You may have noticed some posts from our friends at the Strategist on the Cut. They’ll be dropping in every now and again, sharing their expertise on the basics you don’t have time to research and the weird and wonderful things you don’t yet know you need.
When you’re struggling to think of the perfect Father’s Day present, a gift card can be a handy (if not particularly inspired) solution: By giving Dad a voucher to his favorite store, you’ll show that you care, and he can finally get the tent, bottle of whiskey, or speakers he has been eyeing. If Dad’s the type of guy who likes to do research before any purchase, an e-card has the added benefit of allowing him flexibility to shop around and read reviews (we’ve got him covered on that front, from razors to dashcams). So whether Dad’s a voracious reader, constant snacker, or national-parks lover, you’ll find just the right gift card below to make him feel appreciated.
Clothing and accessories
A pair of blue-light-blocking glasses could be the key to helping dad get a restful night’s sleep (especially if he likes to scroll before bed). Felix Gray appeared in our roundup of the best options twice, with one pair being named “most stylish,” thanks to minimalist silver frames that could easily pass for normal specs.
Fitness dads will love Ten Thousand’s lineup of specialized shorts, including a pair for water-to-land workouts that we named the best performance swim trunks.
Socks make up the foundation of a comfortable outfit, and we can’t get enough of Bombas’s, including its compression and wool versions. Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw has given the Gripper Slippers as gifts and loves that they “pack down flat for travel, and the rubber dots on the soles keep you from slipping.”
With a purchase from Haerfest’s Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes collection, Dad can support the fight against anti-Asian violence every time he wears his new T-shirt, beanie, or baseball cap.
We love Everlane’s quality staples that range from underwear to denim, so help Dad pick out some new basics with our guide to the brand.
If Dad’s ready to swap his old Hanes T-shirts for something a little more stylish, point him toward the curved-hem one that we named the best overall pick in our white-tee roundup (actor Cheyenne Jackson also praised the black version).
Dads looking to replace a well-loved pair of Levi’s may want to consider the straight-leg or slim-fit cuts included in our roundup of the best men’s jeans.
If Levi’s are too mainstream for Dad, introduce him to Self Edge (also noted in our “Best in Class” review), which prides itself on detail-oriented craftsmanship and quality Japanese selvage denim.
Dad will look like he stepped straight out of Field & Stream as he’s packing Orvis polos and fly-fishing gear in a handsome duffel that appears in our guide to the best monogrammed gifts.
The brand makes polished basics, including a supersoft long-sleeved T-shirt recommended by Christopher Echevarria, founder of the loafer brand Blackstock & Weber. If Dad has enough tees to last a lifetime, we’re also fans of the company’s broken-in button-ups and lightweight crewnecks.
Strategist writer Jordan Bowman says the heavy-weight sweatpants from Standard Issue Tees keep their shape, so Dad can lounge without looking sloppy.
Chris Black likes Sleepy Jones’ crisp pajamas so much that he suggests including them in your wedding registry — but they make an equally great gift for stylish fathers. Dad can choose stripes or get a bit more adventurous with paisley, gingham, or Charles Barsotti’s cartoon dogs.
He can pick up a pair of the iconic (and widely beloved) Baggies or a travel bag so spacious that it (more than) lives up to its “Black Hole” name.
Grooming
A convenient one-stop shop where Dad can pick up Chris Black’s favorite salt spray and Strategist-approved grooming products such as SkinCeuticals retinol cream and Weleda Skin Food.
Skin-care-obsessed dads will drool over the DTC brand’s enticing array of energizing bodywashes, mineral sunblocks, and more.
Mühle’s expertly designed (and beautiful) shave set will make Dad’s side of the bathroom look like a high-end barbershop, while the brand’s ergonomically designed tools will help him achieve the closest shave he’s had in years.
Building a skin-care routine can be tedious, so we recommend Osea for dads who prefer to get everything (like this beloved body oil, Atmosphere Protection Cream, and cleanser) from one place.
If he finds sheet masks a little too messy, Dad can opt for a light-therapy device from CurrentBody that uses red and near-infrared light to improve skin tone and firmness.
Entertainment, books, and hobbies
Dads who breeze through a book a week can’t be bothered with constant trips to the bookstore, so give him an Audible membership that includes three per month (one audiobook and two Audible originals) and a 30 percent discount for each additional title.
Movie night will go from weekly to daily when Dad has access to the Criterion Collection’s wide (and ever-changing) catalogue that includes his favorite classics — and the foreign films that have been on his list for ages.
Help Dad use his voracious reading habit to support indie bookstores, whether he’s reading history, a sports memoir, or a graphic novel.
You’ve heard Dad’s garage jam sessions and attended his local bar performances; now you can support his headlining dreams with a gift card from Musician’s Friend, where he can pick up recording gear or the guitar Bryan Adams uses.
These require you to know Dad’s gaming habits, but once you’ve pinned down his console of choice, he can play to his heart’s content.
Travel and outdoors
Dads who are itching to rack up some air miles may benefit from a new dopp kit to go with their wanderlust. Aer is known for durable (and good-looking) ballistic nylon travel accessories, including a hanging toiletry bag with a 2.5-liter capacity. Barron Cuadro, founding editor of Effortless Gent, says the compact kit “still manages to fit all your necessities,” which is probably due to the array of zippered pockets and a space-saving exterior toothbrush holder.
Even if Dad isn’t traveling abroad, he could still use a luggage upgrade in the form of a dashing new weekend bag. “Classic yet distinctive” is how Robert Khederian, a former Curbed staffer who now works as real-estate agent, describes Paravel’s stylish canvas overnight carrier. Dad can monogram it for an extra fee, which starts at $25 for embroidered letters and $75 for hand-painted emojis.
Dads who value packing light can pick up a spacious (but lightweight) backpack recommended by a bike messenger or one of the brand’s popular Go-Bags, which come in three sizes and more than nine bold colors.
Hiking, trekking, and climbing dads can replace their beat-up packs or splurge on a sleeping bag that accommodates those who prefer to lie on their sides.
Fuel Dad’s escape to the country (or city or ocean) with a gift that will remind him of the joys of travel, even if he chooses to go only a few hours from home.
Dads who pride themselves on efficient travel (and who refuse to check luggage) can fit everything they need into July’s 46-liter carry-on. Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddel was shocked by how much it can hold (a week’s worth of stuff) and has never had trouble fitting it into an overhead bin.
A trip to REI, where dad can pick up everything from a moka pot for campfire espresso to an emergency-ready headlamp, will ensure he’s wilderness ready on his next camping adventure.
If Dad’s been using the same shoes or clubs to hit the links for years, it’s time to upgrade his tee-time gear.
Strategist writer Kat Gillespie recommends Snow Peak for design-conscious outdoorsy dads. The status brand makes quality gear that will “last a lifetime,” according to Gillespie, who highlights the spork and titanium mug (which can also be used as a pot on a mini backpacking stove.)
With a national-parks pass, Dad can take in the natural beauty of more than 2,000 sites and bring three adult passengers with him for no extra cost (children under 16 are free).
A trip to Yosemite or Yellowstone isn’t the only way to support preservation efforts — you can give Dad a gift card to Parks Project, an official partner of National Parks dedicated to fundraising and organizing volunteers. He can choose something that keeps him connected to the outdoors (like a hiking-friendly hat or two-person hammock) and feel good knowing that every sale goes toward supporting protected areas.
Allmansright makes ultralight hiking gear for dads whose brand is function meets style. He can choose from stuff sacks, space-saving personal care, and customizable bags.
Food
A full-blown coffee subscription may be too much of a commitment for particular dads, so let him choose his own blends (or accessories) from this AAPI-owned brand. Coffee professional LaNisa Williams, who works with cafés and restaurants in Los Angeles with a particular focus on BIPOC-owned businesses, loves that the company roasts their own beans and praises the Phin filter, a travel-friendly and paper-waste-free Vietnamese brewing device.
A monthly delivery of snacks, candies, and tea sourced from small family businesses in Japan will delight Dad, with products including Thai curries, traditional fish sauce, and yuzu drinks.
This NYC shop has the most extensive collection of Japanese knives in the world (including Japan). Dad can pick up (or order online) top-of-the-line knives, sharpening stones, and, if he has little ones, a child’s knife for “Dad and me” recipes.
The right finishing oil can be hard to find, so point Dad toward the one we named the best for drizzling over fish, roasted veggies, or really good bread.
No matter what Dad’s signature dish is, he can jazz it up with spices from Diaspora Co.’s single-origin collection, which includes Pragati Turmeric, Kashmiri Saffron, and Nandini Coriander.
Chances are, even the most pasta-loving dads have yet to try Sfoglini’s one-of-a-kind Cascatelli. The brand that brought you everything-bagel fusilli has created a waterfall-inspired shape that optimizes “sauceability,” “forkability,” and “toothsinkinability” for the ultimate pasta experience.
Achieving the perfect medium-rare might not be possible every time he fires up the coals, but he’ll be one step closer with Weber’s accessories or a brand-new grill.
Indulge his inner sommelier with a gift card to Astor Wines & Spirits, where he can also purchase sake, bourbon, and more.
Home
Brooklinen makes more than sheets and pillowcases if Dad’s already set on the bedding front. Linen robes, sweatshirts, and French-terry joggers are all his for the taking.
Fatherhood can extend to plants, too, and with a gift card to the Sill, Dad can pick up a “Plant Parent” set that will provide him with three, five, or seven “children” to nurture. If that sounds like a handful, he can also opt for a single pothos, which is much more manageable.
Even if Dad’s kitchen is fully outfitted, he won’t be able to resist the handsome, high-quality tools and prepware (like this magnetic knife stand or air whisk) from this Strategist-favorite band.
Appliance-happy dads can always use another specialty machine, whether it’s a new panini press, milk-frother, or one-touch tea-maker.
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