I had never seen the photo of me and my dad (below) until my mom sent it last week in prep for this post. I don’t know if this was Halloween or a musical/play that we were both in but either way, it’s a good representation of Bob Starke – just always happy…beaming almost to be with his kids. I’m going to frame it, it’s SO CUTE, because when you grew up with five siblings before the era of digital or phone cameras, it’s rare to have individual photos of you with your dad.
But showing you a throwback photo of me in a flower dress or an ’80s cowgirl vest isn’t the point of this post…it’s just a perk.
We were trying to brainstorm how to do a fathers day gift guide that felt more personal, so instead of a roundup of ties and bbq tools (although there might be some) we thought it would be fun for each of us on the EHD team to tell you why our dad (or a dad/father figure that’s important to us) is wonderful and talk about what we think they would like for Father’s Day this year. Maybe you’ll get some good ideas for your dad, or maybe you’ll just get to know us a bit more. We’ll start with me 🙂
Growing up with Bob Starke as your dad meant that life was full of a lot of joy, puns and songs. He was and is the happiest guy I know, who puts his family above everything, with nothing else really in the running. He left his law career at the age of 27 (with 4 kids) to teach for our church, wanting a better life for us, despite the (assumed) pay cut. He taught me the importance of being nice to everyone, to prioritize service, and boy did he give me a good example of how we should treat our partners. He kissed my mom every day and told her he loved her so frequently that only as an adult am I actually noticing it. I think the best thing that I got from him is his positivity and optimism – which I’m realizing isn’t as normal as I thought it was growing up. I mean, after battling to get us out six kids out of the house and into the van, he’d start the car and sing, “Well, we’re off like a herd of turtles!” His enthusiasm for life and ability (or choice) to see the positive made growing up with him feel so safe and happy. When my kids and I sing the ‘good morning’ song (of which we made up) on the way to school, I KNOW that is all because of him. 🙂
So, here are a few things my dad might like. Pulling this together was such a good exercise because usually we do a group gift of something he needs (orchestrated by one of my siblings) or a tie … or just a phone call. The older we get the less gifts we give and receive in our large family, but maybe that should change. So I found a few that I thought he might like and if any of that sounds like your dad, too, then maybe you can snag some ideas.
Linen blazer
Dad, you are a suit guy. You have worn one almost every day of my life. So if you are open to it, I’d like to buy you the suit that Brian LOVES from H&M. It’s a slim fit, but not tight. It’s modern but not too fashion-y. I think you’ll love it and feel 10 years younger.
hm.com
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good read
Dad, I don’t know how you have felt about Obama as we haven’t fully hashed it out, and don’t worry, I don’t need you to agree with him politically, but this book is a collection of his quotes that are full of what you are as well – positivity, hope, family values, love and grace. Whether you like it or not you have a lot in common with that man and I admire you both GREATLY.
amazon.com
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Best dad ever T-shirt
Brian and Dad might be twins on Father’s Day :). A T-shirt they can wear and brag about doesn’t hurt.
bananarepublic.com
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classic tie bar
Bob Starke wears a tie every day, almost as often as I wear gold. Maybe this will give him a bit of glam and make him think of me.
bananarepublic.com
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personalized stationery
My dad is a letter writer. I know this because I have a scrapbook from all the letters my parents wrote me in college. He might prefer to type now, but for the occasional thank you note, some nice stationery never hurt anybody.
minted.com
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dahlia's book
My dad loves to garden and every year, since I was a small child he plants dahlia bulbs and patiently cares for them all spring. We each were given a bulb and had to care for it and watch it grow til it was time to pick it and put it in a vase (what they liked to call an ‘object lesson’). His were always the most beautiful so maybe he’ll appreciate a coffee table book of stunning dahlias.
amazon.com
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nitrile gloves
I’m hoping you don’t already have these gardening gloves, dad, because I think you need them. The reviews on them are GREAT – they seemed to have lots of movement, flexibility and comfort but are still safe and durable.
gardeners.com
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Sara – “My dad is easily one of the coolest people I know. My mom attributes this to the fact that we are terrifyingly similar – both socially awkward introverts…with hearts of gold. He’s a camera operator by profession but he’s also a skilled carpenter and stain glass maker, teaches himself how to use just about every new tech gadget there is, a great cook and loves hosting, and is a literal human encyclopedia. I could ask him what was happening in Spain in the 1760s and he can go on and on with a bunch of really interesting facts (he actually has an anthropology degree). ANYWAYS, you get it. I think my dad is really cool, we get along great, he’s super supportive, blah blah blah…but shopping for him can be TOUGH. While I could easily fill several carts with things I know my mom would love, my dad is a little trickier because he tends to just buy the things he wants himself or the things he’s interested in are very niche (aka expensive and weird – like a $450 vintage watch band on eBay that literally no one else would want…except my dad). So instead of guessing, I went straight to the source and just asked him what things would make great Father’s Day gifts for him. Here’s what we came up with:”
Cast Iron Skillet
My dad’s cast iron pans are like his children (I plan on inheriting them one day – the pans, not my siblings). If your father-figure is into cooking veggies or meats then a cast iron will make a solid addition to their arsenal. True cast iron believers will warn you that a good “seasoning” can take years to develop on a new pan. Pair a pan with a cast iron treatment oil for a really nice gift set. A printed out set of directions on how to properly care for this bad boy wouldn’t go amiss either.
amazon.com
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Moviepass
If your dad is a big movie goer, then this could be a very fun gift. In short, you pay $10 a month and get a debit card that your dad can use at select movie theaters to see as many movies as they want (there are caveats like only seeing one movie a day, and only seeing a movie once using your pass). My dad works in the film industry, and goes to the movies O.F.T.E.N. Weekly at least. Getting this for him would make me a very cool daughter.
moviepass.com
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Ice Cream Maker
I grew up eating ice cream almost every single night as a kid because of my dad. He still ALWAYS has ice cream in the freezer, and he likes to get fancy with it – toasting nuts, adding extra half-and-half, sprinkling shredded coconut…there was an even a period where he was making his own ice cream flavors every week, which was insanely fun. My dad’s not a big one for dessert, unless we’re talking about ice cream. Then he’s a true fan.
amazon.com
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Tile - Slim Wallet Fit
My dad doesn’t have that much “stuff” so he rarely misplaces things…except for his wallet. Did he leave it in the car? Is it by the front door? Still in the pocket of yesterday’s jeans? Who knows. A slim wallet Tile would fit into a pocket of his wallet and allow him to locate his wallet easily via an app on his phone. And it’s not even a fussy piece of tech that hangs from a keychain. He can forget it’s even there, until he’s forgotten where his wallet is.
amazon.com
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Winc Wine Club
Is a wine club something my dad would EVER sign himself up for? HAHA, no. It’s too hip and fussy for him – or so he thinks. He’s a big red wine drinker, so while the idea of taking a “palate survey” and then having wines sent to your front door sounds like such a burden to him, if I did all the work (signing him up, putting in all his info, paying) and he just had to bend over and pick up the box when it arrived and then force himself to enjoy the different bottles of wine, then I’m sure he’d get over the “coolness” of it.
winc.com
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Speaking of wine, one of my dad’s favorite items ever is this electronic wine opener. When we were first dating, my boyfriend got it for someone else in my family, who it turned out didn’t drink (this was a mistake on my part that reflected hilariously on Mac). But my dad quickly announced “looks like I just got a wine opener” and grabbed it. It’s actually so useful for someone like me, who somehow always manages to break the cork when using a manual wine opener.
amazon.com
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Framed Photo
Is a framed picture the easy way out? Maybe. But do parents love having framed photos of their children? I really hope so, because I’ve given a LOT to my parents over the years (like this photo strip I found of my mom, brother, and I that I had framed). I’ve given my dad several framed photos and while it doesn’t seem like something he would be into, the next time I come over, the photo has always been hung or placed somewhere prominent.
framebridge.com
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Wrist Watch
My dad is an amateur horologist which means one of his hobbies is restoring vintage watches and clocks. But he also has an extensive collection of contemporary watches. So when I asked him for a recommendation of something timeless and more affordable, he sent me a link to this Orient watch, which he claims is the best dive watch under $300. It’s a bit more on the splurgy side, but if your dad is into fashion or if you could see him wearing a nice watch if he had one, this could be a great start.
amazon.com
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Espresso Maker
Besides wine and ice cream, my dad takes his coffee fairly seriously. He’s the type of person who, when he finds something interesting, he deeply researches it and then is determined to find the best tools/ingredients and the perfect methods of execution. He’s done exactly that with his morning coffee, and when I asked him for some ideas of what he’d actually be psyched to get for Father’s Day, this was the first item he sent.
amazon.com
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Utility Cooking Knife
Finally, my dad and I are both big home cooks and he always emphasized the importance of using good, sharp knives in the kitchen. Whether your dad is a weekend chef or the nightly meal maker (like my dad was), a good knife will go a long way both in style and utility.
amazon.com
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Jess – “Anytime I sit down to write about my dad in a card, speech, etc., I get emotional because he truly is one of the most special humans on this planet. Before my mom even met him, one of her coworkers described him as the kind of guy that would give you his left arm if you needed it more than he did. To be fair, he is right-handed, but it does perfectly describe him :). His generosity is overwhelming, his stories make you wonder how “all that” could happen in one person’s lifetime, and his style is never not on point. He has terrified almost every guy I’ve dated, which, when I was younger, was the worst. But now, it’s kinda great. He is one of my best friends, will probably forever be cooler than me, and words will always fall short of my gratitude and love for him. But a super fun fact about my father (which I know a lot of us share) is that he is IMPOSSIBLE to shop for. He has literally said to me that he feels sorry for me because he knows it’s so hard. Cool. The man either has everything he needs or goes and buys it for himself. I tend to get in my head that if I don’t get something amazing and expensive then it’s not going to show him how much I love him. So stupid, I know. Sometimes I end up sending nothing because I get too in my head about it, which is even worse. However, this year is different not only because I promised myself it would be, but because we also got this wonderful assignment for the blog nearly making it impossible not to be prepared for the big day. While these gifts are specific to my breed of dad, I hope they help you find something awesome for yours.”
Crepe Pan
Crepes (with raspberry jelly) are big in our family. We have them every Christmas morning between opening stockings and presents. My grandma used to make them for my dad, aunt and uncle on Christmas, too, so it’s a pretty special tradition. But to make them, he’s always used a regular frying pan. I want to change that with this beauty. It would be an awesome gift to take the tradition to the next level. Maybe now I’ll actually try and learn to make them. 🙂
food52.com
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Cap Toe Derby Shoe
If there are two things my dad loves in this world, it’s shoes and dancing. Watching him and my mom dance together growing up will always be my most cherished memories. It’s also why I refuse to date anyone who doesn’t at least try to dance. These “blue suede shoes” are pretty great and affordable! Fun without being too out there, and formal without being boring. 2018 Elvis would definitely approve these puppies.
nordstromsrack.com
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Animal Magnets
My dad loves things that are “interesting.” If I had a dime for every time he said to me, “Come on, you can’t tell me that’s not cool,” I would be a very rich woman. With that in mind, these card holders are pretty perfect for him. They are fun and from Food52 (which I love… and trust). He loves to cook and just starting to host dinner parties and I know he would love to have these set out for that extra fun table detail.
food52.com
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The Classic Tie
My dad needs no excuse to dress up. He loves it. He still dresses up every time he flies on an airplane which is at least once a month. With that being said, a tie is a great gift for the more fashion-forward dads out there. This one is from an Italian brand with a ton of cool options. I mean, if you are going to go the tie route on Father’s Day, why not make it a little extra special?
gutteridge.com
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Packing Cubes
My friend who travels all the time could not stop talking about these packing cubes. “Game changer” was her exact phrasing. For dads (like mine) that are constantly traveling, these super affordable packing cubes from Amazon are the way to go. Could this be the gift that secures our “number one child” spot??
amazon.com
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Linen Pocket Square
My dad is pretty old school and carries a handkerchief on him at all times. He also loves hearts. There are hearts ALL over his home. “I’m a heart and soul kinda guy,” as he says frequently. I actually bought this handkerchief for him this year because of how perfect it is for him. It’s simple, handmade and since the whole point of Father’s Day is to show how much you love and appreciate your dad, putting a heart on something they carry with them is kinda great.
theeverdaynapkin.co
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Travel Cutting Board
My dad really appreciates simple and smart design. He also lives in a NYC apartment where space is always an issue. This cutting board is beautiful, very smart with its knife holder, and small enough for a New York City countertop. This way my (or your dad) can chop in style. Isn’t that what every dad wants?
food52.com
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Bluetooth Cooking Thermometer
In my house growing up, my dad did all the cooking. My mom was fed up with her picky children (sorry mom!) and didn’t really enjoy it to begin with. I’m the same and will need to find a partner who likes to cook or we both may starve. But luckily for my family, we did not starve because my dad was/is an awesome cook. He also loves tech. Which makes me pretty certain that this bluetooth thermometer will be a hit with any dad who likes to cook and show off his gadgets.
food52.com
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Cotton Pajama Set
My dad’s current fashion gripe is that there aren’t any stylish men’s pajamas out there. Yes my father wants to be stylish even in his sleep. I then promptly reminded him that there is a thing called the internet where he could probably solve his big problem. But I quickly realized after searching that he was kinda right (ugh he usually is). However, I did find this set that looks comfortable yet stylish with its no collar and slim cut. Fingers crossed he likes them!
trcmenswear.com
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Velinda – “On June 9, I will be gaining a dad. I’m marrying my long-time friend, Katie, who had told me her dad, Kevin (above), was her “closest person” from day one. When I finally met him during my first trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, a few years later, I got it. So many similarities between them; both sensitive, dry-humored lovers of true crime and time in a garden. We always stay with him during our trips “home” and it’s so natural/comfortable thanks to Kevin’s love of decorating, desserts and nap-time! He’s a butcher who can work a grill and I’m still trying to convince him that Ziplocks are plenty strong to handle shipping his chili to LA. He breaks the cliche of the Midwest man. He’s all heart and openness, and I have him to thank for my soon-to-be wife’s mostly “dad-jokes” humor. I will be walked down the aisle by my mother – that’s who raised me most of my life, so to have gained a kind-hearted man who calls me “pumpkin,” an honor bestowed on only his daughters in the past, means I finally have reason to laud fathers this Father’s Day…and a new one to celebrate for myself.”
Slippers
A great pair of slippers to relax in at home…his favorite place.
amazon.com
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Meat Smoker
Kevin’s been a butcher for 40 years, so this is a no brainer (this is charcoal smoker, which is better than the electric ones).
homedepot.com
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Rolling Garden Stool
A little rolling stool to get around easily in the dirt. He spends a lot of time in the garden, so this would be perfect for him.
homedepot.com
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Snow Blower
Because shoveling the driveway in Nebraska winters blows. GET IT?! BLOWS!
homedepot.com
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Remote Car Starter
Here’s something for warming up his car in the winter so he doesn’t freeze on his way to work.
amazon.com
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Roku
This would simplify all that ever-complicated technology, and allow Kevin to easily navigate Netflix and Hulu to watch all the shows he loves.
amazon.com
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Knife Set
This man loves to cook, so a new set of super sharp knives would be a gift that he’d likely have his hands on every day.
target.com
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Suitcase
And finally, a new suitcase to visit us in LA!
target.com
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Arlyn – “There he is: Angel “Danny” Hernandez…the man who so greatly shaped who I’ve come to be as a 33-year-old woman (who now thankfully has a much better haircut). Thanks to the patriarch of the Hernandez family, I’m an espresso-loving, Beach Boys-listening eternal optimist with a penchant for spending all my money on “dining” experiences and random gadgets. I’m grateful for a childhood jammed-packed full of long solo car rides talking about anything and everything with the occasional snort-filled hysterical laughter fit thrown in. We were/are each other’s confidantes (sorry mom), and our bond is undeniable. Dad, you spent decades sacrificing everything you wanted for yourself (that Bose surround sound system, any car but a Chevy Lumina minivan) to make sure your four kids had everything they needed: private oboe lessons (me), braces (everyone BUT me…by choice). You deserve the world, truly, but hopefully (and knowing you, definitely), something from this list will do until I can pay you back for all the material and non-material gifts you’ve given me.”
Pour Over Kettle
Daddy Hernandez would probably not have any idea what to do with this awesome looking matte black pour-over kettle, but I’d gift it to him with the added bonus of me walking him through how to use it.
williamsonoma.com
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Drip Pot
You can’t give someone a lesson on pour-over coffee without a pour over coffee machine. And being that my dad is horrible at replenishing things like specialty filters (he’s still figuring out Amazon Prime), this reusable cloth filter will ensure he’s never without.
amazon.com
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Suede Slip-On
Many years ago, when I worked at a boating magazine, I got a handful of free slip-on boat shoes that my dad wore into the ground…and still keeps wearing. I think he’d love the comfort and versatility of these (and goodness knows he needs some new shoes).
nordstrom.com
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Polo
Okay, dad if you’re listening, I’d like to introduce you to the updated version of your revolving reserve of sweat-wicking polos with random logos you’ve collected from jobs, special promotions and wherever else you seem to find these things.
untuckit.com
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Aviators
For the guy who used to wear Ray-Ban aviators WAAAY before they were cool, you’re now officially cool, so here is an updated pair (they fold!). #aheadofyourtime
rayban.com
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Coffe Subscription
Everything I know about coffee (that it’s a golden elixir of life giving magic) I learned from dear old dad. He’s pretty married to his Cuban espresso in the mornings, but 2018 is the year he goes on a bit of a discovery journey.
beanbox.com
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Decanter
Okay, so my dad isn’t exactly an oenophile, but he does enjoy the occasional red and I think this decanter and aerator would look mighty fine somewhere on some surface in my parents’ home.
goop.com
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Ceramic Mug
My dad loves his iPhone. He also loves a hot mug of coffee. What better new toy to gift him then a mug that keeps drinks warm with the click of his iPhone.
ember.com
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Bose Speaker
For as long as I can remember, my dad has been sacrificing everything he wanted personally – including a fancy pants Bose sound system – to make sure his family had what we needed. I may not be able to swing for a whole set up (yet), but this bluetooth speaker gets him one step closer.
amazon.com
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Portable Turntable
Long before I was old enough to consume caffeine with him and learn the difference between espresso and French press, my dad was working on my musical education. His record player went kaput right around the time my vast collection of butterfly clips became stylistically obsolete, but his Beach Boys vinyls and Beatles LPs were always kept safe in waiting. Grab your records, dad…
target.com
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Beatle's Vinyl Album
When I hear any of the songs on this album, I instantly think of driving around with my dad in his Ford Taurus as he casually drummed to the beat on the steering wheel while I pretend not to know the words because singing with my dad was just so not cool as a teenager.
target.com
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Julie – “Adventure has always been a big part of my life all thanks to my dad. From hiking to horseback riding, scuba diving and riding motorcycles, he was definitely an adrenaline junkie in his heyday. I have followed in his footsteps and am so thankful for that because some of my best memories in life have been from taking risks and embracing the new even if it might seem scary. He is also a man of many talents. Before my older sister Val and I were born, he decided to become a “certified handyman” and by “certified,” I mean he took a few courses and got electrocuted a few times ’til he figured out how to do it the right way. He was always working on a project around the house – building decks or additions – just always fixing things. I always loved to help him out, it is what made me appreciate construction and gave me a DIY attitude. He is why I fell in love with interior design, so THANK YOU dad ’cause now I have a job that I truly love. Also, seven years ago, I gained another father figure when my sister got married. Trent is an avid runner, reader and all-around amazing human. Last summer, when I was backpacking on the PCT for a couple months and wanting to quit, he sent me such a heartfelt message that really helped push me past what I thought was my limit and keep going. I’m a pretty lucky lady to have two men in my life that I look up to, so here’s to you two.”
Cookbook
Sunday nights were always my dad’s night to cook and that meant grilling. Maybe if I get this book for him, I can reinstate this and get some free food. 😉
food52.com
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Coffee Maker
Mmmmmm, coffee. Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee?? My old roommate in Seattle had this AeroPress and loved it so much that now I’m like Oprah and get it as a gift for everyone. You get an AeroPress…YOU GET AN AEROPRESS!
target.com
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Camp Cook Set
It has been a tradition on my dad’s side of the family to go to Yosemite every year since I was two and now we could cook all those big meals together in style with this beautiful set up.
food52.com
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Photo Print
For years now, my dad has been asking me to get this photo I took backpacking printed in a large format for him and now I have no excuse.
artifactuprising.com
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Headphones
These are for that rare occasion when my dad travels. Maybe if I were better at gift giving, I would’ve had the forethought to get them before that trip he just took.
amazon.com
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Photography
We both love Yosemite and photography so this Ansel Adams book is a real no-brainer. His work is so beautiful and he did it all before the age of the iPhone and that portrait mode which turns anyone into a professional photographer with a click of a button.
amazon.com
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Fermentation Kit
On to my brother-in-law’s gifts…Trent is one of those people who has the patience to spend months secretly making kombucha in their closet to surprise my sister on Christmas so maybe he will enjoy making something fermented, as well.
food52.com
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Running Shoes
Yes, these are what he wears ALL THE TIME when he trains for marathons. And, YES they smell so bad that he isn’t allowed to bring them inside their house so maybe it’s time for a new pair.
amazon.com
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Good Read
Murakami is one of my favorite authors, I didn’t buy this book for Trent he found it all on his own and said it was one of the best books about running. So, in a way this gift is more for me cause it’s literally sitting on my nightstand ready for me to read.
amazon.com
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Water Bottle
I am addicted to my Hydro Flask. I can put two ice cubes into it in the morning and it’s like some sort of magic trick because they are still there at night. Trent, Val and their two kiddos go hiking a lot in the summer and since LA heats up quite a bit, this thing sure would come in handy.
amazon.com
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Climbing Starter Kit
Trent and I both keep saying that we want to get into rock climbing so maybe if I get a starter kit like this one from Black Diamond for him and myself, it’ll finally happen.
blackdiamond.com
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Brady – “Summing up my father into a few words (let alone a paragraph) is something that I could never adequately do. He’s the guy that everyone relates to, the guy that everyone laughs with, the guy that everyone feels safe with, the guy that is everyone’s best friend, the guy that can figure anything out, and the guy that always seems to never take himself too seriously. If you stood me next to my dad, the similarities might be hard to spot both in personality and in looks, but that is one of his greatest assets. He has the uncanny ability to relate to anyone or anything in the most honest, loving and sincere way. Dad, not only are you my hero but my mentor in life and in love. You taught me everything I need to know about working hard, playing hard and having fun along the journey. Even if that does mean calling you in the middle of the night the day before a photoshoot to ask you how to swap out my kitchen faucet in a panic. Happy Father’s Day old man. I love you.”
Timex Watch
The frequency at which my dad asks me what time it is warrants the dad joke, “Time for you to get a watch.” But he typically isn’t one for a large shiny piece on your wrist so this simple yet stylish option is something that would make both him and my mother happy.
timex.com
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Shower Set
My sweet dad is the type that would NEVER ask for his own “bathroom product” but I recently tried these options that are geared toward men and I can vouch for the fact that he will be much happier with this in his hair than Herbal Essence.
maapilim.com
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Shiatsu Foot Massager
Would my mother kill me for buying this for my dad… YES. But, would I quickly become my father’s favorite child?! YES. He is on his feet all day long and something like this that has so many good reviews is something I know he would love.
amazon.com
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Towel Set
Towels may seem like the most boring gift, but it is one of those gifts that everyone appreciates and needs. I have these towels at home and my morning routine has gotten a lot more pleasant since adding them to the mix.
parachute.com
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Packlight
Every Christmas, my dad gives us all a new flashlight, wallet, pocket knife and lantern. I’m pretty sure he does this out of love hoping that we will keep it all in our cars should an emergency arise, so I know he would appreciate this solar-powered inflatable lantern that is not only a light (which works for when he uses it camping) but also folds up (which means he can stuff it in his car for emergencies).
luminaid.com
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Sunglasses
File this under the thing my mom wants for my dad, the thing my dad secretly wants but won’t buy for himself, and the thing that all the kids wish he had – stylish glasses. I love the Warby Parker brand because they allow you to try before you buy and they have a huge selection of frames under $100.
warbyparker.com
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Clark's
There is a VERY fine line between “dad shoes” and “cool dad shoes.” Dads are typically into comfort rather than style and also prefer something that will last versus something that will be trendy. These classic leather Clarks are something that will not only check all the boxes but keep my mom happy if he wants to wear them out in public.
nordstrom.com
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Speaker
Okay, this may have been a gift that I already gave him, but I am adding it again to this roundup because he won’t stop talking about it. It is a portable bluetooth speaker that packs a ton of sound in a small scale. He has it at his work and blasts his elevator music, seal, or whatever else he is listening to these days on it which makes me think it could be a good fit for any dad (minus the elevator music).
amazon.com
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Slim Wallet
My dad is probably the most mindful person ever. He sets his wallet down and he always knows right where it is. My mother on the other hand moves things around more than a Kansas tornado. This wallet which has built in GPS tracking allows both of them to find it no matter where it has been placed.
ekster.com
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Eau De Parfum
My dad is typically not one for cologne or scents in general, but this scent is one that feels woodsy, warm, masculine without smelling like you’ve been dipped in aftershave. It’s the perfect scent for any dad who is looking for just a little hint of something without being overbearing.
nordstrom.com
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Yeti Cooler
Only a dad would appreciate a cooler that will keep his ice totally frozen for over two days. My dad loves to camp and this small yet powerful cooler is something that I know he would love. I have a few of Yeti’s tumblers and I kid you not when I say that you can make a drink in them and two days later you will still have ice floating around in your drink.
amazon.com
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Emily here again – Oh boy. I personally loved reading about the fathers or father figures of my team. Turns out we all kinda struggle with what to give these guys, but this really gave us the motivation to think about what their interest are and feel a connection to the gift. At first I just stared at the screen thinking, what does my dad really like to do?? before I started shopping which is not my usual method. It was so fun, brought up a lot of happy childhood memories and hopefully got me closer to a gift he’ll actually like.
Thanks so much to the EHD team for pulling this together and opening up about your dad. They all sound pretty darn awesome.
(If you guys have any genius or clever gift ideas leave them in the comments. These fathers (or father figures) are hard to shop for.)
Oh god some of these made me choke up. Truly father’s are such a blessing. The silent warriors foreshadowed by the much more commonly admired women in our lives. Happy father’s day to all the wonderful men out there. You are our heroes and our role models <3
xx 🙂
I teared up at Velinda’s soon-to-be FIL calling her “pumpkin.”
“Brady and his dad in 2018″…I am dying.
HA. i think Brady was late to getting his childhood photo in and had a current one in its place but then found that one last night. That is funny. xx
Now I think we all need to see a present day re-creation of that photo!
Ok all fixed but we will definitely talk to him about a 2018 remake:)
I lost my dad four years ago, and I already have my husband’s gift, so I was prepared to skip over this one. I’m so glad I didn’t. I’ve always loved your blog for the design tips and advice (duh), but today was special. I loved hearing everyone’s personal thoughts and stories about their dads; it made me think of all the ways my dad shaped me and everything I miss about him. I could tell you all treasure your dads as much as I did mine, and that was nice to read.
For the beautiful stories and all the memories you brought back to me, many thanks to y’all (I’m from the south, ladies. Don’t judge my choice of plural pronouns.)
Ah, thank you 🙂 I’m sorry about your dad …. but glad that this post made you think of him 🙂 xx
I love this post. So much more original than the “pick a gift by sterotype”. My dad passed away when I was a teenager so father’s day can be a really tough time of year but it’s still lovley to read about the unique bonds people have with the men in their lives.
xx 🙂 I’m sorry. lots of love. xx
This post is everything that I love about your blog! So personal, real, and fun to read along with providing helpful and stylish suggestions. It was just great!
Awwww, these are sweet. I already got my dad a gift, but agree with others that the stories, not the stuff, are the best part of this post.
Btw, that’s a Bunge family portrait—or they’ve got a pretty funny photobomber. 😉
This was so nice to read and made me think about what makes my dad special, in more than a “thank you for taking care of me all those years when I was a kid” way. Really thoughtful. Thanks for sharing it.
THIS POST IS SO GOOD. i love the stories! thanks for sharing your dads with us!
This is the first gift guide I’ve read (from any blog!) in probably years. And I found some great ideas for a few dads in my life! THANK YOU for making it personal. Loved this post.
Such a heartfelt, beautiful post! Fatherhood is what holds our country together! (not detracting from mothers right now–of course mothers!) So lovely. Also, I’m going to try to work “we’re off like a herd of turtles” into my lexicon. So awesome.
LOVE this post! What a creative and fun way to do a gift guide. Thank you for this little glimpse into your families + great gift ideas. I got a little teary at your dad descriptions and photos. So sweet!
This is a beautiful post!
In the past few years when my adult daughters asked me what I wanted for mother’s day I told them I would love a note telling me about something special they remember about growing up or about our lives now. I have received some wonderful notes that are very thoughtful and encouraging to me. I know their dad would love the same.
It’s very true. Gifts aren’t necessary unless they are thoughtful (at least for me). A note about how they were/are a good parent is gold. xx
These stories are the best. My beloved dad passed away suddenly 3 years ago and that makes this particular holiday much harder, but I always see it as a time to reflect on my memories of him just like your team did with their own dad stories. It’s such a good exercise to just sit down and describe your dad in writing. I didn’t really do it until my dad died. As soon as it happened, I found myself wanted to tell everyone about him, starting with his eulogy. That was/is my coping mechanism and now I can’t stop doing it. His birthday, the day he died, Father’s Day – on those days I always write a little social media tribute to him with some of my favorite memories. I keep a running list on my iPhone so that when random memories pop up, I add a bullet to my list. I don’t want to forget anything and I want to make sure my children, the grandbabies who never got to meet him, know about all of his quirks that made him who he was and made me into the person I am now. Also, reading a post like this… Read more »
This was a great post! I loved getting to know the EA team through the stories of their dads and father figures in their lives. Thank you for opening up and sharing.
Great post, but I would love to see your team place a bigger emphasis on highlighting small business and independent makers in future gift guides. I’m assuming Food52, Nordstrom, etc. gave the funds to make this content possible, but throwing in a few small guys would be an awesome touch! I don’t mean this in any way but enthusiastic encouragement! Your team creates great content and I look forward to future posts!
Hey Alexander, thanks! And no, no brands were involved in this post whatsoever and we love Food52 because it does in fact support almost all small makers and artisans. I know that my dad would rather have the new high tech gardening gloves than the leather artisanal ones that I might like more aesthetically. Take a peek a Mel’s post yesterday for some small makers from Etsy that we love and highlight. Glad you enjoyed the post!
This post has been deeply touching to read. I love that everyone got to share with us their personal stories. I had tears in my eyes and also chuckled because so many times it brought me memories of my Father. Thank you for that ❤️
Ideas were spot on too!!!
Aww geez, I shouldn’t have read this at work ha ha . Huge lump in my throat and happy tears in my eyes.
Fathers Day is a different kind of day for me as my Dad passed when I was only 2 years old, but this post is beautiful and lifted me up. It’s so much more than a collection of tangible items to gift – what warms my heart are the love stories told and memories that are intrinsically linked to them. Thankyou and Happy Fathers Day to you and yours x
I just have to share as I thought of something totally different for my dad this year. He means the world to me, but he is sooooo hard to buy for. Only unsuoassed by my hubby (geez the men in my life!). Anywho – this year I got him a DNA test kit!!!!
So…about letters from fathers to kids: My parents had 9 kids. The only letter I have from my dad is one which he wrote to all of us. There was some planning in regard to a holiday trip. We each got the same (photocopied) letter.
Dear Ginny, Ed, Bob, Mary, Patty, Mike, Alice, Marty, and John,
My name was circled. I died. I still have it.
That is amazing!!! I am surprised my Dad hasn’t done that yet!
I’m also someone who has lost her dad. I normally skip right past the stereotypical gift guides for no reason other than they simply no longer apply. That said, I am SO GLAD I read this.
To be honest, even when he was alive no gift guide ever really helped me find gifts for him – they all just felt like they were written by consumerist aliens who understood the vague notion of fathers, not human people with actual fathers.
But THIS was so lovely. It made me reflect on all of the little nuances about him and how they have shaped me. I’m so glad I had a dad that wasn’t just a simple caricature who fit neatly into a trope (“The Workaholic Dad” “The Outdoorsy Dad”). Based on the sentiments in the post, it sounds like the EHD team feels the same way about their pops. So sweet and lovely to read.
I’m so sorry about your dad. I’m glad our site didn’t make you feel like garbage. 🙂 I so appreciate your comment.
thanks for coming and staying.
always. xx
This was such a sweet and thoughtful post. Just wanted to say, I know you’re on the hunt for new writers/voices to the blog, but it seems you have several already on staff! Would happily read more from any of these lovely folks on an ongoing basis.
Thank you for posting this gift guide! So many guides feel really impersonal and I know I’m always looking for ideas beyond the typical whiskey rocks and ties. I would love to see this around the holidays if you guys do more gift guides then!
This was just the best!!!
As Emily is so open+ thoughtful, it stands to reason she surrounds herself with a like-minded team. Thank you all for the beautiful stories about your dads (truly blessed), and the inspiration! My husband is so tough to buy for. It sounds like a common problem. This made my day, and gave me some solid, valuable ideas for Father’s Day!
oh good. and thank you 🙂
There are a lot of really excellent, useful gift ideas here for our hard-to-buy-for dads–thank you! Love the profiles of each dad, too, makes it really personal and meaningful.
Sniffle sniffle. Oh man was this a beautiful read. Thanks for sharing such intimate portraits and gift recommendations!
This was just so sweet! Thanks for sharing a bit about your dads. My dad passed away two years ago and I miss him every day, but was just so blessed to have him.
This was so beautiful and uplifting! I’ve never have a gift guide move me. 🙂 Thank you, thank you for sharing your stories! Like many other comments, my dad passed away a few years ago. I miss him every day and am forever grateful for him. (sorry if this is a repeat, previous comment didn’t seem to post.)
Awesome post! I stopped reading gift guide articles because they are so blah and repetitive. This one shines! What touching sentiments! I want to befriend Sara’s dad! Kudos to you all 🙂
Such great ideas – fun to see each EHD team member and their Dad, along with their picks! Velinda’s was so moving!
This is HANDS DOWN my favorite post of ALL the posts you have ever done!!! What a gift to get to know each of you better via your Dads. Emily, I can relate to the lack of photos with your Dad and I cherish the few I that have surfaced of my Dad who was always my #1 fan and cheerleader. You inherited your Dad’s positive attitude and creative joy.
ALL of your Dads must be beaming with pride !!! Happy Father’s day to all the Dads and hubbys and Pop pops!
This is HANDS DOWN my favorite post of ALL the posts you have ever done!!! What a gift to get to know each of you better via your Dads. Emily, I can relate to the lack of photos with your Dad and I cherish the few I that have surfaced of my Dad who was always my #1 fan and cheerleader. You inherited your Dad’s positive attitude and creative joy.
ALL of your Dads must be beaming with pride !!! Happy Father’s day to all the Dads and hubbys and Pop pops!
sorry of this posted twice
I love your post, it is very easy to understand and meticulous, thank you for sharing.
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