Hello, Father's Day Gift Guide
Better paternity leave and a bunch of other stuff dads will love
Before we get to the good stuff, I’ve been thinking a lot about Father’s Day. It will be my very first one. Daisy, our perfect child, is about 10 weeks old, and I’m lucky enough to be freelance right now. This means I can be very flexible in my hours and be around her and care for her as much as we need. Being around means I can also support my wife, who just had her body ripped apart over the course of several days (after having it overthrown for 40 weeks), as she convalesces and cares for Daisy.
Most households don’t get this privilege, and that’s a deep shame.
Many workplaces institute a primary and secondary caregiver scheme, which mirrors the traditional maternity and paternity leave system. Primary caregivers must prove their case with documentation, as they’re generally getting more leave. That in itself is sort of dystopian and weird.
In my experience, secondary leaves tend to clock in somewhere between 2–4 weeks. After it’s spent, the primary caregiver—who often just had their body blown up—is in a desolate and stressful position. Not to mention, it deprives the secondary caregiver of a lot of bonding time, as their attention is now divided.
Friends of ours have shared that their baby generally cries in her father’s arms because she hasn’t had nearly as much bonding time with his swift return to work. Some state governments will fund additional leave, but the payouts are generally far less than your salary.
It’s a weird system that, while certainly helpful to primary caregivers, also deprives them of an extra set of hands at home. I could go on about it forever.
As we inch closer to Father’s Day, you see brands start to beat the dad drum. They wax about how much they support fatherhood, want to help men be better, look after their mental health, etc. If this really is the case and not just cash clamoring, I’d just hope internal policies align with the marketing brief.
That said, the day itself is approaching. If better paternity leave policies aren’t something you can give, maybe these things will work!
Hanro Boxers: When I was at GQ, Hanro sent me a 3-pack of these boxers. And all these years later, they’re still the best I’ve ever had. Bar none. They’re ultra-soft, and I almost treat them like fancy pajamas. Little luxuries like this are often things dads overlook for themselves, too.
The Polaroid Printer I Don’t Shut Up About: Nostalgia from your phone! This printer is always a good gift and instantly makes color-perfect Polaroids by taking snapshots of your screen. It remains one of my favorite purchases of all time. (Note: You’ll want to purchase film as well!)
Bearaby Weighted Blanket: I sleep with a 50 lb. dog on my head and this 25 lb. blanket. It adds a dreamy dimension of quality to my rest that’s ever-crucial during these newborn days.
Chukka Boots: It’s been a minute since I’ve had a pair of these, but Sid Mashburn always finds a way to pull me in. They’re not “dad” shoes by any stretch, but that’s sort of the point here.
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones: The gift of total disassociation? Priceless!
Desk Lamp: A classic shape and silhouette by Anglepoise—often replicated, never duplicated. Everybody deserves some good lighting, after all.
Lego Mercedes: I can’t buy a real one. And being a new dad does have me rediscovering some of my favorite childhood pursuits.
Cotton Linen Sweater: A lightweight sweater is essential for a well-rounded wardrobe. This one is comfortable and has an instant handsome factor to it. (I have… many.)
Nintendo Switch 2: Remember what I said about childhood pursuits? Doubling down with this brand-new console. Extreme bonus points for the handheld factor.
Comme Si Sock Pack: I literally wrote a book about socks. These are the best fancy socks a dad could ask for. Trust me.
Loewe Bag: It took me a while to convert to the cross-body fanny pack lifestyle, but once I did, I was a better man. This one is a bucket list item, but if it proves too expensive, I stand by this one from AWAY.
Best Made Foot Locker: Best Made’s thrilling return from the clutches of Duluth Trading means these perfect storage lockers are back. Labeling mine “Dad Crap.”
A Perfect Polo: My biggest gripe with polos is that they’re often way too long. The proportions of this one from Alex Mill are about as perfect as you could ask for. As in, they won’t cover your butt like a diaper. An essential quality for short-short season.
Collector’s Edition Dune: Dune, the book, converted me to an absolutely rabid reader. It’s the best book I’ve ever read—an opinion shared by many. If you know a Dune fan, they’ll appreciate this.
The Other Shirt of Summer: Todd Snyder’s navy blue camp shirt with embroidery is sold out. But honestly, I might be more taken with this “caviar” color. It has a little more of that understated sex appeal.
Nick Parker’s Jacket: It’s a little counterintuitive to buy a suede jacket in June, but hear me out. Of all the stuff I’ve bought this year, nothing makes me feel better-dressed than this. Get it for him now, and he’ll be delighted come fall.
Flipper Clock: This extremely satisfying clock softly clicks as the time changes. It’s oddly comforting with a healthy dose of midcentury charm.
Big Old Cake: Hell yeah, chocolate cake. I occasionally get one of these on my birthday and can’t recommend them enough.
An Axe: I like having an axe in the house because it means I can protect the family from intruders. Love to be normal.
Enamel & Gold Vermeil Ring: I’m a huge proponent of men’s rings these days, as long as they’re understated and simple.
Cork Tray: Another thing to organize “dad crap” on the desk or bedside table.
Bottega Wallet: My brother got this for my dad a few years ago. It’s timeless, holds up so well, and I’m jealous I didn’t think of it first.
Jacob Gallagher’s Book: If the dad on your list is remotely interested in fashion and style, get him this.
Levain Cookie Subscription: The possibility of getting this may or may not be the reason I became a father.
The Best Denim Shirt: Feathery light and the perfect faded color. For a sexy dad.
And that about wraps it up. Unless you need wrapping paper, of course.
*Might make some money from affiliate links if you purchase something from this list!
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