Father’s Day is just around the corner, and while the Make + Manifest blog has been dedicated to all things women’s health so far, I thought we could spare a post for the guys and ultimately give Y-O-U a little inspo if the dad in your life also responded with “oh…nothing” or “I don’t need anything” when asked what he wants for Father’s Day.
Gifts are ~not~ my love language to give or receive, but when the opportunity arises to tell my dad and baby daddy how much they mean to me, my libra tendencies and type three enneagram join forces (per usual) to put allllllll the pressure on finding the perfect present. I like giving things that say “I know you”, “I love you”, and “you’re the best dad ever” all wrapped up in one (or two) gifts, and IMO…the items below portray just that.
I hope this list gives you the inspo you need to make Father’s Day a success this year no matter what kind of dad you’re shopping for. And while it’s not ~just~ about the gifts, watching the guy you love open a little something they will use and love is just the best feeling and the perfect way to show appreciation for all they do.
PS- Bob helped me make this list and it’s filled with past gifts that have been a success, things I’ve heard him and his buddies talk about, and a few things Sloan will be wrapping for him this year *wink wink*.
FOR THE OUTDOORSY DAD
An all-purpose knife- I’ve heard Bob mention this folding knife with his buddies more than once and it’s the first thing he brought up when I asked him what kind of things should be on this list. I know nothing about knives, but apparently this is the best of the best. I like that it’s American made and you can personalize it with a message on the blade— an addition I think would be perfect for Father’s Day
Toxin-free bug spray- Primally Pure has done it again! This mosquito repellant not only smells amazing and is safe for the littlest of babes to the strongest of dads, but it’s also crazy effective at keeping bugs away. Our family is im-pressed with this “let’s give it a try” purchase and our guy now has it stashed away as a must-pack camping essential. (PS- use code MANDM10 for 10% off your entire Primally Pure purchase.)
Body cloth- Our family looooooooves Norwex body cloths as they’re the perfect way to feel clean in the great outdoors when a shower’s just not available. These microfiber cloths are woven with silver to eliminate odor, bacteria, mold and mildew…and there’s no soap required! Just a cloth with water does the trick and leaves you feeling clean from right after a hike to day three of camping.
The ~best~ outdoor rocking chairs- Be prepared for ~everyone~ to ask you where you got these chairs when you pull them out at the soccer game, camp site, or backyard BBQ. On top of being super comfy and oh-so-fun to rock in, they also fold up easily and are light to carry (which Bob loves because he’s the one who ends up lugging them around 5589023% of the time).
FOR THE SENTIMENTAL DAD
Personalized face mug- We got this mug with Sloan’s face on it for Bob last year and it was a hit. It’s now the only cup he drinks his coffee out of and he’s officially requested that he get a new one every year. (Just wait until you see the little face that’s gracing the updated mug this time around! Eeeeeeek!)
Digital picture frame- My dad’s the kind of guy who buys himself whatever he needs and wants, and while I love him for that #treatyoself mentality, it makes him extra hard to shop for. Last year we got him this digital picture frame and to say he loves it is an understatement. As the giver, my favorite feature is the app that allows anyone with access the ability to add new photos from their phone. It’s honestly going to be hard to top this one.
FOR THE FITNESS-LOVIN’ DAD
Pads for dropping weights- I got these bumper pads for Bob on his veeeeery first Father’s Day (like…when Sloan was still in my belly) because I knew that dropping barbells and a napping babe wouldn’t mix. Now we both pull these out while Sloan’s sleeping, and while I’m not currently lifting enough to make too much noise, Bob gets to keep doing his thang without worrying about ruining nap time. A win-win win!
All-natural deodorant that actually works- Yes, Primally Pure is on here twice because their products are [that] good and the deodorant is no exception. Bob’s my Mr. Six Pack who works out harder than anyone I know and he sweats…a lot. And even with its toxin-free ingredients, this deodorant steps up to the challenge and keeps him smelling good even at the end of a workout. I use any and all gifting opportunities to make sure he’s stocked up, and Father’s Day is no exception. I personally like all the scents, but charcoal tends to be Bob’s fave. (PS- use code MANDM10 for 10% off your entire Primally Pure purchase.)
Crazy good sweat towels- Ok…you know that sweat I just mentioned above? Bob might smell good (thank you, Primally Pure deodorant) but that doesn’t mean he’s not soaking wet after a long bike sesh or grueling CrossFit WOD. These sweat towels are that perfect combo of soft (but not too soft) and ridiculously absorbent, and they come in a pack of five meaning you have one for just about every day of the week. I stuffed these in Bob’s stocking last Christmas, but he agrees that they’re a good gift any time of the year.
FOR THE TECHIE DAD
Blue light glasses- Nothing says “I love you” like a gift that’s both stylish aaaaand keeps the recipient’s health in mind. Anyone who gets any significant amount of screen time should be utilizing blue light glasses and these bad boys are the most stylish way to do it. This is one of those gifts that the dad you’re shopping for will wonder how they lived without it and think about you every time they put them on…my favorite combo.
A digital notepad- I’m constantly asking Bob “did you write it down!?”, and this tablet that you use like paper but functions like a computer would likely (???) solve all of our miscommunications. This is for distraction-free planning, note-taking, reading, and reviewing documents all on one device, plus is syncs with your phone and computer for seamless use. I know so many guys who say they don’t know what they did before this, and I mayyyyyy get it for Bob just so I can use it too.
The watch that does everything- Like a few things on the list, I don’t know much about the garmin watch, but Bob assures me that just about any guy would ~love~ this as a gift. It has tracking for the fitness-lovin’ dad, maps for the outdoorsy dad, music for literally every dad…honestly, it seems like this thing does it all. I’ve gotta warn ya, the price tag is up there (which is why Bob unfortunately won’t be getting one this year), but if you’ve got the cash to spend, this may be the gift of all gifts.
FOR THE CAFFEINATED DAD
Electric kettle- If your guy likes coffee then this temperature control electric kettle is a must. No need to wait for your coffee to cool…you can set your water temperature to the exact degree for the french press, pour over, or espresso of your dreams. While Bob is the only one who uses this in our house (I’m more of a frothed milk kinda girl), I love the way the kettle looks which made it a great purchase for us.
Temperature control mug- If I wasn’t so in love with my second-hand pottery mugs, I would honestly get this one for myself. Perfect for any parent on the go who doesn’t necessarily have the time to sit and drink their coffee in peace, this mug keeps your coffee at a set temperature for up to an hour and a half. Bob has hinted at wanting this more than once and it will definitely be a good gift once he’s willing to give up his mug with Sloan’s face on it!
Customized coffee subscription- Call us PNW snobs, but we’re all about quality, fresh roasted coffee in our house (because FYI- the big box stuff you get like Folgers and Starbucks likely has mold in it). We’ve tried some of the area’s greatest, and this coffee subscription service can supply the dad in your life with the best the northwest has to offer right to their door. And after a few months, once he’s tried them all and picked his favorite, you now have a go-to gift whenever the opportunity arises.
FOR THE STYLISH DAD
Shoes that go with everything- I’ve been wearing (and obsessed with) Rothy’s shoes for years and they’ve finally come out with a men’s line and I’m absolutely smitten. These loafers can be dressed up or down with everything from jeans to khakis to shorts and even the right pair of sweats. Don’t be mad when you want to get them in a few colors and purchase a pair for yourself. You’ve been warned.
The perfect pant- Bob’s been known to do a load of laundry juuuuuust to make sure these pants are clean. And as the gal who’s walking around with him in public, I can vouch that these classic pants, which come in the best colors, look good for any occasion.
FOR THE FOODIE DAD
Portable pizza oven- I’ve never met a guy who doesn’t like pizza, and this multi-fuel pizza oven has been on Bob’s wish list for a hot minute. He’s done all the research and feels like this is the best of both worlds— the ability to cook quickly with gas if needed but also get the taste of wood or charcoal when you’ve got the time. Our family will definitely have this beauty someday, and Father’s Day just may be the opportunity to take the leap.
Ice cream maker- Bob’s become quite the ice-cream connoisseur and has taken to making ice cream with this easy-to-use machine at least once a week. It’s tastier, healthier, and cheaper than anything we would buy in the store, and Bob has so much fun whipping up new recipes on the regular, my favorites of which have been maple coffee and honey vanilla. Yummmmmm.
All-in-one griddle- If I had a dollar for every time I heard Bob say he could use a griddle, I’d be rich woman. And when I hear him and his buddies talk around a griddle filled with meat, it seems the consensus rings true. This griddle is ~everything~ your guy could ever want with the ability to not only griddle, but also sear, stir fry, roast, bake, sauté, and now (…drum roll please!) air-fryers! You’ve gotta see this beauty for yourself. The fact that I’d be the one reaping the rewards from this purchase has me contemplating it BIG TIME.
I’m fully aware that holidays like this aren’t all about the gifts. In fact, I know my dad would enjoy a date with my sister and I 48302341976 times more than anything we could wrap in a box. And I could probably say the same for Bob and Lolo except for the fact that he’s been a stay-at-home dad for the last few months and would probably appreciate a little break more than anything else.
If the man you’re honoring would simply prefer a gift, distance is a factor, or giving is one of your love languages and the thought of showing you care with a little somethin’ somethin’ just feels right to you, then I hope the list above helps you break past those “what the heck do I get him!?” feels I wrestle with every year.
Rest assured I’ll be coming back to this list for Christmas and birthday too! How about you?
– Amanda
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
alica ryan
great ideas. Thank you!
amanda.m.hurlburt
I’ve gotta know…what did you get!?!