Whether you are looking for a gift idea for the gay dad in your life, or you want to give your straight dad something that reflects your fabulous sensibility, you can’t go wrong with a pair of shades from N3L.

The company’s name is short for Newton’s Three Laws  of Motion, which establishes its ethic as a sports-based product designed for the active dad, whether he enjoys motorcycle racing or golf — or a backyard trampoline.

It’s not just the styles that you can use to capture pop’s attention, but the technology: Imaging systems allow you to directly compare the effectiveness of certain lenses under various conditions. (Amber lenses, in general, make the environment more vivid, and are great for enjoying sunsets on the beach; darker shades filter more light and provide serious protection from glare.

A variety of brands from Maui Jim to Oakley are available within a range of prices (most in the $200 neighborhood), each offering their own styles and options (such as replaceable lenses and custom colors).

—A.W.J.

N3L at NorthPark Center on the second level near Nordstrom. N3LOptics.com.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition June 17, 2011.