From watches to whisky, these are the best gifts for Father’s Day 2023
Whether he’s looking to upgrade his cocktail-making cabinet or boost his grooming game, these are some of the finest tokens of appreciation to give this year…
Father’s Day offers up a tricky gift-giving scenario – not quite as important as a birthday, but not so insignificant that you can get by with a card and a present of a slapdash nature. Thankfully, Gentleman’s Journal is on hand, as we’ve trawled the length and breadth of the internet to discover the products that hit that thoughtful-and-useful sweet spot. So, whether your old man – or the father figure in your life – wants to turbocharge his style creds, elevate his grooming gear or needs to add another libation to the cabinet, here are the best ideas to consider…
New Threads
If we’re going off stereotypes, fashion and style likely aren’t your father’s strong suits (although, if he’s of a certain trimly tailored generation, he probably has a couple of strong suits). Thankfully, Father’s Day affords us all an opportunity to whip his wardrobe into slick, sophisticated shape.
We’d begin with a versatile piece that will work all year round in Britain’s erratic climes, such as this fleece vest, from Canada Goose, which is crafted from recycled wool and bio-based fibres and is ideal to wear under a mac throughout the darker months, or over a lightweight jumper during those grey summer days. If he’s looking for a travel essential, there are few more easygoing off-duty options than Luca Faloni’s signature ‘Portofino’ linen shirt. Then, for a solid baseline, consider these twill trousers by Westley Richards, which are appropriate for both the city and countryside.
On the Clock
Now we move on to the bigger budget items. A watch may usually be reserved for milestone birthdays or anniversaries, but there’s something sentimental about presenting your father with the gift of time — especially when the wrist armour is as sleek and coveted as the below.
Tudor’s ‘Ranger’ is an excellent starting point, with its failsafe, please-all steel case and beautiful black dial that showcases vintage-style numerals. From Vacheron Constantin comes the slim, manual-winding ‘Patrimony’, whose throwback aesthetic takes it cues from the brand’s 1950s models, and is done out in an elegant 18K pink gold. We’re also big fans of this pared-down piece by Nomos Glashütte – we’re especially drawn to the two red dots that indicate the current date, a feature that adds a subtle touch of interest.
One for the road
A more classic Father’s Day gift, a sophisticated bottle of something strong is a clichéd present for a reason – yet, rather than swinging by the supermarket and picking up a bargain bottle the day before, try to put a bit of thought into what he’d actually want.
If he’s a martini man, try this punchy offering from Monkey 47, an offbeat gin from the Black Forest, Germany, that draws upon 47 different botanicals during distillation. Or, if he leans towards the brown stuff, we’ve taken a particular liking to Aberlour’s ‘A’bunadh’, a Scotch whisky heavy in notes of raisin and homemade fruit cake. For wine connoisseurs, reach for Nyetimber’s Blanc de Blancs, which features a taste of lemon sherbet and honeysuckle.
Prim and Proper
Despite what old-school thinking may say, Father’s Day was made for relaxing and pampering, especially given that this is an occasion for the man who’s put in the hard yards over the years (and will likely need a little rebooting when it comes to his skin- and haircare needs).
Dr Sebagh’s ‘Vital Cream’ – a lightweight slick formulated with anti-ageing peptides – is a subtle choice if your dad’s years are showing. Equally, if time is taking its toll on top, try this ‘Thickening Shampoo, made by Salt Grooming and chock full of organic actives and aminos to boost hair on a cellular level. If in doubt, go for an all-time-classic spritz – we often fall back on Floris’s ‘No. 89 Eau De Toilette’, which sings with rich aromas of bergamot and orange.
It’s All in the Details
Then, of course, if you happen to have already clocked up a fine suite of big-ticket presents for him over the years, a well-crafted accessory – one that is elegant in design, dials in on practicality, and can slip seamlessly into his lifestyle – makes for an extremely nifty present.
Bags are often a reflection of one’s personality and deeper tastes, so it’s an area that’s tricky to navigate – yet, all things considered, ‘The Large Cargo’, by Bennett Winch, has a colour palette and classic detailing that makes it universally appealing. With the summer months ahead, a season-appropriate suede belt – namely the below, by Aurélien – will add texture and verve to his hot-weather getup. Equally, some classic frames – such as the ‘Donegal’, by TBD Eyewear – will elevate his style and keep his peepers protected not only for the coming season, but for the years ahead.
Want more style suggestions? These are the slip-on shoes you’ll be wearing all summer long…
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