Unique Father’s Day Gift Ideas To Ensure Your Spot As The Favorite Child

Father’s Day is fast approaching — June 19 to be exact — and dads can be super tough to buy for (especially if your dad is like mine and works all the time, has no hobbies, has too many books that he hasn’t read and just doesn’t need any more clothing).

If you’re looking to spice it up this year, we’ve put together a list of some great companies — with a special focus on small businesses — to consider shopping from this year. 

READ MORE: Affordable Father’s Day Gifts For $100 or Less

“The pandemic has been incredibly tough on small businesses. Gift-giving holidays offer an ideal opportunity to show small businesses some love.” says Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at truetrae.com, a blog by Bodge with some great shopping tips. “Also, small boutiques and makers often have a unique selection of goods, so there’s a better chance of surprising and delighting Dad, rather than giving him the usual ‘#1 Dad’ mug or tee.”  

Here where we’re shopping for dad this year:

The Dad Shop

This one sort of explains itself. I got my husband a “00 Days Without a Dad Joke” candle last year, which got lots of laughs. Other gifts include  “Dad Bod” shirts, the “Dad-ISMS 2022 Day-to-Day” calendar, a “Dad Joke Fuel” coffee mug, and much more. 

The Grommet

This site features unique goods from small businesses. From cutting boards and whiskey sets to  tools for the grill or the big game,  this site is great for those “I never would have thought of that” kind of gifts.  

Social Print Studio

Social Print Studio offers all manner of photo products that you can create using your own pictures. The daily tear-off calendar allows you to load up to 365 pictures for a new special photo each day of the year, and the calendar is completely customizable. (I did this for my father for Christmas, and it has been a huge hit!)  I had to take a deep dive through my camera roll  to find enough pictures, but it’s been fun to see shots from experiences we haven’t thought of in years. 

The Vintage Gentleman 

The Vintage Gentleman shop describes itself as a shop for distinguished men, and after browsing for a bit, we agree. They offer rings, leather goods, knives and outdoor gear, a variety of things in the “whiskey barrel” collection, and in the “man cave” collection, and so much more. There are some truly unique items to peruse if your dad has a refined, quirky style. 

True Classic

Have you seen the ads about these shirts being like “a push up bra for men”? These shirts are all the rage — designed to fit men’s bodies by being tighter on the chest and arms and looser in the stomach. (Yes, these are the ones you’ve seen trending on Instagram, but your dad may be hesitant to pull the trigger on a purchase like this for himself.) The company offers a wide variety of colors and styles, and even if you’ve given your dad clothing before, keep True Classic in mind — it truly is a big step up in the plain T-shirt department. 

Homesick 

Candles may not be appealing to all dads, but Homesick recently released Star Wars-inspired scents that are sure to light up any man cave with some fun and inspiration. The scents were inspired by locations in the movies such as Tatooine, Endor, and the Death Star… There’s even a Grogu air freshener, (which you might just need for yourself.) Not only is this a great and unique gift for the nerd dad in your life, it’s probably one that will make mom pretty happy, too. 

Laurel Mercantile Co.

If your dad is into home renovation projects or obsessed with home renovation shows, the Laurel Mercantile Co. has items specifically curated by Ben and Erin Napier of the HomeTown renovation show, as well as items made by some of the local artists featured on the show. Maybe your dad fancies himself a woodworker, and needs a true Scotsman Co. apron or a set of Scotsman Co. coasters? There’s a lot to look at, and something may be just what you’ve been looking for. 

Etsy

Maybe you think of Etsy as the place for bridesmaid gifts and other female-driven arts and crafts, but we’re here to remind you that this site has anything and everything that you can think of. Makers from around the world — including woodworkers, blacksmiths and leather craftsmen — are all ready to whip up a one-of-a-kind gift that dad will not expect. Etsy is also good about providing holiday-specific gift inspiration, so even if you don’t have a clue what to get, take a look around. Think through your dad’s interests and give them a search. There’s no telling what will pop up.

Facebook Marketplace

Yes, you may know the Marketplace as a destination for used items, but many small businesses and makers showcase their wares on the platform as well. (Particularly those who are selling larger items that might not be so easy to ship if sold on another platform like Etsy or eBay.)  You can search for sellers in your area and arrange for quick and easy pickup of your gift. You may be turned onto some unique places and makers  in your community that you’re not even aware of. 

Amazon Handmade 

Yes, Amazon is definitely a place to shop from big brands, but Amazon Handmade is a new-ish destination on the site that highlights smaller merchants with handmade goods. A quick glance of products “For Him” shows a hardwood tortilla press, personalized leather valet trays and a custom engraved wooden watch… Check it out and see what you can find.

We hope this list inspires you to find that gift that’s “just right” for dad this year. Happy shopping!