With the approach of Father’s Day, that familiar sense of panic may be setting in once again as you realize that your fashion-loving dad, husband, brother, or partner has just about one of everything you could possibly imagine in his wardrobe. You don’t really want to get him another tie, he never wears the monogrammed bathrobe that you got him last year, and a quick and sneaky peek in his closet when he was at work revealed to you that he owns one dress shirt and one casual shirt in just about every color and print known to man. What to do?
Never fear dear readers. After careful consideration, I’ve sourced some of the most unique gift ideas for the man in your life who has everything, just so that you don’t have to. So without further ado, here they are, in no particular order.
Thing No. 1: A Fancy-Schmancy Shaving Set
With hipster beards everywhere these days, there has been a surge in men’s grooming products, and a lot of really cool, locally-made products with cool ingredients have popped-up on the market. Yes, I know it sounds like I’m talking about food here, and if you have a look at some of the ingredients in some of these shaving sets, they do indeed sound good enough to eat. Take the above photo, which contains no less than three different kinds of beard oil. Up until about five minutes ago, I didn’t even know there was such a thing as beard oil, but yes, apparently fashionable men have to oil their beards. Plus, if it smells of teakwood, Bay Rum, or Leather & Sandalwood, all the better. It’s all very Ron Burgundy, isn’t it?
Thing No. 2: Folding Sunglasses
Yes, I am aware of how nerdy this sounds, but hear me out. These are not the folding sunglasses that you see in the drugstore on that plastic carousel display case. As it turns out, there are some very high-profile brands that are producing folding sunglasses now – brands like Ray Ban and Persol. Folding sunglasses fit neatly into a suitcase, are easy to stash in the glove compartment of your car, and will probably (most likely) forgive you more readily than a traditional pair of sunglasses if you accidentally sit on them. Plus, you have to admit, there is something a little James Bond about pulling an expensive-looking pair of folding sunglasses out of your breast pocket. Come on, admit it. You want to try them.
Thing No. 3: A Glitter Beard Kit
Yes, another beard-related gift, but in my opinion, one that simply cannot be ignored. I mean, come on! Look at this thing! This is the reason I love being a fashion writer, as well as why I have a deep and unwavering affection for the internet. There are simply oodles of vendors out there actually selling “glitter beard kits” on the internet. This is a real thing. And no, you don’t have to be a member of a bachelor party, a drunken football fan, or the cast member of a drag show to trot this one out – glitter beards are literally all over the internet. After some careful research (okay, after some staring in disbelief at the glitter beards of the internet), I have come to the conclusion that the best colors are cool colors like silver, grey, and blue. Warmer-colored glitter beards like orange and yellow lend a sort of “didn’t wash-up properly after I ate that plate of chili fries” vibe, and red just looks downright disturbing.
Thing No. 4: A Well-Appointed Man Bag
Never underestimate the power of a well-appointed man bag. Trust me, I have experience in this department. My partner always scoffed at the idea of a man bag, thereby subjecting us to endless scrambles in airports while he dug around in his cavernous carry-on for passports and tickets, leaving a trail of pocket change, pens, and receipts in his wake. He absolutely refused to entertain the idea of a man bag, until I finally just went out and bought one for him, thrusting it at him as one would a hot potato. He never looked back. And we never again were we that couple, holding-up the line at the airport.
A “man bag” is sort of a catch-all phrase for what usually is a messenger-style bag. They come in all shapes and sizes, form goretex and nylon cammo to exquisite leather and animal skin. If your guy is the outdoorsy type, you may want to try a bag with a military flair; cargo pockets or a distressed feel are some good style options. If he is the corporate type, a sleek black or navy portfolio with capacity for a laptop may be more his speed. If you really want to push the boat out, you can opt for a monogram or engraved nameplate to add a personal touch.
