47 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Every Dad
Dad jokes, dad rock, dad jeans. We owe a lot to society’s father figures. Of course, the best dads make an impact not because of their choice of denim or radio station, but because of the steady hand they offer during life’s big challenges — meaning everything from our sixth-grade math homework to, well, the past two months. Which is to say, lately we’re more grateful than ever for the signature balance of wisdom and wise-cracks delivered by the paters familias of the world.
How, then, to appropriately celebrate your parent and/or partner this Father’s Day? After careful study of the ways that various dads have been spending this current moment, we’ve prepared a gift guide of thoughtful pick-me-ups ready to indulge his new passion for puzzles, improve his imperilled work/life balance, and secure his identity as a budding master chef.
And for the dads reading this: forward the link accordingly! Your family members appreciate direction. And thanks for all of the help with that math stuff.
For the dad who…
Still gets dressed up for work (and after-work cocktails), no matter what
He patiently interrupted his big client meeting to soothe the screaming toddler, and somehow still kept his cool when said tyke’s orange juice then spilled all over his laptop. Two months into pretending the kitchen table makes a functional desk, perhaps he’s due for a bit of a promotion.
Brunello Cucinelli Tumbled Deerskin Loafers
Cobbled in Italy from incredibly soft deerskin, these loafers are the perfect shoe for the home office: dressy if they need too be, but credibly casual too.
$975 at harryrosen.com
Matin table lamp by Hay
Whimsical lighting that takes its cues from cocktail umbrellas to remind him that Zoom happy hour is just around the corner.
$280 at goodroom.ca
Eave desk by Dims.
A clean-lined bureau by Toronto design studio MSDS that’s newly available in a refreshing surf shack-esque blue.
$795 USD at dimshome.com
Eames upholstered task chair by Herman Miller
Frequent flyers feeling nostalgic for work trips will especially appreciate this mid-century modern classic, a fixture of the TWA hotel at JFK airport.
$1,970 at dwr.com
Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton
A bold watch that might be a bit of a stretch for the office — but then again, you’re not really in the office. The perfect watch for cocktail hour.
$1,660 at hamiltonwatch.com
Bulldog Original Beard Oil
Chances are, your dad’s been sporting a playoff-worthy WFH beard. Bulldog Original Beard Oil contains aloe vera, camelina oil and green tea to soften and shine the beard without making it look greasy.
$17, bulldogskincare.com
Cartier Santos-Dumont Limited Edition “La Demoiselle”
The woven dial and made-to-measure Panama-weave strap pay tribute to its namesake pilot’s ever-present Panama hat — and make it an ideal summer watch.
$55,000 at cartier.com
Louis Vuitton Men’s Electric Regular DNA Short-Sleeved Shirt
A new shirt is already a win. A shirt like this means he’ll also win every Zoom meeting this summer.
$1,130 at louisvuitton.com
Kuru ceramic bowl by Iittala
A handy spot for keys — and a great Zoom conversation piece — by Canadian designer Philippe Malouin.
$215 at studipazo.ca
Drop wireless charger by Native Union
Juice up tech’s holy trinity: phone, earbuds, and that Apple Watch he’s been tracking his morning runs on.
$200 at nativeunion.com
For the dad who…
Has been maxing out on streaming services
Whether Dad’s a big Fiona Apple fan or a new subscriber of AppleTV+ (which finally won us over with the announcement that it will premiere the Tom Hanks-starring WWII epic Greyhound this June), his A/V setup can always use an upgrade.
Mars II Projector by Nebula
Jaws, Jurassic Park, and The Talented Mr. Ripley are all movies best enjoyed via backyard projector.
$650 at amazon.ca
Samsung Terrace
Another way to shift movie night outdoors, this smart TV comes complete with a glare-free, weather-resistant screen.
$5,000 at baybloorradio.com
RP-600M bookshelf speakers by Klipsch
Best-in-class audio and a design that harkens back to the hi-fi heyday of the ’70s. Alexa not included.
$850 at vinylsound.ca
Pelletessuta headphones by Zegna
Steely wireless headphones for when the kid’s blasting Doja Cat but Dad wants to listen to Steely Dan.
$885 at zegna.ca
Arc by Sonos
If Lady Gaga’s famous wail in A Star is Born taught us anything, it’s that cinema is actually a sonic medium.
$1,000 at baybloorradio.com
Planet light by Please Wait to be Seated
A geometric wall lamp that delivers a soft glow to create a theatre-like ambiance.
$990 at average.is
Relate side table by Muuto
By day, it’s a place to set his laptop while working from the couch. Come movie night, it’s a perch for the popcorn bowl.
$565 at themodernshop.com
Lavender wool blanket by Tekla
Summer nights in the basement can get chilly. This luxe Danish textile brand understands.
$200 at average.is
For the dad who…
Has been trying out a new focaccia recipe every day
Who needs curbside pickup when you have a live-in chef who’s been dedicated himself to mastering every dish known to social media? Expand his culinary repertoire even further with some shiny new kitchen tools.
The Spark One by Spark Grills
A charcoal grill that looks like the second cousin of our aluminum Macbook — and acts appropriately high-tech, too.
$800 USD (pre-order) at sparkgrills.com
Gas-powered pizza oven by Ooni Koda
Cooking is more fun when it involves a fun novelty appliance.
$460 at cookery-store.ca
Edo asparagus pot by Alessi
A sleek steamer that acts as a great reminder to take full advantage of seasonal vegetables.
$205 at bergodesigns.ca
Saint Laurent Rive Droit x Baccarat Whisky Glass
Made of black crystal by famed French manufacturer Baccarat, these Saint Laurent whisky glasses are the only ones he’ll ever want.
$1,080 at ysl.com
Chefs Catering Father’s Day Gift Basket
A little taste of the good life, all in one basket: two 16oz prime Alberta striploins, two Angus bone-in rib-eyes, a bottle of top-notch Primitvo, and two cigars. Plus, for each box sold they’ll donate 20 meals to Red Door Family Shelter. Make sure to order by June 16th for Father’s Day delivery.
$260 at chefscatering.ca
Stormtrooper tiki mug
May the fourth round be with him.
$40 at cocktailemporium.com
Non-stick crepe pan by Le Creuset
Sunday morning pancakes remain a favourite of dads with less baking experience. Crepes will encourage him to kick things up a notch.
$250 at lecreuset.ca
Dispatch Coffee Gift Subscription
If dad really loves his morning joe, get him stocked up for the foreseeable future with a subscription from one of Montreal’s best independent coffee roasters.
From $55 at dispatchcoffee.ca
Moccamaster coffee machine by Technivorm
Alternatively, opt for a stylish, retro-industrial coffee machine in his choice of two dozen hues.
$360 at amazon.ca
Bread basket by Blomus
Even if his sourdough doesn’t quite live up to the recipe photo, this handsome basket ensures his bread Instagram still earns some likes.
$50 at oldfaithfulshop.com
Dinner the Moet Hennessy Way
Moet Hennessy is partnering with restaurants across the country on special Father’s Day packages that can be delivered directly to dad, so he doesn’t even have to fire up the grill. Each package comes with a special menu for two or four (if you’re doing the backyard social distance thing), along with a bottle of either Hennessy or Glenmorangie. Packages differ, so give the restaurant a call or check out their websites to see what’s on offer. Participating restaurants include Kost and Peter and Paul’s Catering.
At Kost from $150; at Peter and Paul’s from $155.
For the dad who…
Has been reconnecting with local nature
Maybe your dad was already a proud Parks Canada pass holder. Or maybe it’s just that his 2020 mood seems to have improved dramatically now that there are leaves to admire on the trees and supersaturated sunsets to cap off each day. Either way, he’s a guy who appreciates the benefits of fresh air. Here are some gifts he can enjoy in the great outdoors.
BOSS Golf Polo
Golf is part fiercely competitive sport, part nature walk — and that’s why your dad loves it. This BOSS polo is a major upgrade, one he’ll want to wear on and off the links. Plus, at Hugo Boss stores, any father’s day purchase over $250 gets you a golf glove and tee set, and starting June 5 you can enter to win a BOSS golf bag for you and your dad.
$178, hugoboss.com
Bentley Golf Tech Collection
This new collection by Bentley brings the stately British automaker’s technical innovation and skilled craftsmanship from the roadway to the links.
Price upon request, bentleygolf.com
Limbo watering can by Blomus
A minimalist design is the perfect reminder not to overwater those patio planters.
$70 at bergodesigns.ca
Smart bike helmet by Lumos
Keep him safe during late-night rides with this helmet equipped with super-bright LEDs.
$250 at apple.com/ca
Moncler Vidourle Jacket
A perfect nylon jacket for those inclement days — or for days when he just wants to add a bit of style to his morning walk.
$1,725 at moncler.com
Allbirds Tree Dasher
The unofficial sneaker of Silicon Valley, these ultra-breathable runners are made of sustainable materials so his next run can feel even more righteous.
$175 at allbirds.ca
X100V camera by Fujifilm
Our new favourite camera, perfect for depicting local flora lit in dramatic shadow.
$1,800 at downtowncamera.com
Folding chair by Departo
Ready and waiting to be unfolded in a friend’s driveway for a socially distanced catch-up.
$465 at departo.co
Wildlife bird feeder
Before you know it, he’ll be giving the cardinals names like “Zumthor” and “Corbusier”.
$100 at store.moma.org
ToGo mug by Stelton
A stylish steel thermos that removes any shame he might have felt about those evening roadies/walktails.
$55 at studipazo.ca
LC1 Outdoor Armchair
Cassina’s latest collection poses the important question, “What if Le Corbusier had been an outdoor kid?” Based on an armchair introduced by the acclaimed modernist in 1929, the seat has been adapted here with patio-friendly Sunbrella fabric and a chrome-plated steel frame.
$2,610 USD, at cassina.com
For the dad who…
Holds your family’s record for most Monopoly wins
With so many other aspects of life out of our control, youthful pursuits like puzzles and board games are once again providing us with some welcome escapism. Here are the soothing diversions to add to Dad’s coffee table rotation.
Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve
A good bottle of Scotch is never a bad gift idea — for this, or any occasion. (It also makes Monopoly more fun.) The Glenlivet Captains Reserve is finished in cognac casks, giving it a rich taste and an incredible sweet and spicy aroma.
$70, theglenlivet.com
Frank Lloyd Wright backgammon set by Galison
A handsome game board designed in the architect’s signature style.
$40 at bergodesigns.ca
Dusen Dusen Pattern puzzle by Areaware
So he can feel like a problem solver and an artist at the very same time.
$35 at 313designmarket.com
LEGO Dodge Charger
This enormous replica of Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger R/T from the original Fast and Furious is a double dose of nostalgia. Made up of more than 1,000 pieces, it will surely keep dad busy for hours.
$100, at lego.com
Replica Porsche Carrera Engine
If LEGO’s not his speed, this 1/3 scale Porsche engine actually runs — albeit on battery power — and the 4-cylinder boxer engine’s inner workings are on full display through the transparent block. This particular engine is the same one fitted to the Porsche 550 Spyder and 356 Carrera GT. In full-size form, it cranked out 135 horsepower, which was a lot for a little motor in the 1950s.
€169 at franzis.de
Nintendo Switch
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the year’s gentle gaming sensation. Borders to its virtual islands remain wide open.
$400 at bestbuy.ca
Manray chess set
Familiar chess pieces gain surreal new appeal when distilled down to their simplest forms.
$850 at dwr.com
Judd hardcover by MoMA publications
MoMA opened and then promptly closed a much-hyped Judd retrospective in March. The exhibition catalogue makes for an ideal Sunday read.