8 Dads Tell Us What They Really Want For Father's Day
With Father's Day just around the corner, it's time to get serious about finding that one perfect gift for dad. There's only one issue: if your dad is anything like mine, he's probably next to impossible to shop for. Either he'll lie and say your gift was exactly what he wanted (even if wasn't) or he'll scold you for "unnecessarily" spending money on him (typical). Suffice to say, finding a gift that checks all of your dad's boxes isn't going to be easy.
While we'd like to say that our gift giving skills know no bounds, when it comes to our dads, sometimes it's best to call in reinforcements. This year, we went straight to the source and asked our own dads what it is that they really want for Father's Day. Their answers? Well, they were pretty much as dad-like as you can imagine. But after a little coaching and a lot of shopping, we were able to round up the top-notch Father's Day gifts that your dad will actually love (no lie this time).
Click ahead for a glimpse at what R29 dads are looking to snag on June 12th.
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Eliza Huber, Fashion Market Writer
Out of all the Father's Day gifts you've received over the years, which one has been your favorite and why?
My favorite of all time is the John Lennon framed poster. And that’s not just because it looks really cool on my wall. It’s because the two of you reached back into my childhood and gave me something that was a pleasant memory.
What's one thing you'd love to get this year and why?
Wine, scotch or bourbon. Or maybe a monogrammed bowling shirt. Also, you know I love soft leather vintage books and vintage albums.
What are you planning to get your dad for Father's Day this year and why?
The last time my dad bought himself new sneakers, I think I was about 12 years old. They were New Balances (and not the cool, Ohio dad-chic kind they're selling now) and they've barely been taken out of the box since. So, in an attempt to bring his sneaker collection to the 21st century, I'm getting my dad a pair of Vault by Vans slip ons. Who knows if he'll actually wear them, but I just know he'll look really freaking cool if he does.
Vault by Vans Era LX Sneaker, $52.99, available at Need SupplyPhoto Courtesy of Need Supply.
Jessica Andrews, Deputy Fashion Director
Out of all the Father's Day gifts you've received over the years, which one has been your favorite and why?
The best gift always included some time with you guys. I guess that's the part I find most enjoyable.
One year, I did receive a handwritten note from [my late mother] Ma on Father's Day that I laminated and keep on my desk. Her health was failing, and in her frail handwriting, she wished me a happy Father's day and told me she thought I was a great father. I treasured this the moment I received it, not realizing then it would be the last time she'd wish me a happy Father's day.
What's one thing you'd love to get this year and why?
You and your siblings know how much I enjoy music: I've been playing the piano since I was 9 and when you guys were young, I had a jazz band. I still love playing music around the house. I can always use a good speaker and I like the Bose Soundlink for several reasons. First it delivers high quality sound; people are amazed by the quality of its output. Second, it is very mobile. It's easy to bring along when we have a cookout or when I just want to relax outside on the deck.
What are you planning to get your dad for Father's Day this year and why?
We love to get my Dad personalized gifts so — alongside his Bose speaker — we are picking up these musical scale wine glasses from Uncommon Goods. As a musician who loves hosting his family and friends, they're the perfect, thoughtful gift. And as the cherry on top, we'll include a bottle of his favorite red wine.
Uncommon Goods Major Scale Musical Wine Glasses - Set of 2, $68, available at Uncommon GoodsPhoto Courtesy of Uncommon Goods.
Channing Hargrove, Fashion News Editor
Out of all the Father's Day gifts you've received over the years, which one has been your favorite and why?
It wasn't actually Father's Day but it was the day that you, my oldest (and only daughter), celebrated your first birthday. One of my younger brothers brought me a present to celebrate helping to keep you alive.
What's one thing you'd love to get this year and why?
I'm glad you're out of the stage where you only buy me ties for Father's Day because I really like your taste in denim and would like you to find a new pair for me to wear on weekends.
What are you planning to get your dad for Father's Day this year and why?
I usually try to sell my dad on current trends by using Barack Obama as a barometer for what's cool for someone of a certain age. After I saw the picture of Barack taking in a basketball game in that Rag & Bone bomber jacket, I knew that was next on my list for my dad to have. This one from The Arrivals fits the bill.
The Arrivals Niels III, $265, available at The ArrivalsPhoto Courtesy of The Arrivals.
Marissa Rosenblum, Senior Shopping Director
Out of all the Father's Day gifts you've received over the years, which one has been your favorite and why?
So I was somewhat taken aback by the fact that I couldn't remember any Father's Day gift that was my favorite. Sure, they were all really nice: single malt scotches, vests, and bow ties — the ones that were noticeable in court but not too loud — and the hilarious cards. But what makes me most happy and proud are the regular phone calls, often and at odd times and sometimes from strange places, like overseas or near runways (not the ones that have airplanes rolling down them). That's what's most important to me because that's what remains unforgotten and also puts Father's Day in proper perspective. OK, enough introspection.
What's one thing you'd love to get this year and why?
What would I like this year? To start, for the calls, texts, emails, and get-togethers to continue; and for the golf course, [I'd like] a new driver, a golf cap, and sweater vest and how about a bow tie for dinner after a round of golf. Noticeable...but not too loud.
What are you planning to get your dad for Father's Day this year and why?
My dad truly just wants to spend time with us and isn't big on gifts for himself. Since I know a lot more about fashion than golf, I'll probably get him (spoiler alert!) a bow tie — again. He does love bow ties and has a great collection of them. He dislikes the ones that come pre-tied so it's got to be self-tied. There's pride in good knot skills! I like this smart plaid style from New York-based designer Alexander Olch because it's handmade in NYC, and has a snazzy linen texture that's perfect for summer.
Alexander Olch Plaid Linen Bow Tie, $110, available at Barneys New YorkPhoto Courtesy of Barneys New York.
Mianne Chan, Beauty Writer and Video Producer
Out of all the Father's Day gifts you've received over the years, which one has been your favorite and why?
I really liked the squash trophys you and your sister made for me when you were little. We still have them showcased by the TV at home. It was very thoughtful because you guys know how much I love squash.
What's one thing you'd love to get this year and why?
I would like the yellow iPhone XR.
What are you planning to get your dad for Father's Day this year and why?
I'll probably just get him the iPhone XR since he seems to really want one. Probably will go in on it with my sister and mom. He's Apple's biggest fan, so he'll be so psyched to get it.
Apple iPhone XR, $899, available at ApplePhoto Courtesy of Apple.
Annie Georgia Greenberg, Editor-at-Large
Out of all the Father's Day gifts you've received over the years, which one has been your favorite and why?
The most important gifts to me have always been the time I get to spend with my now “adult” children, as well as the time and thoughtful words that go into what they choose to write me on that particular day. It does a parent’s heart good to feel that you’re appreciated. As it does children as well!
So far as tangible presents are concerned, I do like the fact that both my daughters think about what I would need and would suit me well, like my Google Chrome Book and the earbuds they gifted me the last two years.
What's one thing you'd love to get this year and why?
This year, I was hoping to get the new book about early America pre-Revolution, “The British Are Coming” by Rick Atkinson. Being a history major in college, I have always enjoyed good narratives of American History like David McCullough’s 1776. This is the first part of 3 and looked like a captivating read. If you like that sort of thing!
What are you planning to get your dad for Father's Day this year and why?
I'll definitely get my Dad the book that he so desires, I know how much he loves history books and it's kind of a tradition in our family. But, what my Dad isn't telling you is that in addition to loving to read, he also really loves to lounge. So much so that when he's not at work he's full-time in sweatpants. We're always ribbing him for this — especially since he works in the garment industry — but, I guess, I can indulge him just this once. In that case, I'd get him a full EntireWorld sweatsuit to read his book in. It is his day, after all.
The Entireworld Type A, Version 1., $85, available at The EntireworldPhoto Courtesy of The Entireworld.
Jen Mulrow, Fashion & Beauty Writer, Branded Content
Out of all the Father's Day gifts you've received over the years, which one has been your favorite and why?
My favorite gift is the same every year - personalized, handmade or store bought cards from my kids.
What's one thing you'd love to get this year and why?
I love getting the latest in men skincare products. My current favorite is Harry’s Post-Shave Mist.
What are you planning to get your dad for Father's Day this year and why?
My dad is truly more thorough about using face masks than I am (lol), so this year I'm planning on getting him one of my all-time faves from Malin + Goetz. This 5-minute clarifying clay mask is perfect post sunscreen-y beach days.
Malin + Goetz Clarifying Clay Mask, $48, available at Malin + GoetzPhoto Courtesy Malin + Goetz.
Hannah Bullion, Associate Social Media Editor
Out of all the Father's Day gifts you've received over the years, which one has been your favorite and why?
My favorite Father's Day gift is the one I get every year. It doesn't matter what I get because I know I'm blessed to be your father.
What's one thing you'd love to get this year and why?
A quiet day on the lake, fishing with Bo (our family dog), and a fish dinner. If I can't have that, I guess I'd like a new Patagonia jacket to wear during my fishing trip in Canada.
What are you planning to get your dad for Father's Day this year and why?
My dad never asks for anything, not even a hint, so I usually just end up getting him something nice that he wouldn't normally purchase himself like this fishing shirt (can you tell my dad is a fishing enthusiast?).
Columbia PFG Bahama™ II Long Sleeve Shirt, $48, available at Columbia
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