I can’t believe it, but did you know we’ve never done a 5 Things Fathers Day Gift Guide? Since there are lots of moms here at the letter (and daughters of dads, of course!) I figured this week, the best way I can be helpful is to shop for the dads and dads to your children and father figures in your life.
Dads are so tricky to shop for, no? The best gift has to be super functional. But also spark enough joy that we want to give it. Because even though the best gift givers are able to think beyond themselves for their giftee, gifts are still a reflection of who we are.
In addition to my ideas, I asked two longtime friends and longtime sources of inspiration in menswear (who are also both dads) to send along five of their favorite gifts for stylish dads, too. Big thank you to fellow parents Mordechai Rubinstein who writes Mister Mort and Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean, for humoring me. And check out their newsletters for more in menswear, of course.
Becky’s Gifts
A beverage fridge that is NOT an eyesore
I told my husband (who is much more attached to “things” than I am) when we moved into our current apartment that he could keep anything he wants, as long as it fit into his office. Which means the wine fridge is in his office. 🙂 What is it with men and their beverage refrigeration!? Friend of Five Things Rya B. turned me onto this extremely millennial/USM modular/Rimowa coded beverage fridge that is stylish enough to live outside the man cave. Win win!
A really decadent, nondescript belt
I love a man in a simple braided belt. Basic brass or silver buckle. Absolutely no branding to be found. A simple weave. A sleek, non-bulky buckle. You will pay more for it – like all the best things that look like no brainers. Nothing more expensive than simple!
Relax this idea for summer lighten up his evergreen wardrobe with elastic or suede, or this cool leather/rayon weave? Three decadent options here from Loro Piana (x2) and Charvet that will make dad look great for decades – because you know he will keep this forever. Plus, you can borrow it…sizeless!
Hip-ish Sporty Things
This Snow Peak jacket would look fantastic on the least fashion-y dad out there and the hippest, most up-to-the-minute-I-bought-it-in-Japan dad. Also good for sporty dads and preppy dads and just somewhere in the middle of all this dads. It’s the right price and durability to wear with littles (spills!) and looks great the rest of the time too.
Similarly, I laughed when I saw these Stussy x Nalgene bottles. We all want to hydrate more. They are great for the nostalgia-seeking dad (raise your hand if you perfected the Stussy script logo in 6th grade waiting for the bus 🙋♀️🙋♂️🙋), for the grandpa who doesn’t care but would be ironic in the best way carrying this and the new dad who is fresh faced and on his first go-round of love for the brand(s).
Kitchen safety because…I told you so
Is dad getting fast and loose with his amateur chef skills? Make sure he keeps those fingers safe. I’m getting my husband (who is actually an incredible cook, praise be!) these oven mitts and grating mitts for Father’s Day. Too many close calls lately!
*Editor’s note: while hunting for the best microplane gloves, I discovered Microplane (the brand) makes a kid’s set! Is there anything kids like more than opening their own MATCHING present to dad’s? I don’t think so. This is a win.
Drake’s swim trunks, no one does em better
Everyone asks me if I style my husband and they are usually shocked to hear the resounding NO that I answer. The man has style, why do you think I picked him!? 🙂 But the one category I do get to buy for him is swim, and there is no swim I like better than Drake’s. Always the best patterns and colors. Love the cut – not too long, not too short, not too tight!!!! – and the fabric, not too thin. Just please don’t put them in the dryer. They’re expensive for a swimsuit, so do your best to make them last. <3
If you’re in/near NYC…
Do yourself a favor: sign up for the weekly cinnamon roll drop from Loser’s Eating House and mark your calendar for the week leading up to Father’s Day. Request Saturday or Sunday morning pickup for their GIGANTIC $20 sourdough brioche cinnamon roll. He will LOVE it…and likely share since it’s the size of his head.
Mordechai’s Gifts
Mordechai Rubinstein is one of a kind. His unique style and eye for great, well-loved, lived-in menswear was before its time. Now it seems everyone is up on prep and gorp and highly functional fashion, but Mister Mort was the first champion for these ideas in the broader fashion landscape of today. Whatever he gravitates toward, you will too in a year or so…mark my words. He has a great instagram here and a newish newsletter you can peruse through here.
Mephisto Match Walking Shoes. Mephisto Match because enough with sneakers when you’re not being sporty. Wear a walking shoe. Your body will thank me.
Belgian Shoe Mr. Casual House Shoes. Really expensive house shoes/black tie slippers. They’re great for running out for milk or eggs. Call to order: 212-755-7372
Brent Neale Pinky Ring or Studs. A custom pinky ring or a pair of these earrings to split with your better 1/2.
Lockhatters High Grove Garden Panama Hat. A straw hat for days my Montecristi doesn’t work. I want to be in the garden all the time. A balllcap doesn’t protect ya in places ya need it fellas.
Polo Ralph Lauren Corduroy Collared Denim Jacket. I haven’t worn a denim jacket in years but this one just has that perfect not rockstar/rancher guy energy I want and makes me want to wear a denim jacket again.
Michael’s Gifts
I’ve known Michael Williams for almost 20 years now, wow! He was the only person to notice my Spalwart sneakers back when I had to hunt high and low for them (I will never forget this, Michael! Thank you, and lol!) He is a champion of classic menswear and classic men’s leisure activities. His newsletter is equal parts fashion, utility and a meditation on fishing/golf. A subscription to either of their newsletters would also be a great Father’s Day gift, FYI.
Original Madras Trading Co. Handloom Shirt. These beautiful shirts from OMTC are made by hand, which gives them incredible texture and depth. I wear these every week, and in my mind, there is no better building block for Dad to transform into his “favorite shirt”.
Oyster Tempo Pro. There’s something in the mind of the modern dad that assigns significant value to beverage temperature control. I own this “performance” cooler and it is the best and last cooler I will ever own.
*Editors note: LOL, what did I say about dads and their beverage contraptions!?
Smythson Panama Notebook. A beloved everyday item that can be monogrammed. I love these notebooks so much but never want to spend the $100
Tom Beckbe Canvas Tailgater Bag. Fill this with good booze, a few Yeti tumblers and the accouterments for a dad-approved cocktail program on the go.
Rivay Linen Correspondent Jacket. This is the perfect travel or everyday summer jacket. Rivay does the military inspiration thing exceptionally well, and I live in their clothes.
Yashica T4 35mm Camera. I try and take a roll a month of family photos because film + kids creates the best memories. This is an iconic point-and-shoot camera that has a cult following.
Thank you for your contributions Mordechai and Michael. And thank you all for reading. Until next week, when we get back into summering for us ladies, have a great week!
Yours TRULY,
Becky
P.S. WHAT’S YOUR NON-CLICHE FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEA? LEAVE US SOME IDEAS IN THE CHAT! 💙
