My dad, even at 76, puts everyone around him first, including my mom (and his wife of fifty-three years), all three of his children, and his grandchildren. And honestly, he’s not much of a gift person. His idea of a great present is a long talk at the kitchen table. But I do remember one Father’s Day when I managed to get a “Wow” out of him. The package was small and held a pair of polarized sunglasses for his fishing trips to Eastern North Carolina. The man never owned a proper pair until that moment, instead buying the cheapies at the gas station on his way to the beach. And guess what? He hasn’t lost the nice ones yet. So the lesson I learned is that it all comes down to figuring out the right gift for whatever it is that makes the father or father figure in your life truly relax and enjoy himself. Below are several ideas that might just do the trick.
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G&G editor in chief David DiBenedetto introduced me to Tupelo Goods, a Texas company that makes all kinds of fun outdoor products, including beach carts, cornhole boards, and swings. But I keep coming back to these outdoor loungers. They’re made from the same polypropylene used on heavy duty coolers, and the design is the perfect marriage of ergonomic and durable. $595 per chair; tupelogoods.com
I’m a fan of the simple aesthetics of this smokeless fire pit by Breeo. But for dads who like to chef it up outdoors, the grilling bundle includes a companion grate and accessories that turn it into a nifty live-fire cooker. One G&G staffer used a cast-iron pan on the grate with a little water to roast oysters. From $649; breeo.co
This climate meter from Garrett Wade is a handsome (read: non-electronic) and handy item to hang just outside the kitchen window. In addition to measuring the temperature, it also features a humidity gauge so Dad will know exactly what kind of day he’s dealing with while he’s pouring his morning coffee. $98; garrettwade.com
Whether for the boat, beach trips, cookouts, or as an everyday pair, these polarized sunglasses by Raen blend fashion and function. The silhouette is timeless, and they’re also available in multiple colors. I especially love the blue frames and the tortoise option (shown). $180; raen.com
A few gardening enthusiasts I know are obsessed with the Hori Hori knife, a traditional Japanese gardening implement, and now I’m officially on board, too. A multi-tool for the garden, this version from Terrain is excellent for dividing plants, breaking up roots, and all manner of green thumb tasks. $58; shopterrain.com
This comprehensive collection of spices from Spicewalla is the perfect gift for the father who shakes off the worries of the day in the kitchen or at the grill. Inspired by his childhood in India, the James Beard–nominated North Carolina chef Meherwan Irani founded the company to offer fresh and flavorful spices and blends, and this kitchen essentials pack includes eighteen different selections. The dark chili powder is particularly great in a dry rub recipe. $99; ggfieldshop.com
Okay, so you don’t have to be an athlete Dad to be in pain (sometimes that just goes hand in hand with being an old Dad) but these rolling massage and trigger point therapy tools by Wood Creations work wonders and are easier on the eyes than similar tech. $85; etsy.com
Not all CBD tinctures are created equal, but this non-THC formula by Penguin contains up to a whopping 5,000 milligrams of broad-spectrum CBD extract (skip the flavors for the original). That makes for some serious serenity. Also: Check out their sleep gummies, too. $300 for 5,000 mg; penguincbd.com
Here in the Lowcountry, foraging for chanterelles is a popular seasonal pastime, as is, here and across the South, searching in the wild for all manner of other edibles. This foraging bag by Bare Bones Living is made for all those adventures—or simply a trip to the farmers’ market. $70; barebonesliving.com
Somehow, the magicians at Orvis dreamed up a hat with built-in insect repellent that also provides sun protection. Oh, and it’s waterproof and floats, too. $79; orvis.com
Any parent of young children will tell you that drinking lukewarm coffee that was once hot is just part of the deal. Enter this lovely idea: A charging coaster and cup by Ember, which keeps the temperature perfect—no matter how many distractions the kiddos throw your way. $100; huckberry.com
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