Father’s Day Gift Guide: Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Your Dad

Credit: iStock / amveale

Skip the tie this year and give your dad something thoughtful for Father’s Day

Every dad or father figure deserves a little recognition on Father’s Day

But dads can be tough to buy for, so it’s tempting to reach for the obvious tie or socks-and-shirt combo. This year, opt for something a little more sophisticated, something that shows you took the time to come up with a thoughtful gift that dad will love. 

Here are some suggestions to get you thinking.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyard Oldfield Series ($250, each)

For the enophile, Tinhorn Creek has two beautifully packaged products that’ll make Dad swoon. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is located just south of Oliver in the famed Golden Mile wine-growing district. The winery uses sustainable practices to produce two levels of products; only worthy wines are selected each year for their top tier, the Oldfield Series, which is a creative showcase for the best wines from each vintage.

• Tinhorn Creek 3L Oldfield Series Merlot 2007 is displayed in a decorative wooden box with an etched label. The bottle is specially signed by Tinhorn Creek Vineyard’s winemaker, Sandra Oldfield. Only 50 of these are produced.
• Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Merlot six-bottle set of 2001 – 2006 vintages comes in a decorative wooden box with Tinhorn Creek Vineyard’s winemaker Sandra Oldfield’s signature. Only 100 of these are produced.

Jack Black “The Core” Collection Gift Pack ($59.50)

Jack Black (no, not the actor) is an upscale but no-nonsense skincare label for the guy’s guy. Using high-quality ingredients and modern technologies, Jack Black specializes in fast-acting, multi-functional, highly effective products for the modern man.

This three-piece gift pack features full-sized daily shaving and skin care essentials: Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser (88 ml) that is a toner and cleanser in one, to remove deep-down dirt and oil, leaving skin perfectly prepped for shaving; Beard Lube Conditioning Shave (88ml), a revolutionary pre-shave oil, shave cream and skin conditioner in one step; and the Double-duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 (97ml) for a lightweight daily facial treatment that provides moisture as well as UBA/B protection (because no guy will ever put on separate sunblock).

Available online and in store at Spa Boutique.

Victorinox Soldier Knife ($47)

Rugged, simple, dependable. These qualities describe the Soldier Knife from Victorinox, but if they describe your dad too, then he might appreciate this handy tool. Designed for the weekend adventurer, this little contraption will help you with everything from cutting up snacks for the kids to screwing shelving units together to carving pumpkins to sawing wood for the campfire. It has just the right amount of tools to make it essential without making it bulky or heavy.

Its ergonomic handle and multi-functional design makes it a necessity for any dad who always likes to be prepared. The one-hand locking blade ensures it’s always within easy reach, even while wearing gloves. As with all Swiss Army Knives, the Soldier Knife carries a lifetime warranty, stainless steel blades and unsurpassed Swiss-made quality and design.

Available at Mountain Equipment Co-op.

Grill Tool 4-Piece Set with Case ($144.95)

For the grilling dad, this beautiful set of tools will make cooking outdoors even more enjoyable. This set from Williams-Sonoma covers all the essentials for the outdoor cook: basting mop, fork, slotted spatula and tongs, all forged of durable stainless steel for years of successful grilling and barbecuing.

Tool handles are extra-long (17” to 18”) so Dad can keep his mitts safe from the heat. And even better, the tools stow away neatly in a storage case so they’ll never get lost in the clutter drawer.

Available online and in store at Williams-Sonoma.

Caffe Artigiano Gift Set ($59.99)

Perfect for the dad who needs an aromatic cup of caffeine to start his day, the Caffe Artigiano gift set includes two traditional cups (5oz.) and saucers and one pound of Caffè Artigiano Private Reserve Espresso. Help him brew the perfect cup of coffee at home by following Artigiano’s coffee preparation guidelines.

Available at Caffe Artigiano.

J. Crew Abingdon Messenger Bag ($114)

If your dad’s a guy on the go, try this messenger bag on for size. This super stylin’ bag features timeless design and made-to-last construction with rugged waxed cotton canvas, burnished leather trim and brass-finish hardware. The exterior pockets have hidden magnetic snaps for a clean look while the interior has both a zippered back pocket and front slip pockets (perfect for keeping his gadgets organized).

It’s roomy enough for a day’s worth of snacks, books, extra clothing and even diapers if need be. And with a shoulder strap that extends to 50″, it can be tossed over his shoulders, cross-body, so his hands are free.

Available online and in-store at J. Crew, in colours Deep Olive and Khaki (shown).

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa ($229+)

Take your dad for an unforgettable weekend of golf, wine tasting and relaxation at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, located in Canada’s only desert. Known for its pueblo-style architecture and luxurious amenities, Spirit Ridge is a true urban retreat overlooking kilometres of vineyards with views of sparkling Osoyoos Lake.

Treat your father to nine holes of golf for two at Sonora Dunes Golf Course and a wine tour for two at the renowned NK’MIP Cellars.

Starting from $229 per night (two night minimum) in a fully furnished one-bedroom suite. Visit Spirit Ridge for more details.