Dads always say they don't want anything for Father's Day—or any holiday, really. In general, they're pretty darn selfless. But remember that one year you took his word for it and showed up with just a card? Please don't let that happen again. Especially because we're about to make things so easy for you with...wait for it....five interesting gifts for dad. You weren't expecting that now, were you? He probably won't be expecting any of these from you either.
Passavant and Lee No. 25 Card Holder : Here's a gift that can say a lot of different things. It can say, “Hey, you look like a guy who'd enjoy a cardholder with a brass spine and suede-lined pockets.” It can also say, “It's shorts season, time to stop carrying around that overstuffed wallet.” But maybe it might just say, “You're the best, and I thought you'd like this nice little somethin' somethin'.”
A Camping Trip : And not your average camping trip at that. Your standard issue stay in the Catskills, Adirondacks, or what have you, is always fun, but this site is peppered with the most beautiful lodging options ever—all the listings are better than a camper, and way better than a tent. Start here with Example A and Example B.
Harry's Shave Set : Shaving of some sort is pretty nonnegotiable for most people. Your boyfriend probably already uses Harry's, maybe you do too (I do), so it's time to show dad what's up with a set that comes with a sleek engraved razor stand—FANCY—and shave cream or foaming gel. Welcome to the good life, dad.
Mini Golf + Etc : Whether your dad likes real golf or not, there's not much that's more fun than an afternoon spent outside surrounded by greenery and probably a windmill or two. If he does in fact like golf—or even love golf like my dad—you can up the ante with a set of golf balls that look normal (snooze) but are really designed with a hollowed metallic core that's great for distance. Probably won't make much of a difference on the mini golf green, but definitely something worth trying. Another option is scouring Etsy or eBay for one-of-a-kind club covers—no seriously, there's only one of these available, so act fast.
Whiskey Wedge : Question: Does your dad flood pretty much any alcoholic beverage with a bevy of ice cubes? Whether it's wine, beer, something non-alcoholic, or yes, whiskey, this glass is perfect for him. In fact, it's so well-designed that it has the potential to make even an IPA look elegant. It might make you look more elegant too, 'cause the square footage here is slight, so you'll have to sip that beer. Cheers.
—Claire Knebl
Photo of Steven Tyler and family via Getty. Taking Dad to brunch? Make sure you have the essentials.
