Father Knows Best: A Gift Guide

Every great gift-giver knows that the focus should always remain on the recipient. Father’s Day is no different—though it can be a little tricky. Whether your dad is a do-it-yourself guru, an athlete, a music lover, or a bit of a fashionista, we’ve got ideas tailored just for him.

1. The Handyman

Photo via Sears

When it comes to tools, stick with a brand you’ve heard of. The Craftsman 5-Drawer Workbench is a solid choice featuring five spacious drawers that can hold just about anything. It’s made of solid steel with a baked enamel coating and is sure to last for years to come. Or go with an obvious pick like the Stanley 38-PC Homeowners Tools Set, the perfect solution for any home project. The Husky Portable LED light is ideal for tight spaces due to its compact size. The LED light is durable and long lasting.

2. The Music Junkie

Photo via DesertTrip.com, Amazon.com

If money is no issue, then scoring tickets for your pop to Desert Trip, this year’s most wildly anticipated mega rock music festival, is a no-brainer. But if the $399 general admission passes are out of your price range, treat your dad to a good book instead. You can’t go wrong with memoir classics like Cash by Johnny Cash, Life by Keith Richards or Miles by Miles Davis. Or, check out John Doe’s new offering, Under The Big Black Sun: A Personal History of L.A. Punk.

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3. The Fitness Enthusiast

Photo via Lululemon

Personal trainer, owner of Marathon Fitness and current Lululemon Ambassador Joe Johnson wants his last client of the day to feel like he or she is his first. Finding exercise gear that still looks good, even after sweaty bootcamps and mid-day runs, is difficult, but Joe swears by the Warpcity Joggers, which keep him looking fresh from daybreak to dawn. Another idea is planning an active day date out with your dad—a trip to the batting cage or a round of golf, whatever piques his interest.

4. The Libation Lover

Photo via EagleRare.com

Bourbon is the Kentuckian anecdote for just about everything, and with one sip, it’s easy to understand why. Your dad will be thrilled to be on the receiving end of Eagle Rare 10Yr Single Barrel, a bourbon that offers a lofty, distinctive taste experience. Dry, okay flavors hint at candied almonds and rich cocoa. Another great selection is Tennessee’s Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Belle Meade™ Bourbon, a brand that dates back to the American pre-prohibition era. Caramel harmonizes with vanilla and bold rye spice.

5. The Foodie

Photo via Mouth.com

The Bacon Me Crazy gift by Mouth is a carnivore’s delight. Featuring fennel and black pepper bacon jam, bacon mayonnaise, maple bacon chocolate and lollipops, bacon toffee caramel popcorn, olive oil-fried pork skins and smoked paprika bacon—this present is pure decadence. Or, try the Dad-Dee-Licious food gift, packed with artisanal goodies like crunchy potato chips, outstanding indie cheesy poofs, chewy beef jerky and ginger-infused cocoa cookies.

6. The Sharp Dressed Man

Photo via Nisolo.com

Our kick picks will weather the ages, no matter your father’s choice of style. First up is the versatile Emilio Chukka boot from Nisolo, a feel-good brand where workers are paid above fair trade wages. The Emilio looks just as great with cuffed jeans and a tee as it does with chinos and a sport coat. Next, is the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II, a sneaker that retains the iconic All Star silhouette we all know and love, but with a more comfortable build and monochromatic styling. The Tyler Engineer from Frye is a stellar selection for a dad who likes an edge. The moto boot is handcrafted from the finest of Italian leathers and washed for a sumptuous finish. And finally, the Delray, a twill canvas shoe that uses classic Dr. Martens styling and fuses it with simple details. Rebellion lurks beneath with Dr. Marten’s signature yellow welt and air cushion sole.

7. The Man Who Has It All

Photo via Patagonia.com

Though it doesn’t always feel like it, the moment is now—and we should take the time to celebrate our dads while we can. Plan a movie date, take a cooking class, gift him with something that helps fulfill his fly fishing dreams, steps up his grill game or celebrates his caffeine addiction. There’s something out there for every dad!

Emily Davidson Nemoy is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tenn. When she’s not at her computer or on her yoga mat, she can be found at live music venues happily spending her excess cash on concert tickets.