2020 Father's Day Gift Guide
It's no secret that mamas do A LOT. But behind-the-scenes, there's a special person who is right there in the weeds with us. And I can say first hand, watching my husband navigate his way through fatherhood has truly done my heart good. Dads just have a way of bringing levity to this whole parental thing, reminding us that sometimes we really don't need to sweat the small stuff. Not only do they step up to the plate for their kids, they are there supporting the mamas and talking us off the ledge when we need it. They absolutely deserve to be celebrated!
BUT...guys aren't easy to shop for. I thought I NAILED my Father's Day gift last year. I found a vintage airstream that needed a full renovation and I thought Father's Day would be the ultimate way to jump start our adventurous, vanlife lifestyle. Fast forward a year, we haven't even touched it.
So, unless you want a giant rust bucket parked on the side of your house, you might want to stick with something you know your partner is going to love. In case you're still coming up short on ideas, we have some 'dad-approved' gifts that will show him how much your tribe appreciates all he does.
For the whiskey lover:
REX 90 Proof Rye Whiskey. Not only is this ultra-smooth rye whiskey made here in Portland, but Chaunci King founded Royalty Spirits in 2014, making history as the first African American woman-owned liquor producer in the PNW. We’re definitely picking up a bottle of this for our hubbies (because gifts are meant to be shared, right?).
$35 - Available on RoyaltySpirits.biz and in liquor stores throughout Portland
For the equal rights activist:
Founded by local Portlander Kamelah ‘Mimi’ Adams, Mimi’s Fresh Tee’s is the only company to design t-shirts that amplify tough social justice conversations. The Portland-based, woman owned company encourages buyers to break the silence and start a dialogue by wearing their feelings on their chest. We’re loving the ‘Make Racism Wrong Again’ tees.
$30 - Available on MimisFreshTeesPDX.com
For the wannabe cannabis connoisseur:
We love the backstory of Green Box. Founded by Adrian Wayman, a black and gay entrepreneur, and his father in law, Bob Wayman, a Vietnam war veteran, Adrian had to lobby hard, testify at public hearings, and change the licensing category for delivery only cannabis retailers in order to launch his business. Green Box delivers “premium, award-winning cannabis products from sustainable producers to customers who want to open up a curated box and discover exceptional new products and experiences without the hassle”. Sounds like a win to us!
Prices vary - Available on PDXGreenBox.com
For the chef:
FINEX cast-iron skillet made in Portland. The most design-forward cast iron cookware ever with statement spiral handles and innovative pour spouts around the whole rim.
Starting at $125 - Available on FinexUSA.com
For the nature enthusiast:
This rad camping hammock is light and compact enough for backpacking, yet robust enough for backyard luxury. A major bonus is that you can set it up anywhere with carabiners (included). Eno has a single version, but when it comes to napping in a hammock, you really can never have too much of a good thing so go on ahead and scoop up to double to make room for everyone.
$69.95 - Available on REI.com
For the pizza lover:
A pizza over that's super portable, lightweight design powered by either wood or charcoal. Cook a wood-fired pizza to perfection in 60 seconds. Extra soppresata please!
$329 - Available on ooni.com
For the skin care junkie:
Let’s be honest, we know there’s a lot of guys who seriously neglect their skincare regime. This cleansing facial brush from Alder New York (which is a queer and woman owned independent skincare brand) has over 1.25 million gentle nylon bristles to stimulate skin and boost the efficiency of the cleanser. Plus, it’s so pretty that we won’t mind it sitting on the bathroom counter.
$26 - Available on AlderNewYork.com
For the bedtime hero:
I love this one because it’s pretty much killing two birds with one stone. Technically it’s a gift for Dad, but every kid wants more books and I’m pretty sure a personalized book makes it pretty hard to say no when it’s bedtime and you get the “just one moreeee?”
$30 - Available on Esty.com
For the beer drinker:
DIY Bar, a Portland spot where you can build some cool stuff (while enjoying some cocktails), is offering their kits online now! There’s some perfect Father’s Day gifts (looking at you 6-pack holder) but if your house is like mine, you’ll get a lot of use out of their bottle opener kit.
$39 - Available on DIYbar.co
For the competitive spirit:
Made by design duo Jolie Mae Signorile and Gabriel Fredericks, it’s no wonder that this is the most stunning bocce ball set we’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s so pretty that you’ll want to keep it on display and you’ll always be ready for some good, old-fashioned fun that the whole family can get in on.
$150 - Available on Food52.com
For the not-so-handy man:
If you’re sick of looking at crooked pictures in your house, this is going to rock your world. This simple tool is designed to mark exactly where the nail goes and saves your walls from unnecessary holes and scratches.
$16- Available on HomeDepot.com
For the mixologist:
Bitters is the secret from turning a drink from drab to fab! This gift-ready kit comes in a beautiful gift box, but the sturdy wood case (included) lets you take the show on the road and earn some serious bar cred at your next speakeasy night.
$140 - Available on Etsy.com
For the Work From Home Uniform:
Pretty sure that dads are rocking gym clothes more now (excuse me, I mean “work clothes”) thanks to working from home. And if your guy’s gym attire could use a little upgrade, these shirts from Patagonia have those old Hanes Beefy-T’s beat. They provide 50+ UPF sun protection and odor control, and if you’re still not sold (odor control alone is a good enough reason for me) they’re made with 50-100% recycled fabric.
$45 - Available on Patagonia.com
For the Dad Bod:
Accessorize your man’s home gym with some TRX straps. Hang them under a patio or deck for some outdoor fitness action. Bonus, the kids will love to swing on them too.
$130 - Available on Amazon.com