Our Father’s Day Gift Guide 2012; Proving Dad is Easy to Shop For

[Patagonia Lightweight Travel Duffel Gear Bag, $69]

He may not wear a cape, but he’s super. Ok, I paraphrased something I read on a card, but still, you don’t have to be a daddy’s girl to spoil him rotten this Father’s Day! June 17th is not so far off, so think of all that dad has sacrificed for you: dance recitals, tea parties, games of Pretty Pretty Princess… yeah, he’s a good guy. Now, show dad how much you love and appreciate him with a gift that is as clever and as fun-loving as dad himself. Let’s shop our 12 picks for our Father’s Day Gift Guide 2012!

The furthest thing from a man-purse, this Patagonia duffel (above) will accommodate any active dad’s lifestyle. There is enough space and compartments to last him for days, and the bag still stuffs into its own pocket! We love that the handles can be made into a backpack as well-GENIUS!

[Winston Revolver Black Sunwear via Warby Parker, $95 for non-prescription]

These shades tie in “60s cool with 21st century bold”. Dad will look Ryan-Gosling-adorable when golfing and grilling, and you can probably even borrow these! Plus, Warby Parker’s mission is to give a pair to someone in need, for every pair that is sold; now that’s something Dad will certainly appreciate!

[Jack Spade Stag Horn Bottle Opener, $110]

This Stag Horn bottle opener is a conversation-starter. Let Dad be the life of the party when he pulls this out of his back pocket. It’s hand-carved from deer antler; manly sophistication at its best.

[William’s Sonoma King Cube Silicone Ice Cube Trays, $15.95 for a set of 2]

Quite possibly my favorite from this list, these King Cube Silicone Ice Cube Trays make massive 2″ ice cubes to keep drinks colder longer. Watered down cocktails and brews are certainly party fouls! Plus, it’s super easy to freeze fruits, herbs, and citrus zests right into the ice. Dad can concoct his perfect flavor infusion-whether it’s iced mint tea or ginger beer and lime.

[Levi’s Made & Crafted One Pocket Shirt in Chambray Mist, $159]

Every man needs a classic shirt, however, this one is unique, and not just because it’s chambray. Levi’s Made & Crafted Line focuses on simple clothing with precise details. The weave on this shirt makes it look and feel like a piece he’s worn for years. 100% cotton and 100% cool.

[Nike Lightweight Hand Held Bottle, $17]

For his cardio workouts, Dad will enjoy having liquids close at hand, literally. This bottle is perfect for holding in either hand, and has a handy zip to stash keys (or other small items) as well. Simply give it a squeeze for a quick sip! At this price point, you can get him a great pair of workout shorts too.

[J.Crew Dean’s Repp-Stripe Tie, $59.50]

A tie is a go-to gift, but the blue hues bring this sunfaded version a step above the rest. The stripes are classic, but can be made more modern when paired with subtly patterned shirts. Style on gentlemen!

[Caputo & Co. Color Block Hand Stitched Bracelets, $20-50 each]

With their bracelets, belts and bags, you must acknowledge Caputo & Co. Made aware to me by the most stylish guy I know, Shane Glass, the International Fashion Director of Harper’s Bazaar, our hats are off to a brand who has resurrected the trite fashion terms like “heritage” and “sustainable,” particularly when it comes to body decoration.

[Monogrammed Grill Tools Set with Storage Case, $92]

Is Dad the BBQ king? If so, you have to admit that this set of stainless steel grilling tools are impeccably attractive, and he will love seeing his name on them. Monogrammed-anything becomes that much more personal; let the man of the house reign on.

[The Art of Shaving Lemon Pre-Shave Oil, $22]

He doesn’t have to love products to love this. The lemon scent of this pre-shave oil is invigorating, and extremely clean without being overpowering. He’ll be glad to kick off the shaving process with this softening and scented product.

[Laura Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken,” $15.34 at Barnesandnoble.com]

Recommended to me by my own dad, it would be wrong of me to pass over this book. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption, tells the inspiring true story of a man whose life is incomprehensibly sensational. This has the potential to bring a grown man to tears, or at the very least cause goosebumps.

[Sperry Topsider for J.Crew, $98]

The original boat shoe is THE ideal weekend shoe. Laid back, but still fashion-forward, we are a bit crazy about this reddish pair. The childlike energy of the shoe is perfect for the guy with the kid still within him.

[Titelist NXT Tour Golf Balls via golfballs.com, about $30-50]

I’ll admit it – I don’t know much about golf, but I sure know men who love it (men actually make up 80% of America’s golfers). Golf balls may not be the sexiest gift on this list, but personalized, high-performance balls just might up his game in the athletic pursuit of the alpha-males.

What are you planning to get the men in your life this year?

-Alana Quagliariello

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