Though it only became an official holiday in 1972, the annual celebration of Father's Day in the U.S.—which takes place on the third Sunday in June—was born in Spokane, Washington, long before that. In 1910, to be exact, when Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by a widower, set out to establish an official equivalent to Mother's Day for male parents.
Around the world, Father's Day festivities occur throughout the year, like the second Sunday of August in Brazil, where St. Joachim, the father of Mary, is said to be the inspiration for the holiday. In Thailand, it's celebrated on the December birthday of the widely admired King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Everyone wears yellow to commemorate the day. And in Germany, on Ascension Day, a tradition is honored celebrating fathers by organizing hikes and other gatherings—and supplying the men with a hefty stock of food and alcohol. Although American Father's Day customs center on showering Dad with gifts, that wasn't always a welcomed tradition. In fact, pushback against the custom of gift-giving is one of the primary reasons why Father's Day wasn't declared a national holiday until the 1970s.
Times have changed and now Father's Day is the ideal time to butter up your favorite guy with special something that's quintessentially him. He'll flip for a shiny new copper grill, hand-crafted gin, and a cozy alpaca throw for lazy Sundays.
Read on for more of our gift ideas for the father figures in your life.
Related: 29 Handmade Gifts That Will Make Dad Feel Extra Special This Father's Day
Complete with eight sturdy side compartments, this canvas tote has room for his essential gardening tools, from small shovels to secateurs.
Clink, then drink! Raise a glass of this whiskey blend, which delivers smooth spice and smoky warmth.
He's a grilling maestro, so he's always looking for upgraded recipes and better methods. Martha provides both in this cookbook.
Dad will be able to rock out to his favorite tunes with this studio-sound quality speaker. With three high-excursion woofers, the humidity resistant device is tuned to perfection, meaning his music will always sound just the way it should.
The oven hits a scorching 950 degrees and delivers a perfectly charred, crisp, puffy-edged, bubbly—we could go on—pie in minutes.
Head to his favorite local brewery with this pressurized growler, which keeps craft beer fresh for up to two weeks.
He'll deftly man the pit with this fire tool set: The poker, shovel, and tongs have long, bamboo-covered handles that won't overheat.
Group-gift the glowy copper Weber Genesis II E-315, which has tapered burners to nix hot spots and smart grates that stop flare-ups.
Make like Manet and dine sur l'herbe. This tartan picnic blanket has a plush twill weave and waterproof backing.
Pruning is easy on the hands with Martha Stewart secateurs, which stow safely in a leather holster.
Lightweight, crazy-soft shorts effortlessly transition from working out to hanging out.
He'll take this cooler everywhere, whether he's on the road or on the water.
Inspire a great adventure with the first two Wildsam National Park Field Guides, filled with fascinating ranger stories, historical tidbits, and expert planning tips.
This deck of cards features nature images by illustrator Travis Pietsch and comes in a travel-friendly wooden case.
Just the pour for dinner on the back deck: a bold red or crisp rosé from this grilling-centric pack from Martha Stewart Wine Co.
Help him prepare for that future trip abroad with this suitcase-friendly fedora, which comes in all kinds of colorways (we're partial to Coffee!).
If he's an avid birdwatcher, he'll appreciate this Art Deco-inspired bird feeder made from teak and powder-coated aluminum. He can hang it from the porch or stake it into the ground (it comes with a pole).
A smooth army-green cover, linen spine, and contrast stitching give this notebook—which he'll use to list his favorite plants' watering schedules or track the stats of his fantasy baseball team—a vintage vibe.
If he's ready to level up his vegetable patch's irrigation game, gift him this drip tape kit; it gives budding veggies a regular, but controlled water source.
If he's a mountain man, rain or shine, he'll appreciate these waterproof hiking boots, which will get him from base camp to his destination sans wet socks.
Bonfire, meet your match. This kindling crate will have his blazes—a must in this time of outdoor gatherings—up and roaring in no time.
His first day back in the office calls for a wardrobe upgrade. We like this tie's vibrant hues for spring and summer.
His 8 a.m. cup of coffee will never go cold again, thanks to this smart mug. He can set the controlling temperature down to
Distilled with juniper, lavender, and lingonberries, Monkey 47 gin makes a crisp botanical cocktail.
Crafted from soft Vachetta leather, this oxblood-toned case will (stylishly) keep eyewear protected.
The raw brass finish on this pen will develop a unique patina over time. Until then, use it to write upside down, under water, and in extreme temperatures from -30 to +250 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to its patented pressurized ink chamber.
Lazy days are made of these: A blend of cotton and bamboo, and a spa-like waffle weave design.
The Talented Mr. Fix-It needs a tool carrier as dashing as he is. Mi Cocina's strapping denim waist apron has compartments for all his DIY essentials.