Perhaps the most difficult person to shop for, dads often receive small, practical gifts on birthdays, holidays and Father’s Day (which is June 17 this year!). We’ve compiled some of our favorite gift ideas to help you knock the socks off the paternal figure in your life (and then you can replace them with the pair shared below).
If your Father’s Day shopping is easy, we sincerely congratulate you, but feel free to browse our list of gifts for additional inspiration.
Another modern-day spin on a classic, this REVO SuperConnect Table Radio ($450) allows your dad to stream music through Spotify, play his own song collection and/or listen to DAB and FM radio stations. Made of walnut, aluminum and steel, this sleek home or office addition is both a throwback and in vogue. Other features: An alarm clock with sleep and snooze functionality, AUX IN connectors, a headphone jack and a remote control.
One of Mr. Porter’s best-selling accessories, this Leica TL2 System Digital Camera ($1,950) is a great gift for dads with an artistic (or nostalgic) eye. Since Leica, the renowned German camera company, was founded in 1914, its cameras have achieved widespread acclaim, characterized by their timelessness and singular craftsmanship. This model offers fast shutter speeds (up to 1/40,000s) and delivers clear, auto-focused images even when lighting isn’t optimal. And its full HD and 4K recording capability means your dad can record high-quality videos and share them easily via the camera’s Wi-Fi connection.
For a sleek accessory that offers state-of-the-art fitness tracking, consider gifting the Ionic Watch From Fitbit ($249.95). In addition to its basic tracking features, this smartwatch offers an onboard GPS, continuous heart-rate monitoring, the ability to store and play more than 300 songs, access to popular apps, a heart-rate tracker for workout optimization, a four-day battery life, a built-in NFC chip for making payments, water resistance to 50 meters and more. Comes in blue-gray and white, charcoal and smoke-gray, and slate-blue and burnt-orange (shown).
Eton began making high-end men’s shirts in 1928 in Gånghester, Sweden, where its original factory and headquarters are still located today. Shirt fabrics are made from scratch, and the finished product is composed of 45 parts and 12,000 stitches. Eton calls the Tile Printed Linen Shirt ($235) “the perfect choice” for a summer vacation, and we’re inclined to agree. Upon closer inspection, the print, featuring the character of a mustachioed man, is reminiscent of azulejo tiles. An excellent choice for the fashion-forward renaissance man in your life.
For a gift as unique and classic as your father, consider Filson’s Cover Cloth Mile Marker Coat ($350). Its timeless wearability is complemented by the water-repellent oil finish, which protects from the elements year-round. If your father lives in a more severe climate, be sure to point out the stormproof two-way zipper covered by a snap-closure flap, adjustable cuffs and the Moleskin-lined collar. Available in black or otter green.
Made in and inspired by Japan, the Tsugihagi Boro Socks ($35) are crafted by expert knitters who have been honing their sock-making craft for over two decades. The socks’ distinctive pattern reflects traditional Japanese patchwork (as does its name — the word “tsugihagi” means patchwork). Like indigo denim, the socks will change color over time with wear. Available in gray, moss or indigo.
This Herschel Novel Duffel Bag ($85) can fit into any dad’s every day. Perfect as a simple but stylish gym bag or a carry-on for a short getaway, this bag has mass appeal. And he won’t forgo form for function: Its exterior zippered shoe compartment and durable construction ensure contents are kept clean and secure.
The Native Union Traveller Bundle ($70) comes with two lightning cables (4 and 10 feet long) to solve any inconvenient outlet placements while traveling. They are also reinforced with materials that make them six times stronger than regular cables.
Even if your dad isn’t the spa type, he still may enjoy pampering himself every now and then, especially when he’s on the go. With this Pankhurst London Luxe Shaving Kit ($420), you can spoil him from across the globe. It includes all the travel essentials he could possibly need: Shampoo that doubles as a body cleanser (scented with the brand’s Bay Rum and Lime fragrance), a weighted brush, shaving cream with coconut extract, a razor and a soothing after-shave gel.
Inspired by our favorite summer reads list from last year, here are a few timeless books to interest and entertain your dad.
In "Food Fights and Culture Wars: A Secret History of Taste" ($20.40), which explores civilization’s relationship to food, author Tom Nealon claims human appetites catalyzed history’s unfolding. Weaving in trade, agriculture, migration, cookbooks and more, his book offers the reader a thorough examination of where we came from, where we went, what we ate and why.
"Fallen Glory: The Lives and Deaths of History’s Greatest Buildings" ($17.61), by James Crawford, focuses on some of the world’s most iconic structures, including the Berlin Wall, the Tower of Babel and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Through the buildings’ dramatic stories, Crawford takes the reader on a unique journey through world history.
The new fictional novel "Warlight" ($16.17), by Michael Ondaatje, the author of “The English Patient,” is set in the years after World War II. After following the strange childhood of the protagonist, it explores his adult recollections (and subsequent discoveries) of what really happened in his youth.
Perfect for the tech-savvy traditionalist, the Cross Peerless TrackR Pen ($145.51) effortlessly fuses classic design and modern technology. Its notable craftsmanship aside, the main attraction is its Bluetooth tracker, which (once connected to his smartphone) can notify your dad when he leaves the pen behind. Or, on the other hand, if he misplaces his smartphone, the TrackR pen can help him locate it.
For the oft-working father in your life, consider the Filson Workshop Weatherproof Leather Computer Case ($150). Made of Filson’s trademarked boot-grade weatherproof leather, this limited-edition sleeve is resistant to rain, snow and saltwater, as well as scratches and dust. Great for an on-the-go dad who appreciates the convenient slimness of a sleeve and the timeless look of leather. The 15-inch sleeve accommodates laptops/tablets up to 13 inches and the 17-inch version works for 15-inch devices.
These gilded Rock Bookends ($295) add an unforgettable accent to any office or bookshelf, as well as being great conversation pieces. Part of Michael Aram’s Rock collection, they were inspired by Cubism, art deco and elements in nature.
Wool may not be the first material you think of for high-performance base layers, but Icebreaker wool helps regulate body temperature, plus it’s easy to care for, odor-free and comfortable. The Anatomic Long Boxers ($50) are made from a soft, stretchy and durable merino wool blend, convenient for daily wear and outdoor excursions.
This Chateau Slim Fit Coyote Fur Trim Jacket ($925) from Canada Goose will keep him looking sharp and feeling warm in temperatures as low as 15 degrees below zero. Its slim fit allows him to move with ease, and the coat’s white duck down stays close to his body for maximum heat retention. The nylon lining is durable and water-repellent, and a removable hood offers extra warmth.
For the get-the-job-done dad in your life, these Katahdin Iron Works Boots ($269) are a perfect partner. Created with waterproof, durable leather — and Goodyear-welted construction — their hardy craftsmanship is a tribute to the workers of Katahdin, an ironworks that operated in the latter part of the 19th century in Maine. L.L.Bean’s eponymous line of work clothes are created to withstand rough wear and tear, and these boots are no exception.