Father’s Day is rapidly approaching here in the USA (that’s June 17!). The holiday lags behind its maternal counterpart in spending and recognition, and if my dad and stepdad are any type of indicator, it might be because dads typically prefer receiving experiences over things. Still, there are plenty of things that can be gift-wrapped or inserted into a card for Dad to enjoy on his next trip. And I promise, no ties on this list (though you could totally make him a DIY pickpocket-proof one using this tutorial).
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It would be tough to find a pair of sunglasses that are more classic than this. Upgrade Dad’s “sport” sunglasses to something a little more stylish. The Clubmaster is my second-favorite Ray-Ban style after the Classic Wayfarers, and this polarized version helps diffuse glare from the water and the road. There’s only one decision you need to make, black or tortoiseshell?
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We received an Airbnb gift card for Christmas one year (thanks, Ang!), and that thoughtful gesture has stuck with me. What better gift is there than to give Dad a way to travel his way? From treehouses to beach houses to penthouses, Airbnbs are available all around the world and at every price point, which is why they’re also my preferred way to travel.
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We started using Turkish Towels after moving into a house without a dryer (I can’t imagine line-drying our plush towels – it would take forever!), but their absorbent-yet-quick-drying capabilities also make them perfect for camping or going to the beach. Sand shakes right out, and if hung overnight, they’ll be dry again for Dad to use the next day. In a pinch, they also make great blankets!
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A highly personal, yet minimal-effort gift would be a print of one of Dad’s favorite destinations (or maybe a map depicting it). Rather than framing it with a traditional frame, why not pick up a beautiful wooden poster hanger? Installation is much easier than mounting a frame, and the clean lines really showcase the piece within.
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Yes, you could buy Dad a stadium cushion with his favorite team’s mascot on the front, but this wool cushion* is a vast improvement on the poly-filled cushions we all grew up with. Two or three of these could be stored in the trunk for road trips, but they would also look great on an entryway bench when Dad is back home.
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Dad will love carrying the Mover Pack regardless of whether he’s a country mouse or a city mouse. This duffel/backpack hybrid is as much at home on the trail as on the city streets and can carry a long weekend’s worth of essentials. My favorite feature has to be the separate pocket for shoes – no need for shoe bags and no fear that clothes will smell like feet.
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I’m a sucker for minimal packaging done well, and these solid colognes have that nailed down. The scent notes sound amazing enough that I want to order a set for myself! While I’m not a huge fan of getting my fingers messy while applying, this will work well for the dad who is always maxing out his quart-sized bag’s real estate.
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One of the great names in sound has made a mini! This Bose Bluetooth speaker is not much larger than Dad’s phone, packs an auditory punch, can be strapped onto a bag for tunes in transport, and is waterproof. This means that whether your father figure prefers to spend his time on the trail or by the pool, he can play his songs of choice (we won’t be held responsible if those tunes are bad 80s jams, though).
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Birks are back! These waterproof slides are lightweight and designed for long weekends at the beach, and are very reasonably priced. They’re also washable, so Dad doesn’t have to worry about getting them dirty. Just please, don’t let him wear them with socks. Promise?
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No matter what gift you choose – even if you don’t choose a gift at all – you can’t forget a card. I’ve been purchasing cards on Etsy for several years now, and I like stumbling on cards that are way more unique than the ones in the drugstore aisle. There are all sorts of options available, but I really like this travel-themed one.
*these products are no longer available, and I've linked a similar option
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How do you and your family celebrate Father’s Day?
