These Popular Father’s Day Gifts Are Always a Hit

Over the past few years, I've been completing what I call Dad Gift Simplicity Theory. If you read other magazines' stories Father's Day gifts, they all make little quips like, "Not a bottle of whiskey in sight," or "No ties here," or "Skip the grill tools and get him something with swag." They've way overthought what guys want. Ask any man with kids what he wants this upcoming Father's Day, and it's going to be the classics: cool pants, a new jacket, or just a bottle of booze.

Men are complex. This whole magazine is about our weird fashion opinions, parenting decisions, and sports heroes. But as the shopping editor, I can speak with authority on what men want to buy. It's deceptively simple stuff.

Let's use my old man as an example. In the summer he's either at the bar or doing manual labor around the house. At the bar, I'd upgrade his oxford cloth button down to a breezy Ralph Lauren linen version. For working around the house, I'd replace his O'Keeffe's Working Hands with an all-natural lanolin balm that I think actually works better. Or since he'll be on the grill for Father's Day weekend, I'll get him some high-quality grill staples from Snake River Farms.

Your dad doesn't want to be put on the sneaker of the summer. He doesn't want "leveled up" gifts. He wants to hear the words, "I love you," and he wants something he'll use. First one is all you, but if you need help for the second, here are the best gifts you can buy.