As we look to celebrate our dads and grads this month, let’s relish the opportunity to align our gifts with their interests and passions. It’s easy to buy the latest luxe gin or a customized photo album—and those are wonderful gifts—but it’s especially memorable to go off-book, so to speak. If Dad loves a nice sip, incorporate that into a more extensive, unique experience like a simple brunch that features boozy ice cream bars. When you know a new grad is eager for some woodland R&R, skip the gift card and give them the coolest camp chair on the planet. In other words, use a traditional gift as a jumping-off point for something a bit more personalized or memorable. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
LUXE BUZZ BARS
Raise a stick (or spoon) instead of a glass this Father’s Day and honor Dad with luxuriously boozy ice cream treats. These alcohol-infused treats make for a memorable gift as-is or can be the grand finale to a Dad Day brunch, backyard celebration, or boat outing. Choose from varieties like Blitzed Berry Sorbet, featuring strawberry ice cream blended with rum, chocolate-dipped Bourbon St. Chocolate, Merlot Berry sorbet bars, and more. Check out the website for cocktail inspiration and to order 12 packs of the many varieties. Bozzy root beer floats, perhaps?
Info: buzzbaricecream.com
ECO-AWARE ADVENTURE-WEAR
This low-key floral print boasts breathable, move-with-you fabric, ready for hiking, biking, and any imaginable excursion. Better yet, it can go from adventure to craft beer brewery without a side trip to change. Functionality aside, the Royal Robbin’s Camino Pucker short-sleeve is made with wood-derived TENCEL™ Modal fibers and comes in six summer-ready prints, including this Redwood Yarrow style.
Info: royalrobbins.com
COZY WOMBAT, ANYONE?
Lovesac is the ultimate comfort splurge, but it’s not just for a man cave. The brand’s high-end fabrics, sectionals, and customization options are limitless. If an at-home theater is his dream, the optional embedded Harman Kardon technology provides an immersive StealthTech Sound system experience. If he’s more of a book-nook guy, the traditional oversized beanbag-inspired Sac, like this Supersac in comfy faux Wombat fur, is perfect for cozy afternoons. Info: lovesac.com
GOURMET EVERYDAY
Dad, What’s for Dinner? A common yet difficult question, especially when Dad is juggling work and everyone’s food preferences. This new cookbook by beloved chef David Nayfeld and co-author Joshua David Stein highlights recipes into relatable categories like Meltdown Meals, which take 30 minutes or less, and food-for-fun Project Cooking recipes. With recipes like Chicken Enchilada Stew, Ziti with Ragu Genovese, and Pesto Grilled Chicken Sandos, it’s no wonder the book has earned praise from the likes of Giada De Laurentiis. Available from Penguin Random House and Amazon.
Info: penguinrandomhouse.com
PUZZLES OF COLOR
Puzzles of Color is a Black-owned family business run by siblings Ericka and William, who spent hours (and hours) doing puzzles as children. They recognized, however, that most puzzles didn’t reflect images of people of color or their experiences and culture. So, they set out to change that. Their puzzles range from 100-piece quickies to 1,000-piece projects and touch on themes of art, yoga, holidays, empowerment,
gardening, and more.
Info: puzzlesofcolor.com
CORK VAULT
By far one of the loveliest gifts I’ve encountered in some time! These Wine Cork Safes from Atlanta-based Lucy’s Market are like little museum displays for celebratory corks. If you’ve ever saved a cork from a special day—wedding, promotion, new home, etc.—here’s your chance to display it properly. Of course, it’s great for Father’s Day but also for the many graduations this time of year. Buy six and give them to a new dad or grad so that they can cherish the many memories to come.
Info: lucysmarket.com
ULTIMATE CAMP CHAIR
Designed for those chilly mornings and nights at the campsite, the Kuma Outdoor Gear Lazy Bear Chair is the ultimate gift for outdoorsy dads and grads. First, it’s heated and can run (on low) for six hours. I appreciated the wrap-around design, which adds an extra layer of comfort and support. The chair is collapsible, of course, and rated to an impressive 350-lb capacity. I think the traditional Buffalo Check pattern is a classic, but it’s also available in Sierra-Black, Heather Grey, or Sage-Graphite.
Info: kumaoutdoorgear.com
STUNNING FEDER KNIVES
When I saw the Feder Knives’ Bubblegum Lift Ticket knife set, I gasped aloud and clutched my imaginary pearls. As a former chef, I’m always on the lookout for a set that’s as stunning as it is functional, and Feder does not disappoint. Not only is the craftsmanship outstanding, but options like the offset serrated edge and 8.25-inch K-tip chef’s knife are noteworthy differentiators. Most 10-inch chef knives are a bit top-heavy for home chefs, so Feder’s 8.25” beauty makes for an exceptional gift. Info: federknives.com
MODERN-DAY CHAUFFEUR
Just as ride-share services have changed the way we get from point A to point B, Blacklane is upending the luxe world of chauffeur service, and New York is one of its premier cities. Plan a special golf outing or night out or take advantage of the company’s more unique packages. Services range from traditional hourly arrangements and airport transfers to Blacklane’s signature day at the beach or city-to-vineyard routes.
Info: blacklane.com
GLUTEN-FREE & FAB
I was delighted to find a company that supports my gluten-free-by-diagnosis lifestyle and has ingredient lists that I can pronounce. At the end of the day, sugar is sugar, but Sweet Addison’s ingredient list replicates what I’d make at home, including olive oil as the fat. I love this sweet treat gift for dads, but it’s also a fabulous apartment-warming or care package gift for college students. Build-a-box with varieties like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vegan Chocolate Chip, Caramel Stuffed, and more. Info: sweetaddisons.com
GENTLEMAN’S NOTE
Dogwood Hill remains loyal to the fine art of pen and paper. Their gentleman notecards line features a wide range of motifs—from fish and pheasant to equestrian and fanciful crests. If you search for a motif such as ‘fly fishing’ or ‘fox,’ you’ll often find a variety of giftables to create a themed gift, complete with matching gift tags and wrapping paper. It’s also a wonderful resource for hosting elegant dinners and brunches; look for the customized menu and place cards.
Info: dogwood-hill.com
SUMMERTIME SPLURGE
I always share a variety of gifts that achieve different budget goals, but I also love a good ol’ fashioned splurge. For the adventurous dad or grad who loves watersports, consider a surf foil, which literally lets them go above and beyond the usual limits of gravity. Lift Foil boasts plenty of options, but the brand’s eFoil is among the coolest because it allows riders to fly above the water without needing wind or waves. Buy online or test one out at one of several demo partners in New York or New Jersey. Info: liftfoils.com
CIGAR AFICIANADO
For the cigar-loving dad with a taste for refinement, Cigador offers a Father’s Day gift that’s equal parts elegance and innovation. Cigador is a premium cigar holder crafted with luxurious materials and precision engineering to preserve cigars in style. Its sleek, portable design ensures Dad can carry his favorite smokes wherever life takes him—whether while out for a walk with his pawesome pup, a trip to the golf course, rooftop lounge, or weekend getaway. More than just a case, it’s a statement of sophistication and care.
Info: thecigador.com
THE GIFT OF CLEAR SIGHT
For the dad who’s always on the move, REKS™ Transition Glasses from reks.com make the perfect Father’s Day gift. Combining style, comfort, and cutting-edge photochromic lens technology, these lightweight, unbreakable glasses seamlessly adapt from indoor to outdoor light—ideal for golf, driving, or simply enjoying the day. With polarized options and a variety of frame styles, REKS™ ensures Dad looks sharp while protecting his eyes. Designed for durability and priced under $60, they’re a smart, practical gift that brings fashion and function together. This year, give Dad a pair of shades that work as hard as he does. Info: reks.com
GYM IN A BOX
We know your dad’s a busy guy, and maybe doesn’t enough time to head to the gym or go for that run. Fear not as our friends at Man Crates has the right solution for the perfect gift for Father’s Day. Plyometrics and resistance training can turn dad into a lean, mean, strength-building machine without requiring a gym or any bulky equipment.
And to make sure the man that brought you into this world keeps healthy, dad can snack on three different flavors of beef sticks and drink a protein shake with the included shaker bottle to help fuel those epic gains. Info: mancrates.com
BRING SOME HEAT FOR THE DAY
Spice up Dad’s Father’s Day with the bold flavors of Melinda’s Sauces. Known for craft condiments that bring heat and depth, Melinda’s offers a sizzling lineup perfect for any flavor-loving father. The Honey Money Wings Kit is a standout—featuring their signature hot honey sauce and everything needed to make crave-worthy wings at home. Whether Dad’s a grill master or just a fan of fiery flavor, this kit turns up the heat in the best way. Delicious, dynamic, and handcrafted with real ingredients, Melinda’s is a tasty way to show Dad he’s the real MVP.
Info: melindas.com
FOOTBALL DAD
For the football-loving dad who snacks like a champ, McCaffrey Protein Bites and sauces are the ultimate Father’s Day win. Packed with clean protein, no added sugar, and bold, tailgate-ready flavor, these bites are perfect for game day—or any day. Whether he’s cheering from the couch or grilling with the guys, Dad can fuel up with guilt-free, gluten-free snacks that bring serious taste and energy. Add McCaffrey’s signature sauces to the mix and you’ve got a flavor play he’ll never forget. This Father’s Day, upgrade his snack game with the MVP of protein bites.
Crafted with performance and taste in mind, McCaffrey’s lineup is perfect for dads who love football, fitness, and flavor. It’s a touchdown in every bite. Plus, the convenient packaging makes it easy for Dad to take his favorite snacks to the stadium, the gym, or wherever his busy life takes him. Info: mccaffreybrands.com