For fathers and father figures in your life.
In the run-up to Father’s Day on September 1, we’ve sought out gifts for all types of fathers and those who play that role in our lives.
Below you will find gifts large and small to bring a smile to design-loving fathers,
Heritage knits are having a moment, and this ribbed crew is a great modern interpretation that’s a wearable heirloom in the making. The classic knit with wide chest will appeal to fathers of all makes and models. The electric blue shade elevates the style just a bit and makes the wearer easier to spot if they tend to walk around the shops.
Florals are an ideal way to incorporate a sense of undoing the periodic stuffiness that comes with a white shirt and suit. These abstract floral print options are the perfect way to encourage some color and fun.
If it’s an uphill battle to get dad to take a load off, a pair of slippers will at least lighten the load underfoot. Stylishly straightforward and crafted in Geraldine, these lambskin slippers have a cushioned sole to help take the chill off cold floors.
The “refined minimalism and understated elegance” of this classic cotton shirt from Thom Morison will appeal to a wide range of men, including design lovers and those who claim not to care about such things.
If dad enjoys nothing more than a cozy family movie night on the couch, throw this Tekla blanket his way. Brushed lambswool feels super soft to the touch while remaining durable enough for everyday use.
This lantern is cordless so you can carry it around and enjoy its beautiful simple design in a variety of settings. Made using traditional Japanese methods and materials such as washi paper, thread and wood, the lantern is powered by two AA batteries that will illuminate this thoughtful gift for around 100 hours.
Rains has made a name for itself in the rainwear category for their products, which are developed for both strength and outdoor durability. The fingerprints of this ethos can be seen all over this messenger bag – crafted in their signature waterproof PU fabric, it should easily withstand light to moderate weather conditions and has room to hold everything a worker might need in a day, without being too bulky to bag on your commute.
If dad lives among organically inspired interiors, this jug from Waiheke Island-based potter Christine Thacker will look right at home. “With these jugs, I continue to express a adoration of the shapes, colors and very existence of the trees, which are rooted in the earth, reach for the sky and breathe for us all,” says Christine.
Ideal for outdoor adventures and closer to home, these premium slip-ons from active footwear brand Teva blend the comfort of a slipper with the stability of an outdoor shoe. On the outside, a 50% recycled rubber outsole provides traction, and a protective coating helps water escape the quilted upper. Inside, a foam footbed provides comfort with every step. Carry on the campsite, or all the way to the mailbox.
Cast aside any notion that socks aren’t a good gift. Mauna Kea socks aren’t just any socks – they’re made in Japan on vintage knitting machines using a breathable cotton and hemp blend for a roomier, more comfortable fit. This fusion of form and function will be appreciated by anyone with a heart for practicality.
Built to last, this drinking bottle holds a whopping 760ml of water and is a great one-and-done way for active dads to stay hydrated. It’s a smart choice for fishermen and mountain bikers who keep a day’s worth of chilled water inside the double-walled insulated vessel.
Do you have a completely different taste in music than your father? Give him (and yourself) the gift of headphones. These noise-cancelling wireless earphones claim to provide “concert-worthy sound at all times”. If anyone can do it, it’s Marshall, you probably recognize the brand from their amps commonly seen on stage with some of the world’s biggest bands.
An excellent choice for both green-fingered and chef dads, i The side gardener cookbook author Rosie Daykin tells how she turned an unloved area next to her home into a working garden and shares the simple recipes she’s developed to make the most of the abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit it now produces.
You don’t have to be a waterfowler to appreciate the duck canvas print on this folding Carhartt chair. Its sturdy but light aluminum frame and wide wooden armrests make it a smart thing to have tucked away in the trunk.
Does dad appreciate a good view? A high-quality pair of binoculars will help him drink it all. Just be prepared for a detailed retelling of every single thing he discovered through the 8x optical zoom.
This boxy t-shirt from Beach Brains comes overdyed, with the intention that the color will fade nicely over time. It’s a subtle manufacturing detail, but one that will make a difference to dads who prioritize getting optimal wear out of their clothes.
Another savvy buy for people who value longevity. It really doesn’t get much more classic than a lightly worn striped rugby shirt in a timeless silhouette.
A good fire builder never blames their tools. Armed with a well-forged long-handled firewood tongs from the Spanish knifemaker Pallares, Dad escapes.
Is your father’s love language a service or quality time? Give him a little kit that means you can come around and brew him a cup of joe and catch up regularly. Think of Moccamaster as the Range Rover of coffee machines: a tradition-rich brand that brews great coffee via a seamless set full of classic design details.
If a pair of classic round tortoiseshell glasses are good enough to be Stanley Tucci’s go-to, they’re sure to go down a treat with your dad, too.
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