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extremely specific gift guides
June 8, 2015

43 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Weird Dad

By the Cut

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Here’s a somewhat early PSA for everyone: Father’s Day this year is on Sunday, June 21. As picky as your mom may be, shopping for your dad can be even more difficult. You could give the standard gifts like a boring tie — but be better than that. If you’re going to source the perfect jasmine-scented incense cones for your mother, shouldn’t you at least try to get him something better than a generic razor?

With that in mind, we polled the Cut’s staff again and the collective response was along of the lines of “Well, my dad is a bit weird …” Unlike our moms, who all seem to love to work out, the dads have varied, unusual interests. One wants to pilot his own drone, another likes strategic, niche board games, and yet another prefers to experiment in the kitchen by DIY-ing his own hot sauce. Sound like someone you know? Click through and see how you can be the awesome kid this year with a perfect and personal gift.

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For the Dad Who Lives for Hawaiian Shirts Can you name a dad who doesn't appreciate a good printed shirt? Staff writer Allison Davis's ... For the Dad Who Lives for Hawaiian Shirts Can you name a dad who doesn't appreciate a good printed shirt? Staff writer Allison Davis's father loves the Jimmy Buffet–style ones, but she'll upgrade him with this cool J.Crew version. To go along with his new off-duty clothes he'll get a delicious snack that goes toward a good cause: Righteous Felon jerky donates a portion of its sales to the Innocence Project.
For the Chill Dad Between the good tequila and the fancy take on his favorite sandals, social-media editor Ella Ceron's dad is the kind of person... For the Chill Dad Between the good tequila and the fancy take on his favorite sandals, social-media editor Ella Ceron's dad is the kind of person you'd want to sit down and knock back a few with. To accompany his favorite drink, he'll appreciate flipping through this book of beautiful Mexican interiors.
For the Dad Who Treats His Kitchen Like a Chem Lab When it comes to strange cooking experiments, photo editor Emily Shornick's dad believes that ... For the Dad Who Treats His Kitchen Like a Chem Lab When it comes to strange cooking experiments, photo editor Emily Shornick's dad believes that the more obscure the ingredient, the better. So he'll whip up his own hot sauce while listening to a vinyl of his favorite Miles Davis recordings. And before you knock the socks, her dad truly loves them — he'll be genuinely grateful to get another pair.
For the Dad Who's Still a Kid at Heart There's nothing that associate market editor Lindsay Peoples's dad loves more than Alabama football. So th... For the Dad Who's Still a Kid at Heart There's nothing that associate market editor Lindsay Peoples's dad loves more than Alabama football. So this T-shirt will be on his back within minutes of him opening the box. Add in some BBQ sauce, plus the drone he's been begging for, and he'll be outside grilling and piloting his new toy by noon.
For Dad Who's a Brilliant Strategist Citing Settlers of Catan as a favorite, associate editor Erica Schwiegershausen's dad loves strategy bo... For Dad Who's a Brilliant Strategist Citing Settlers of Catan as a favorite, associate editor Erica Schwiegershausen's dad loves strategy board games, meaning he's sure to love this niche one that involves stopping an outbreak before it spreads across the world. When he's not gaming, he enjoys listening to podcasts; a Bluetooth speaker will let him blast them anywhere he wants.
For the Dad Who is a Hard-core Health Fanatic Associate beauty editor Ashley Weatherford's dad loves vitamins so much that the cashiers at Whole ... For the Dad Who is a Hard-core Health Fanatic Associate beauty editor Ashley Weatherford's dad loves vitamins so much that the cashiers at Whole Foods call him by his first name. Sun Potion's He Shou Wu supplement claims to help with immunity and cholesterol so it'll be right up his alley. Speaking of healthy, he's also big on fishing and will love a new filet knife for all of his catches.
For the Dad Who Can Out Coffee-Snob a Barista Back in the day, senior market editor Diana Tsui's dad would make coffee on the stove on a percolat... For the Dad Who Can Out Coffee-Snob a Barista Back in the day, senior market editor Diana Tsui's dad would make coffee on the stove on a percolator. He still refuses to use a machine, which is why a sleek Chemex (don't forget the filters!) is the low-tech item he'd love. When he's not drinking a cup at home, he shuffling off to meet his friends at the local bakery, hence the sneaker upgrade. And at home, he's taken up Chinese calligraphy, so a custom seal with his name would be a thoughtful touch. 
For Dad Who Bikes Everywhere While his wife is a triathlete, senior editor Isabel Wilkinson's dad prefers to cycle in the city. He has all the sa... For Dad Who Bikes Everywhere While his wife is a triathlete, senior editor Isabel Wilkinson's dad prefers to cycle in the city. He has all the safety gear except a mirror, which comes in handy since drivers aren't exactly the most conscious of cyclists. Add sleek sunglasses and a slim wallet that he can slip into his pants and he's good to go.
For the Young Dad Who Needs a Nice Gift Since editorial director Stella Bugbee subtly hinted to her husband about her Mother's Day wishes, i... For the Young Dad Who Needs a Nice Gift Since editorial director Stella Bugbee subtly hinted to her husband about her Mother's Day wishes, it's only fair that she return the favor. He's worn the same skater-inspired belt for over a decade, and it's time to replace it with a nicer version by Acne. He hates cologne, but a scented soap is low-key enough. And to add to their collection of design books: a retrospective on the iconic Italian-Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi.
For the Dad Who's Cruisin' Health editor Susan Rinkunas's dad is going on three cruises this year, so he'll need clothes that don't scream lost A... For the Dad Who's Cruisin' Health editor Susan Rinkunas's dad is going on three cruises this year, so he'll need clothes that don't scream lost American tourist. He'll get a simple baseball cap and shorts with a lot of pockets for his travels. He's also a big fan of Johnnie Walker — and chances are he hasn't tried the latest platinum blend.
For the Dad Who Knows How to Veg Happiness for senior beauty editor Kathleen Hou's dad consists of lounging in a bathrobe while eating a tub of g... For the Dad Who Knows How to Veg Happiness for senior beauty editor Kathleen Hou's dad consists of lounging in a bathrobe while eating a tub of gelato. His favorite happens to be Talenti, which comes in flavors like toasted almond and cappuccino or fudge brownie. He also likes to study the Bible and this version has large print, which is kind on his eyesight.
For the Dad Who Has Fancy Taste in Cars Unless fashion news editor Véronique Hyland wins the lottery, her dad isn't getting a real Ferrari... For the Dad Who Has Fancy Taste in Cars Unless fashion news editor Véronique Hyland wins the lottery, her dad isn't getting a real Ferrari any time soon — but this model comes kinda close. He also loves reading the New York Times, so a year's subscription will keep him updated. And to go with his puttering in the kitchen, a monogrammed apron is a nice personal touch.
For the Dad With Exotic Candy Needs  Maynard's wine gummies have nothing to do with wine, but fashion assistant Lori Keong's dad likes them anyw... For the Dad With Exotic Candy Needs  Maynard's wine gummies have nothing to do with wine, but fashion assistant Lori Keong's dad likes them anyway. To work off the sweets, he's also a big fan of Rafael Nadal and would love to play tennis in the same neon sneakers Rafa wears on the court. When he's not working on his backhand, he happens to also be a great cook — he'll get an elegant Japanese wood cutting board for his food-prep needs.
For the Dad Who's Cooler Than Your Boyfriend Considering that producer Leah Rodriguez's mom has a tragus piercing, of course her dad would be equ... For the Dad Who's Cooler Than Your Boyfriend Considering that producer Leah Rodriguez's mom has a tragus piercing, of course her dad would be equally as cool. He wants quirky running sneakers, and this Adidas pair is nice enough that he can wear them when he's not working out. He also asked for a good backpack and a nice cologne, so he'll appreciate this sleek gray bag and a nice Tom Ford scent.
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