Curated By Mel

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER PREP
Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster retelling of The Odyssey lands on the big screen on July 17. The book and movie tell the epic tale of Greek hero Odysseus’ desperate 10-year effort to return home after the Trojan War. Give dads and grads this gorgeous, illustrated copy of the grand tale to help them get ready for what’s sure to be the most talked about movie of the summer.
Info: www.hachettebookgroup.com

CELEBRATION TIME
As timeless of a time piece as ever created, the Tissot PR 100 hit the scene in the 80s and was an immediate classic. Its attributes are hiding in plain sight; it’s precise (P), robust (R), and water resistant. Among its features (40mm, 316L stainless steel case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal), its beauty is driven by its simplicity, and its ocean blue hue makes it a natural fit for summer gifting.
Info: www.tissotwatches.com

LEAVE A MESSAGE
Weddings, graduation parties, and celebrations of all kinds just got a quirky upgrade that none of us saw coming. The audio guestbook service After The Tone ships you a retro-style phone for use at your event. Guests leave voice messages, which are consolidated and delivered back to you to keep for years to come. All the laughs, emotions, and heartfelt wishes preserved in your loved ones’ own voices—brilliant!
Info: www.afterthetone.co

CARDS WITH CHARISMA
I know I’m not alone when I say that a good card is more than a greeting. A good card can elevate the gift or entire occasion. The handcrafted three-dimensional cards from Paper Love are pure joy—colorful, imaginative, and full of personality. Father’s Day themes include everything from fishing bears to beers and beyond. Whether you need a wedding, birthday, congratulations or thinking of you card, Paper Love’s website has an endless inventory of 3-D inspiration. The Wisteria tree cards are stunning.
Info: paperlove.cards

SUNLIT SALTWATER
The faint smell of the blazing sun on salty, sea-soaked driftwood—bottled. Glasshouse Fragrances—of NY origins—just launched its new Paradise Screensaver Collection, and it’s channeling the swoony, elated emotions of summer: warmth, freedom, and a romantic sense of timelessness. The Sunlit Saltwater Eau de Parfum is less than $100 and it’s got perfume aficionados clamoring for its 8-hour longevity.
Info: www.glasshousefragrances.com

THE ITALIAN COAST, CANNED
I typically avoid ready-to-drink cocktails. They’re often cloyingly sweet and just not very good. So, I’m delighted to find an exception—Saint Spritz—a brand that puts all its energy into capturing the flavors of the Italian coast. The Amalfi bittersweet orange spritz is gorgeous, but the Sicily inspired lemon basil is summertime personified—perfect for sitting outside on a warm night, paired with an evening of seaside rejuvenation, or hunkered down at a lake house playing boardgames. Zero-proof varieties? Absolutely.
Info: saintspritz.com

WEDDING SEASON AGLOW
Allow me to present the wedding find of the season. In a time when high-quality candles can exceed $60 or even $100, this stunning sculptural peony candle is just $6. It’s a lovely addition to a wedding gift or, if you order ten or more, can be customized for a shower, wedding, or other celebration. Handcrafted in Hudson Valley, NY, the candles are available in three colors and six scents, including peony rose and jasmine lemongrass.
Info: midnightemberscandleco.com

REFRESHING ROSÉ
If you’re looking for a seasonal hobby, consider sipping your way through Barton & Guestier wines, starting with the Rosé d’Anjou. Those who’ve followed this column over the years know that I love finding accessible, versatile wines that lend themselves to by-the-case splurges. This under $20 bottle is ready for al fresco soirees, graduation parties, and elegant evenings of summer ceviche. The name is a nod to French queens’ gardens in the Anjou district in the Loire Valley of France, and every sip is equally lush and refreshing.
Info: shop.bgpl-usa.com

URBAN OUTFITTERS SUMMER
Urban Outfitters has quietly become a mecca of vinyl unicorns—records galore and plenty of exclusives, including live Fleetwood Mac recordings on teal vinyl. Noah Kahan’s The Great Divide Double LP and a pair of classic Vans is more than a mood, it’s my new June through August personality. Treat yourself to a pile of vinyl and some fresh kicks, then kick back, relax, and soak in the season’s fleeting joys.
Info: www.urbanoutfitters.com

SLOW SUNDAYS
Some say that nostalgia is “trending,” but I believe it’s simply the foundation for holistic joy. Think: vacations that reconnect with childhood memories, meals that have been handed down for generations, and curling up with a slow read on a Sunday—like we did before all the technological pings and beeps that drain our energy. Mountain Gazette has been described as the “craft brewery” of outdoor media and it focuses on long-form literary journalism, art, and take-your-breath-away photography. It’s the publication’s 60th anniversary, and the Print Ain’t Dead: A Mountain Gazette Anthology is the perfect gift for the outdoorsy dad.
Info: mountaingazette.com

HEARTFELT MILESTONES
A clean design and fast delivery? Positive Prints offers both, plus a slew of fresh riffs on celebratory print gifts. Choose from over a dozen categories, including baptism, Father’s Day, housewarming, wedding, and more. From there, decide whether you’d like a fine art poster, framed poster, stretched canvas, or a digital file to use in a DIY project. The brand also specializes in custom watercolor house portraits, soundwave art, pet portraits, and vinyl art (think: your wedding song lyrics gently spiraling around a favorite photo).
Info: positiveprints.com

SEA BAGS GALORE
“You get a Sea Bag; and YOU get a Sea Bag.” There are so many graduations, weddings, and celebrations over the next few months, so I’m employing Oprah’s delightfully famous gifting approach where everyone in the audience gets the same gift. Of course, the “audience” in question are the dads, grads, newlyweds, and hosts, but the efficiency and wow factor remain the same because recycled sail cloth totes from Sea Bags of Maine are available in endless themes and custom motifs. I’ve had the same lobster claw bag for five years; it’s indestructible.
Info: seabags.com