The fathers in my life - my own dad, my husband, brother-in-laws, and friends - never expect or desire gifts. They are so undemanding and unfussy and seem to want nothing more than some time to go on a bike ride, go fishing, or read a book, that it makes them downright difficult…to shop for. But on Father’s Day, we celebrate these men for all that they do - kissing boo-boo’s, making dinner, fixing broken toys, giving piggy back rides and shoulder rides and much much more.
Here are our top picks from years of Father’s Day gifting and crowd-sourced from our coolest dad friends…
Technivorm Moccamaster: After using this coffee machine for years, we still think it’s the best. Makes great coffee, keeps it warm in the thermal carafe if you wake up at different times and can be pulled out mid-drip if you just can’t wait for the whole pot to finish.
Fellow: This brand is modern, sleek, and minimalist. My brother-in-law is a fan of the Stagg Kettle and my husband drinks his morning cup in this mug every day.
OXO Good Grips BBQ Tongs & Turner: After years of using the fancier, prettier wood-handled ones, we switched to the tried-and-true OXO brand and he declared it the best. When the tongs close, they actually align and the lack of wood means they can go in the dishwasher.
Smithey Cast Iron: There’s no better way to finish off a steak than in a cast iron pan.
Italian Classic Cocktail glasses: The Full Bar set will allow him to use the right glass for the right drink, elevating the happy-hour-at-home-everyday habit that started during the lockdown.
Death & Co Cocktail book: If you can make it to the NYC or LA location, this bar is fantastic and feels nothing like the bars he went to in his 20s. There’s no fighting for the bartender’s attention or for a seat. It’s all very classy and grown-up. But if you can’t go for a date night, you can still enjoy the drinks at home with this book.
Vuori Polo: It’s so soft it feels like his favorite old t-shirt, but it looks good enough for the office.
Stockwatch: A favorite minimalist design from Australia. The face is not ginormous so it works well for those with smaller wrists.
Oura Ring: It seems like every techie (dad or not) has this sleek ring that tracks sleep and heart rate. And if he’s one of those that even his jewelry needs to be functional, then this is the perfect gadget for him.
Ooni pizza oven: One of my favorite product guys declared this the best Father’s Day gift he ever received (and that was 4 years ago).
The Elements of Pizza: Whether you're getting an Ooni, making pizza in a hand-made brick oven in the backyard, grilling it or baking it in the oven, this book promises to unlock all the secrets.
Easton Press: I started gifting leather-bound books to my husband for every special occasion and the first one was the classic Sherlock Holmes. These books look great in the background on Zoom calls and one day, it’ll be a great collection to leave to the little one.
Other good reads for the summer from the business and history genres: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike, Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration and Washington: A Life
Young kids can swim in frigid water or run right into the Pacific, even when they don’t have an ounce of body fat. But not so for adults. This NRS Hydroskin 0.5 Jacket keeps him warm in the water watching the kids so we can lounge around the pool sipping our cocktails.
Have the kids make him a semi-homemade batch of Annie’s Organic Cookie Brownie Bars. They are delicious even if you’re making it away from home with limited kitchen tools.
What are you giving to your dad this year? And if you’re a dad yourself, what would you like? Drop us a note and share your favorite products with us.
