15 gift ideas for Father’s Day

The 21st-century father is versatile, complicated and encompasses far more than the tropes of nuclear dad, handyman dad or firmly-planted-on-the-couch-or-at-the-braai dad, to the benefit of us all. This Father’s Day, we should celebrate the men in our lives by gifting them goodies that defy stereotypes and contribute to improving their wellness, their spaces and their quality of life.

This list of gifts, as random as it might seem, aims to cater to all the facets of the modern man. Fathers can be rugged, sensitive, fashionable and cringeworthy, all at once, and these gifts aim to make June 19 a day about him and the different roles he plays.

 Mami Wata Neo-Animism fragrance — R1,500

Mami Wata, a Cape Town brand now available globally, has recently released a premium cologne that highlights notes of green bar soap and the minerals of our coast. The uniquely SA scent is a considered and memorable gift that will conjure memories of nostalgia and comfort.

 The Field Trousers — R2,100

Cut from heavyweight cotton twill and featuring two side cargo pockets and a military-inspired silhouette, the Field Trousers are the perfect combination of form and function. Fields, a local brand, has pioneered the multiple identities of masculinity and these pants are the perfect fashion partner for all responsibilities and demands.

 Birkenstock Bostons — R3,199

The Birkenstock Boston has become a pandemic-era it-shoe with its all-year versatility and comfort. At home lounging on the couch or out meeting friends, The Boston can be worn almost everywhere and in all conditions.

 Personalised Rémy Martin XO — R2,899

Rémy Martin XO brandy is made from the most prestigious Cognac vineyards: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Celebrate the ageing potential of the cognac (and your dad), the intricacies and the in-jokes of your relationship with a personalised engraving that is available in-store (Johannesburg and Pretoria) or online.

 Skoon WOW-WOW WONDER 3-Hyaluron Face Serum — R949

You have given your father smile lines and frown lines, hopefully more of the former, so treat his skin to a serum that will brighten up his face. This water-based serum is fortified with a trio of hyaluronic acid molecules, buchu and vitamin C to ensure moisture and even skin.

 Batela Rioja Jacket — R 3,360

This classic rain jacket is perfect for outdoor events, the golf course and baby showers alike. Available in red, steel blue, yellow, navy and khaki, the jacket is as utilitarian as it is stylish.

 H&M Yay Abe — Available in store

Cape Town-based illustrator Russell Abrahams has used his unique and playful designs in a collaboration with H&M. The Yay Abe collection is inspired by the reciprocation of appreciation and gratitude — a perfect gift for a relationship of mutual respect and understanding.

 Scotch & Soda pleated linen and viscose suit — R5,299 + R2,999

No-one thinks of themselves as old and boring, even if they are. This suit by the Amsterdam label is imbued with energetic youth and will guarantee your father gets invited to gallery openings and whisky tastings.

Overalls

Forget aprons — dungarees are the perfect middle ground between the kitchen, garden and construction yard. Workwear staple Carhartt and Cape Town cool-kid brand Artclub have overalls that are as perfect for DIYing and cooking as they are for a Sunday brunch picnic.

 Carhartt WIP Bib Overall — R2,499

Artclub & Friends Mileage Natural Dungaree — R1,599

Bang & Olufson Beosound Explore — R4,599

The Beosound Explore is a rugged and waterproof Bluetooth speaker that allows music to score any experience. It comes in five colours and is the perfect addition to any weekend or outdoor adventure, home entertainment, shower singalong or office slog.

 Courvoisier XO — R2,899.95 (available from liquor stores)

The XO is the signature of the master blender, a full expression of the full aromatic complexity of cognac with a selection of eau de vie, aged from 11 to 25 years. The finished product is a flavourful, velvety drink to be enjoyed at the most prestigious of bonding occasions.

 Thule gauntlet sleeve — from R1,199

Laptops have become far more aesthetic than the tanks of yesteryear, yet sleek frames and infinity-pool glass screens have made them far more vulnerable. Thule’s moulded sleek sleeve, in blue, red, and black, protects laptops and comes in various sizes.

 Converse x Rick Owens TURBOWPN CX Mid — R2999

The Prince of Darkness’s ongoing collaboration with Converse has transformed another classic, breaking convention in a showcase of subversive fashion. These shoes reek of coolness and are much more discerning than a Porsche as a midlife crisis, so gift your dad some swagger to bring back his youthful rebellious streak.

 Jekyll & Hyde large cabin holdall — R7,649

This two-tone overnight bag can be used for a weeklong adventure, a romantic getaway and everything in between. Locally made from the finest leather, this holdall is guaranteed to be passed down to you, so consider this gift as a long-term investment.

 Montblanc Meisterstück Glacier collection — from R4,700

The Meisterstück Glacier pens evoke the awe-inspiring beauty of the icy landscape of glaciers. Every nib is engraved with the Mont Blanc Mer de Glace dragon, and blue-grey, white tones and an original engraving resemble the refraction of light when hitting ice crystals. To enhance you dad’s glacial experience, the pens can be paired with a matching notebook, ink bottle and even a range of gorgeous bags and watches. Free personalisation is offered for Father’s Day.

 *Apartment Done In Straight Lines — R1,490

Johannesburg’s *Apartment offers local scents encompassing all aspects of modern living. Done In Straight Lines is a clean and dry fragrance evoking dry woods, a dash of pepper and a trail of deep greenery.