Yep, it’s almost Father’s Day again. And if you’re wondering what to get the father of your children, or your own dad, or any other significant man in your life who happens to have kids, we’ve got some creative ideas.
So, before you venture out and purchase yet another humdrum necktie, go for one of these gifts instead…
1. Something to show him he’s needed.
To fix stuff around the house, for example. The Tread is a stainless-steel bracelet that puts more than 25 tools—from screwdrivers to box wrenches—literally within inches of his fingertips. It’s the perfect wrist bling for fixer-upper types and those who want to be able to open a beer bottle anywhere, anytime. $150-$200 at Leatherman.com.
2. Something to prove adventure is still out there.
Want to get his blood pumping and take him on the ride of his life? Of course, we’re talking about race cars. Get him a gift certificate with a company such as RacingAdventure.com or NascarRacingExperience.com that organizes fast rides at a racetrack near you, and maybe he’ll let you ride shotgun.
3. Something to get him up in the morning.
The pour-over method of coffee making is all the rage, and if your guy is a java freak (or at least appreciates a good cuppa joe), he’ll love this slow-and-steady technique. This elegant glass coffee maker by Chemex is heat resistant and yields a full-flavored, clean-tasting brew. Six-cup Chemex, $36 at WilliamsSonoma.com.
4. Something to help him get over a bad day.
If work or personal frustrations are wearing him down, a punching bag could release some tension and bring back the eye of the tiger. A great gift is the MMA Heavy-Bag Kit by Everlast, $80 at Amazon.com. Plant this 70-pound baby in your basement, hand over the boxing gloves, and he might just rediscover his passion for glory.
5. Something to relax him—once and for all.
What do Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and Tom Petty have in common—besides Grammy nominations and lots of swagger? They’re just a few of the many celebrities and common folk who are practicing Transcendental Meditation, which requires no spiritual affiliations to help you get your chill on. Give your man a gift card to learn the technique with a certified TM teacher—and be on his way to inner peace.
6. Something to remind him he’s still a badass.
An edgy rope bracelet that says “I’m a little bit daddy, I’m a little bit rock-and-roll” strikes exactly the right chord. This black-leather bracelet with skull clasp is an edgy, eye-catching choice for the trendy, perpetually youthful dad. $370 at KingBabyStudio.com.
7. Something to help him get his game on.
We’re sure he’s already got some slick maneuvers, but a stylish new chess set will encourage him to brush up on those life strategies. Paul Smith’s luxurious leather-and-suede version, above, may be a bit over-the-the-top at $900, but more economical—albeit less stylish—options abound. If he’s not into kings and Kriegspiel, anything from Backgammon to Battleship can fire those brain neurons.
8. Something to make him feel like a man.
Nothing says “Me, Full-Blooded Male” more than a bloody steak or a big honkin’ slab of salmon. Some charbroiled chicken might even do, as long as it comes with a masculine recipe and a big bag of charcoal. Get him a copy of Pat LaFrieda’s manly book with the meta title and make his grilling day. Meat: Everything You Need to Know, $26 at Amazon.com.
9. Something to add to his list of DIY achievements.
He’s already brewed his own beer and distilled his own gin. Now he can apply his bootlegging skills to the kitchen and prove he can take more than a little heat. “Make Your Own Hot Sauce” Kit with six bottles, spice packs and customizable labels at Uncommongoods.com, $35.
10. Something to watch over his ticker.
The Peak fitness and sleep tracker uses an optical sensor to monitor his heart rate 24/7 (yes, even when he’s snoozing) to track not only runs and rides, but also his sleep patterns—without a bothersome strap. The device even receives notifications for texts, emails and phone calls. $200 at MyBasis.com.
11. Something to reignite his passion for story time.
He and the kiddos will bond over a deeper-than-usual children’s tale by one of the world’s best writers. Set in an exotic Eastern landscape peopled by magicians and fantastic talking animals, Salman Rushdie’s colorful Haroun and the Sea of Stories makes for perfect bedtime reading. Paperback version, $13 at Amazon.com.
12. Something for him and his mini me.
These matching daddy-and-me swim trunks from Tom & Teddy take adorable to a whole new level. They come in a wide assortment of fun, quirky prints featuring sea creatures, ocean waves and other nautical themes, as well as a range of solids and stripes for the more classic father-son duo. $55 to $95 each at TomandTeddy.com.
13. Something to help him get his groove back.
A sleek pair of headphones will encourage him to listen to his favorite music or podcasts more often, and hopefully make him feel relaxed and inspired at the same time. BeoPlay’s H8 wireless active noise cancellation headphones, made with lambskin and memory-foam ear pads, are a luxurious choice. They’re great for long flights, or just helping him zone out after a long day. At Beoplay.com, $500.
14. Something to glam up his next outdoor adventure.
Whether he’s into hardcore camping or glamping, some cool new gear will perk up his next outing. REI’s new evrgrn line includes a assortment of fun yet rugged accessories in stylish prints—from tents and picnic accessories to a water-resistent outdoor rocker. The great outdoors has never been greater. Sum Tote, $25 at REI.com.
15. Something to make him feel like a teenager.
A perfect way to make him feel young again is to take him to a rock concert. Better yet, let him go online and choose his own tickets with a gift card from StubHub.com. Whether he’s into U2 or Taylor Swift (shhh, he says it’s for the kids, but we know better), you’ll be giving him a fun night out and some awesome musical memories. You paid for the tickets, now it’s up to him to spring for those backstage passes.
16. Something to show off at the valet.
Well, yeah, you could buy him a new sportscar. But a much simpler, more economical way to get some admiration in the car queue is to flash a shiny, stylish new key ring. This one by Ralph Lauren also showcases a favorite dad hobby, so he’ll be reminded of tee time no matter where he roams. $395 at RalphLauren.com.
17. Something to make the commute a little sexier.
That old briefcase just isn’t cutting it anymore, so why not give his morning commute a makeover with a cool new bag for his laptop and all those important-yet-boring documents. The Logan Buckle Briefcase comes in three gorgeous finishes and features a rugged texture and vintage-inspired details, making it both hip and refined at the same time. $528 at TheFryeCompany.com.
18. A relaxing day that’ll take him who-knows-where.
He’s been working so hard and yearning for a “day with nothing to do” for a long, long time. So why not give it to him for Father’s Day? All he needs is the time (chores? what chores?), a picnic lunch, and maybe a few solid ideas. Head to an amusement park. A free outdoor concert. His favorite museum. Or even the ballpark to hit a few balls with the kids. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s his choice and you all get into the act.
19. Something (from them) that doesn’t cost a dime.
We all know the best gifts come from the heart, and when they come from the heart of his favorite little people, they’re even sweeter. All the kids need is a few markers or crayons, or maybe some finger paints or chalk. It doesn’t matter, as long as the message is their own (OK, maybe with a little spelling assistance from Mom). Guaranteed to brighten his day.
20. Something (from you) that doesn’t cost a dime.
Gifts from the kids are amazing, but a little TLC from you is something he’d really be into. For your husband or partner, give him the gift of your time and attention. Cuddling up on the couch with this favorite movie, cooking his favorite dinner, or giving him a relaxing massage will make him feel appreciated and pampered. Just what he had in mind today.
For more inspiration inspiration, visit Red Typewriter‘s “Gifts For Dad” Pinterest board. Happy Father’s Day!
