsletter.)

Did I miss a category? Let me know! dave@denverite.com