What makes shopping for Father’s Day more difficult than Mother’s Day is that the gifts can be so boring. Dads are more likely to get golf balls or buzz saws than something really, well, fun.
For your last-minute needs, we’ve curated a list of 10 dad toys your pop definitely doesn't need -- but will love more than a new screwdriver.
Paul Smith shoe horn, $32
Is he the kind of guy who would never splurge on a high-end version of something everyone should own? Thrill him with this sleek metal shoe horn from British designer Paul Smith, in the label’s signature multi-colored stripe and smooth leather. He'll say "you shouldn't have," but really, he's saying you should. At paulsmith.co.uk
Bonobos Magic shorts, $75
No matter how old guys get, magic still thrills them. We love these swim shorts from Bonobos not only because they'll look good on just about any dad out there, but because when wet, the fabric reveals a fun summer print. At bonobos.com
Acqua di Parma Colonia deodorant, $34
There are things we don’t need or would ever buy ourselves but when gifted to us, we love -- like fancy schmancy deodorant. From high-end Italian beauty company Acqua di Parma, this smooth sweat-buster boasts a signature scent that is sweet and fresh. At $34 a pop, this is no drugstore stick, so better hope dad doesn’t get hooked. At nordstrom.com
Buck Stacking Game, $34
Dad may not have time for hunting these days, so get him this resin Buck Stacking Game. It comes with a buck bust and 30 additional antlers in assorted sizes. The point of the game is to stack up those antlers until they come tumbling down! It’s like Jenga but with an animal head so, therefore, exponentially more fun. And when no one is playing with it, the sleek white buck can double as a nifty decorative bust. At shop.gessato.com
The Simple Garden, $29.98
Right now there isn’t anything hotter than the farm-to-table restaurant craze. Make sure your dad is on-trend with his very own, super easy-to-use garden, where he can grow all the vegetables he wants. Doesn't get more local than your own windowsill. At thesimplegarden.com
Muji city in a bag, $14
It’s totally understandable if you can’t send your dad on an all-expense-paid trip to Paris. It’s a recession after all, and that Euro-to-dollar conversion is no joke. Muji’s City in a Bag is an adorable substitute. The bag contains mini wooden replicas of Paris’s most iconic buildings and features like the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur. Tokyo and New York bags are also available. At muji.us
Gerber Obisidian knife, $37.99
Dads love pocket knives. And you just never know when he’s gonna need it: there might be a bear run-in while camping or a bottle of beer that needs opening. This sharp, fine-edge knife is ideal for those things and more. At gerbergear.com
LEGO Lamborghini Polizia, $59.99
Oh, the legendary Lamborghini Gallardo -- what would it be to own one? It's probably not going to happen. But with this LEGO set, dad can build his own small-scale replica of the beloved Italian police ride. At lego.com
Does your dad love whiskey? Pair these beauties with the pricey bottle he'll never buy for himself. The non-porous whiskey stones will cool but won’t dilute drinks when chilled. At madmuseum.org Want more great drinking gadgets? Click here.
In the age of Xbox and Wii, when you don’t even need a controller to play, it’s easy to forget the joy of a joystick. With this easy-to-use kit, dad can have an old-school flashback. Play 12 throwback favorites like Pac-Man and Galaga just by plugging the teeny system into any TV. At fredflare.com
