Esquire’s ultimate Father’s Day gift guide
Whether you're shopping for new dads, runners, amateur chefs, grooming junkies or watch lovers, here, we've picked out the best gifts for every dad
THINKING ABOUT what to buy Dad can often leave you rubbing your chin. And if your fatherly figures are anything like ours, all we’re left with is a ‘I don’t really need anything’. Although these are mere breadcrumbs to follow, experience has taught us that Father’s Day is a prime time to take stock of what Dad does need. Are his trainers run into the ground? Is he running low on his favourite perfume? Perhaps it’s time to upgrade his Garmin? Being aware of these things pays off, and steering him in a better direction with an upgrade – even when he doesn’t know he needs it – goes a long way, too.
At Esquire, we’ve curated a bumper list of what any dad may actually need (or want). From new dad essentials, to accessories for the golfers out there, the best new men’s fragrances and even luxe gifts, we like to think of surprising Dad as a sport in itself.
Esquire’s Father’s Day gift top picks:
For first time dads: The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Fatherhood, Love and Raising Great Kids by Ryan Holiday
For golfers: Adidas Stan Smith Golf Shoes
For runners: Asics Gel-Kayano 31
Best luxury gift: Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Shorts
For grooming: Chanel Boy de Chanel Fortifying Gel Moisturiser
Best cooking gift: Ooni Koda 2 Max Gas Powered Pizza Oven
Best perfume: Dior Sauvage Eau Forte
Best watch: Zenith Elite Moonphase
Best alcoholic gift: Ardbeg Anthology 14yo ‘The Unicorn’s Tale’
Best Father’s Day gifts for first time dads
The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Fatherhood, Love and Raising Great Kids by Ryan Holiday
A child doesn’t come with a manual, unfortunately. Following in the same vain as his bestseller The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday writes notes of wisdom and guidance on modern parenting and its challenges, and being the best role model possible – written in bite-size sections for easy morning or evening reading.
Bode Laundry Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Canvas Tote Bag
Dad should also have a baby bag. Crafty American label Bode’s ‘laundry’ bag is spacious and insider-fashion-enough to carry nappies incognito.
UE Boom 3 Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker
As someone with many nieces and nephews, I’ve seen what happens when you don’t have the correct portable sound system to blast the nursery rhyme du jour. This powerful model from UE Boom is great for Dad’s me-time, too.
Birkenstock Boston Mules
Efficiency means something completely different when you’re a new father, but you shouldn’t sacrifice style. Made of smooth calfskin leather, slippages can be easily wiped off with the Birkenstock Bostons.
Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Twill Ball Cap
Committing to the Dad uniform means a baseball cap is essential. Embroidered with the iconic Polo Bear, this cap from Ralph Lauren adds a playful and sporty touch.
Therabody Theragun Prime Percussive Therapy
Being a new Dad can be tense stuff. This model from Therabody is sleek and powerful, but updated with a quieter delivery.
Best Father’s Day gifts for golfers
Mr Golf Personalised Leather Golf Glove
Getting gear personalised isn’t just a neat novelty, it also reads as being a serious, dedicated player.
P. Johnson Forest Long Sleeve Pique Polo
Part of their lifestyle wear range, Australian label P. Johnson designs with practicality and style in mind. Their long sleeve pique polo is excellent for the course, using cotton fabric woven in Japan.
Adidas Stan Smith Golf Shoes
Modelled after its iconic sneaker, this sport-specific Stan Smith is adapted for the fairway.
Best Father’s Day gifts for runners
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar Black
The latest iteration in the Forerunner lineup, Garmin watches are for the runners who want to be ahead of the curve. Built for 49 hours of battery life, another key feature to the update analyses heart and pace rate variability in real time.
Asics Gel-Kayano 31
If you’ve noticed Dad’s running shoes have been run into the ground, consider gifting him a fresh pair with this model from Asics. Designed for stability and support, the Gel-Kayano 31 will take him even further.
Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep
Wearing running shades even when you’re not running has been the latest style move. Either way, getting them from Oakley is the no-brainer for style and durability.
Best fashion Father’s Day gifts
R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boot
A pair of R.M. Chelsea boots is a staple for a lot of Australian men. This new release from the brand cuts a much more refined profile with a chisel square toe.
Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Shorts
Summer is just around the corner, meaning getting Dad a fresh pair of swim shorts for the season isn’t a bad idea. In a gold-tone rose print, it’s a rich contrast against the crystalline shade of Australian beaches.
Haydenshapes LS Double Layer Wave Seam Shirt
From the latest collection of designer Hayden Cox‘s Haydenshapes, the brand’s ready-to-wear works in a synergy of streetwear staples and oceanic motifs – seen here in the raw edged waves running down the layered sleeves – to great effect.
Loewe x On Running Cloudventure Running Shoe
The most-talked about sneaker collab of the year, Swiss On Running’s Cloudventure shoes get Loewe-ified.
Van Heusen Linen Chore Jacket
Chore jackets aren’t just a staple for chillier seasons. Cut from a cotton and linen blend, Van Heusen has crafted a lightweight version for the warmer months ahead.
Christian Dior Saddle Card Holder
A subtler design, that little dip in the front card slot recalls the shape of Dior’s iconic Saddle bag.
Montblanc Meisterstück Leather Briefcase
Designed with old-world European charm, Montblanc’s Meisterstück briefcase celebrates the brand’s centenary. Spacious enough for a 13-inch laptop, that extra dedicated front pocket nods to vintage pen pouches. This one’s for the purists.
Zegna Oasi Cashmere Alba Overshirt
As we find ourselves in transitional seasons, an overshirt is that perfect in between. And in cashmere, the Oasi overshirt from Zegna is cut for the causal dad.
Boss Gary Italian-Made Trainers
A smart causal design with the concealed eyestay, it’s crafted in leather and suede for extra refinement.
Best Father’s Day gifts for grooming
Chanel Boy de Chanel Fortifying Gel Moisturiser
For when it gets warmer, a gel moisturiser is a great texture option for light hydration that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. From the Boy de Chanel range, this moisturiser also packs hyaluronic acid for intense hydration.
Aesop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet
Dads can be stubborn when they want to stick to products they’ve used for ages. A gentle nudge in the right direction goes a long way. Formulated to hydrate and smooth, its woody, warm and spicy scent profile makes for an elevated departure from a supermarket pickup.
Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser 200ml
Everyone should have a facial cleanser (bars of soap don’t count). Australian brand Grown Alchemist’s cleanser is suited for all skin types for a thorough clean without disrupting the skin’s natural hydration barrier.
Mr Smith Comb
A neat tortoiseshell-pattern wide-toothed comb instantly brings style into the daily routine.
Aesop Rousing Rhythms Body Care Kit
Packed with a body cleanser, exfoliant and moisturiser, this kit from Aesop’s Geranium Leaf range is a step-by-step body care essential.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum 30ml
If acne and ageing are a concern for Dad, this serum from SkinCeuticals will level up the routine. With ingredients to keep the skin plump against fine lines, it’s also formulated to reduce acne and ward off hyperpigmentation before it sets in.
Best cooking Father’s Day gift
Ooni Koda 2 Max Gas Powered Pizza Oven
This is the sleekest looking pizza oven out there. With a 24-inch cooking area, it’s spacious enough for up to three 10-inch pizzas to cook simultaneously.
Best alcoholic Father’s Day gifts
Ardbeg Anthology 14yo ‘The Unicorn’s Tale’
The Ardbeg Anthology 14yo ‘The Unicorn’s Tale’ is a standout choice for a Father’s Day gift that will impress even the most discerning of whisky connoisseur dads. Matured for 14 years in aromatic Madeira and classic bourbon casks, this whisky is the second edition in the esteemed Ardbeg Anthology Collection and boasts a complex flavour profile inspired by the mythical and rarely seen Islay Unicorn.
Just like the legend, The Unicorn’s Tale is a rare breed, beginning with a sweet, inviting character but soon revealing a smoky – some would say sinister – twist. This dram is where peat meets sweet, with notes of syrupy sponge pudding and tropical baked fruits as well as peat smoke, cedarwood, and camphor. Ultimately, The Unicorn’s Tale represents the qualities that gave Ardbeg it’s renown – it’s the sweetest, deepest and most well-balanced of all the Islay malts, which is why it’s won a host of awards: at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition it won the double gold medal, while at the 2024 International Spirits Challenge, it took home gold, too.
Dad can enjoy this exquisite dram neat, on the rocks, or with a drop of water, allowing its intricate flavours to fully develop. He’ll be satisfied either way though, with a Father’s Day gift to savour.
Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old
If you’re after a Father’s Day gift for a dad that admires tradition, craftsmanship and modern elegance, look no further than the Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old whisky. This classic single malt is the cornerstone of the Glenmorangie range and is renowned for its refined, floral spirit.
Crafted with exacting precision, the Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old is produced by combining the delicate spirit from Scotland’s tallest stills with first and second fill American white oak ex-bourbon casks. This process results in a whisky that is both light and complex, perfect for any occasion. Whether your dad prefers to enjoy his whisky neat, on ice, or in a cocktail, this versatile number will always deliver.
Whispers within the whisky community suggest that the Glenmorangie Original icon will soon transition from a 10-year-old to a 12-year-old expression, allowing Glenmorangie to further refine the famous house flavour. For the dads who have a special place in their heart for the 10-year-old version, this is the year to secure a bottle before it becomes a cherished memory.
Personalised Moët Impérial
A bottle of the French house’s most iconic Champagne is one thing. But one with a personalised message? That’s a drop Dad will never forget. Add your note when you order, and the bottle will arrive perfectly inscribed.
Travla retro cooler
If he’s the kind of Dad who enjoys boating, camping and fishing, he needs a good cooler to keep his cans frosty. This one by Aussie beer brand Travla, which is made in the country from 100 percent Australian ingredients, fits 12 cold ones. You could even give it to Dad fully stocked with the brand’s low-cal lager.
NON3 Toasted Cinnamon and Yuzu
Looking for a light, non-alcoholic option for Father’s Day lunch? Non’s toasted cinnamon and yuzu is a bright and tart wine that pairs well with seafood in warmer weather.
Best frangrance Father’s Day gifts
Dior Sauvage Eau Forte 100ml
An alcohol-free addition to Dior’s iconic Sauvage fragrance, the Eau Forte use of water treads new fresh and spicy olfactory territory. Dior perfume creative director Francis Kurkdijan is the mind behind this innovative formulation.
Montblanc Legend Blue 100ml
An elegant yet powerful scent profile of sandalwood, lavender and moss, Montblanc Legend Blue is a fresh choice for the summer.
Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF 100ml
A bold, woody and aromatic fragrance, its notes of bergamot and orange are ideal notes to switch up the masculine scent profile.
Best watches for Father’s Day gifts
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic
As long as you don’t mind your dad being the most stylish timekepeer in the household, a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a great gift for a smartwatch enthusiast. The Galaxy Watch6 offers enhanced visuals and clear motion graphics on a larger display and thinner bezel. Not only that, the watch’s sapphire crystal glass is designed to withstand daily wear and tear, so even the most care-free of dads will have trouble damaging it.
Zenith Elite Moonphase
A slim watch with a round face, the Elite Moonphase is an elegant timepiece with a blue alligator leather strap. Performance being key for Zenith, the watch has a 50 hour power reserve with its automatic winding mechanism.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
If Dad is feeling the post-Olympic blues, mark Australia’s most successful Olympics with Omega’s commemorative Seamaster Diver. Crafted with a stainless steel case and 18K moonshine gold, the watch is also fitted with a laser-structured diving scale in positive relief. Omega is the official Olympic timekeeper, after all.
Cartier Tank Must Large
The iconic rectangular watch face makes it one of Cartier’s famed and coveted pieces. It’s a model particularly favoured among creative types, famously worn by Rudolph Valentino in his 1921 film, The Sheik. Historically inaccurate for the film’s period, the Tank is no less steeped in history.
Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Related:
The best men’s skincare brands to use in 2024
8 of the tastiest Australian-owned beers