Oh, how time flies. It feels like an eternity ago when the procrastinators among us were scrambling to find the best thingamabob or doohickey for Mother’s Day, hoping to high heaven that their moms would like that last-minute bottle of perfume. Now Father’s Day is around the corner, and last-minute shoppers are re-emerging in full force, prayer beads in hand.
If your browser tabs are still clogged with a hundred different gift ideas, take a breath, maybe two. You still have a little time before Father’s Day, after all. Besides, at least there are plenty of options to choose from, even if dads are notoriously difficult to shop for (thanks, old-school male elusivity). So strap in as we narrow down our top picks, and remember to reserve a table for dinner once your gift is settled.
The Macallan
If dad’s always down for late-night tipples, this could well be the perfect present. The Macallan Home Collection River Spey ($752), inspired by the river from which it gets its name, carries notes of butterscotch, oak and raisin for a rich and complex flavour.
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Steven Bremner, whisky maker at The Macallan, says the limited-edition creation is “crafted from a combination of European oak sherry seasoned casks, American oak sherry seasoned casks and refill casks”.
This is the second single malt in a series that aims to capture aspects of the Macallan Estate in Scotland. As part of a collaboration with artist Michelle Lucking, the bottle is packed in a box featuring a gorgeous watercolour rendering of the River Spey. As it is striking enough as a gift on its own, there is no need to bother yourself too much with wrapping paper and a bow.
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Montblanc
Maybe your dad has a wallet from 1982, frayed and tattered beyond recognition, or maybe he has just had his change jingling about in his pocket for as long as you can remember. Either way, an upgrade is long overdue.
Montblanc’s sleek aesthetic is a surefire way to inject some timeless elegance in any man’s accessory game. While it has an extensive range full of potential gifts, from backpacks to watches and pens to small leather goods of all sorts, we like the Sartorial wallet ($605) in particular.
With slots that fit up to six cards, two note compartments and two additional pockets, the Sartorial wallet offers plenty of space for anything a dad might otherwise have floating around in his pocket. The Saffiano leather adds dimension to the piece, which comes in three colours — our favourite is the black, which really accentuates the hide’s crisp grain.
Louis Vuitton
Whether he is a regular jetsetter or taking his first flight in years, a good travel bag is an absolute must for any man — dad included. The Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière is a great option, with its classic barrel shape, sturdy leather top handles and handy detachable strap.
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The latest iteration of this piece, a Keepall Bandoulière 50 ($4,700), was released as part of Louis Vuitton’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection. Coming in at 50cm across and 29cm tall, the bag is perfectly cabin-sized, and fits about three to five days’ worth of clothes and other necessities.
Rendered in the Pharrell Williams-designed Damier Heritage canvas, the bag meshes the best of old and new in the storied Maison’s rich archives; the oversized motif was inspired by a pattern from the 1880s. Silver-toned hardware pairs well with the canvas and leather trims — both blue — for a cool, masculine look.
Onitsuka Tiger
For the dad who's all about impact and purpose, Onitsuka Tiger’s latest line of shoes blends the brand’s signature sneakers with artisanal woven prints by craftspeople in Thailand.
The three designs in the collection — which include a punchy orange-and-blue variation of the Mexico 66 ($230) — are the result of a collaboration between Onitsuka Tiger and the Doi Tung Development Project, which aims to build self-sufficiency among villagers in the mountain region.
The woven fabric panels, made of recycled plastic, add a splash of colour that is bound to add a little cheer to even the grumpiest father’s wardrobe. The prints were created exclusively for the collection, based on traditional patterns in Doi Tung. OrthoLite insoles in all three designs also make the shoes a breeze to wear, so dad does not get sore feet at the end of a long day out.
Dior
Much as they might hate to admit it, our dads are no longer quite the dapper young chaps they used to be; crow’s feet, “eleven” lines and WiFi wrinkles are slowly but surely creeping up on their faces. Though the problem is common, especially among older men who tend to neglect caring for their skin, it really never is too late to start.
Dior’s new Sauvage Mencare line comprises three products, all with cactus as their key ingredient. Formulated with men’s skin and concerns in mind, the products are non-sticky and lightly scented, so even the fussiest dad will feel chuffed.
A standout among the trio is the serum ($152), which combines both oil- and water-based extracts of cactus. These work to prevent water loss from the skin and ensure that hydration stays locked in for longer.
Loewe x On
Dad bods may have their unique charm, but a beer belly is probably not the best thing to have as one gets older. Loewe’s latest collaboration with Swiss sportswear stalwart On has produced a collection of top-to-toe activewear, blending luxury aesthetics with technical performance.
The expansive collection includes everything from parka jackets to tank tops and bicycle shorts; there is something for everyone on every occasion, from hiking around the MacRitchie Nature Trail to even lounging on the sofa at home. Colours range from muted beiges and browns to vivid oranges and pinks.
A new logo, merging those of the two brands, adorns several of the pieces. The silhouettes are simple yet effective — there are no bells and whistles, no endless array of buckles and hooks that dad will have to wrestle with before he starts a workout.
Namiki
Even in a world where keyboards and touchscreens dominate our lives, the feeling of writing with a well-built pen never gets old. Japanese brand Namiki’s Bumblebee Yukari fountain pen ($2,400++) is set to launch in stores on June 15. The limited-edition release, with just 300 pieces worldwide, means an opportunity to snag something truly special for dad.
Crafted with a mix of traditional Japanese techniques, the pen’s design is created by layering lacquer over gold, silver and mother-of-pearl powder, for a subtly gleaming, understated look. The main feature of the design is a pollen-coated bumblebee. On the rest of the barrel and cap is a backdrop of blue salvia blooms, said to represent respect, wisdom and familial love.
An 18-karat gold rhodium-plated nib offers a soft, bouncy writing experience; the metal is also said to “adjust” to one’s writing style over time. The pen comes in a box with hexagonal marquetry atop its lid, reminiscent of honeycomb.
