mall of America

By Dassi Fant

It’s almost Father’s Day- an ode to the most important man in a gal’s life.  The man who’d watch every tiresome ballet recital with a smile, the man who told her she looked beautiful despite a mouthful of metal.  Of course, some people refute the holiday’s sentiment and significance by claiming that a father should be appreciated every day of the year.  Though this is true, to these cynics I say: lighten up and go out to buy your dad a nice gift!  Luckily, there are quite a few retail options at Mall of America to explore without pangs of guilt- this shopping trip is actually quite legitimate.  Here are some cool ideas from around the Mall:

MOVA Globe ( Nordstrom, $135): This nifty coffee table delight is the perfect way for dad to display his worldliness.  The solar-powered globe spins on its own and the glass casing ensures the globe is always displayed upright, even when turned upside down.

Columbia watch (Columbia, $250): This sleek black-on-black watch does more than just tell time.  The built-in compass allows Dad to never again swallow his pride by asking directions.

True Religion fragrance set (True Religion, $79): Abercrombie-clad teens shouldn’t have all the fun with chick- alluring fragrances.  This gift set is a great way to infuse some fabulous scents into Dad’s busy life.

Sperry Top Siders (Bloomingdale’s, $120): Formerly known as boat shoes, Sperry shoes have made their comeback, much to my personal pleasure.  This gift not only ensures Dad’s feet are comfy, but that he is polished and stylish as well.

Puma World Cup track jacket (Puma, $70): In light of the popularity of the World Cup, this a perfectly stylish way for Dad to show some soccer pride, sans teenage embarrassment.  Left open during hot days or zipped up on chilly nights, this jacket will become a sporty staple.