Is there anything more daunting than finding a cool gift—no ties, no grilling accessories—that your dad will love? Challenge accepted! We’ve curated a diverse selection of Father’s Day (June 17) gift ideas, all of which are designed or produced right here in our borough.
You can also shop Brooklyn at the first two stores we’ve profiled in our Shop of the Week series, Whisk (for dads who like to cook) and Gowanus Souvenir Shop (for dads who like to keep it weird). Know of any other great Brooklyn gift ideas people should hear about? Please share in comments. Happy Father’s Day, dear old dads!
If your dad could use new shades
Six-year-old Brooklyn Spectacles designs all its high-quality glasses in-house, like this Risky Business-esque pair called Billyburg Sun. $195, Brooklyn Spectacles, 209 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, 718-388-7088
If your dad’s ratty backpack makes you cringe
This sturdy cotton-canvas backpack, the Colby by State Bags, can double as a work bag, thanks to its professional-looking roll-top closure, padded laptop sleeve, and smart leather trim. Bonus: Scot and Jacq Tatelman, the Brooklyn husband-and-wife team who founded State, donate a bag to a child in need for each one you buy. $135, online
If your dad daydreams about the Wild West
Sagebrush, thyme, prairie switchgrass: This masculine scent, Cowboy Grass eau de parfum by D.S. & Durga, conjures up horseback gallops across great vistas. Made by cult perfumers David and Kavi Moltz. $155 for 50 ml., Twisted Lily, 360 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill, 347-529-4681
If your dad is the outdoorsy type
Designed in Dumbo by BioLite founders Jonathan Cedar and Alec Drummond, the petite-yet-powerful, self-charging SunLight is water resistant and burns for up to 50 hours, making it great for camping trips. $25, online
If your dad is the literary type
In the Distance, a sweeping tale of a 19th century Swedish immigrant—the first novel by Hernan Diaz, a Brooklyn Heights resident—has been named a 2018 Pulitzer finalist. $17, Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene, 718-246-0200
If your dad digs old-school soul
Amazingly, no one has penned a proper biography of the 1960s soul-music legend Otis Redding—until musician/writer and Williamsburg resident Jonathan Gould, that is. $17, Books Are Magic, 225 Smith St., Cobble Hill, 718-246-2665
If your dad digs old-school rap
…then the Boardwalk House Party in Coney Island will be his idea of heaven. Tone Loc, Kid ’n Play, Naughty by Nature, 2 Live Crew, and more will be performing at the new Ford Amphitheater (above), 3052 W. 21st St. at the Coney Island Boardwalk, on June 30. Available tickets start at $20; showtime is a dad-friendly 8 p.m. Phone: 718-954-9933
If your dad is a road warrior
He may be stuck working at a hotel in Dubuque, but your father will feel like he’s lounging on a Brooklyn rooftop when he lights this appropriately named soy candle: Rooftop, Saturday. Redolent of orange and gin, it’s packed in a lidded tin for easy transport. $14, Catbird, 219 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, 718-599-3457
If your dad enjoys a summertime gin
Grub Street recently named Williamsburg’s New York Distilling Co.–co-founded by Tom Potter, one of the guys behind Brooklyn Brewery–“the absolute best” distillery to visit in the city. You can’t go wrong with Perry’s Tot, a 114-proof (seriously) homage to a 19th century commander of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. $38 (currently on sale for $30) for 750 ml., Michael-Towne Wines and Spirits, Brooklyn Heights, 718-875-3667, and dozens of other Brooklyn shops
If your dad has a sweet tooth
Cacao Prieto founder Daniel Prieto Preston sources organic chocolate and sugar from his family’s farm in the Dominican Republic; these beautifully packaged spicy chocolate-covered roasted hazelnuts get whipped up in Red Hook. $12 per jar, Cacao Prieto, 218 Conover St., Red Hook, 347-225-0130
If your dad is addicted to NPR
Sure, this gift pokes gentle fun at the old man–but fans say that this stripped-down, battery-operated FM radio, pre-tuned to his favorite local station, delivers great sound. Created by Zach Dunham and Spencer Wright; made in Massachusetts and Brooklyn. $45, Uncommon Goods
If your dad is always late
Designed by Park Slope resident Neil Carpenter, this M1A Brooklyn Field Watch may seem pricey. But consider that it’s mechanical, not quartz, made from premium materials. According to Gear Patrol, it’s one of the best entry-level mechanical watches on the market. Carpenter Watches, $595, online
If your dad sports facial hair
The Ultimate Beard Lover’s Set from Brooklyn Grooming includes beard soap, oil, balm, and a beard comb in a leather sleeve. The packaging’s cool too: props to Brooklyn Grooming’s founder Mckenzie Santiago. $100, online
If your dad needs a hobby
Thanks to the simple directions, Dad will be quaffing the trendy-again beverage of the Founding Fathers in no time with this hard-cider making kit from Brooklyn Brew Shop. $40, Uncommon Goods, online
If your dad detests the Donald
Designed in Brooklyn, this stoneware Disappearing Civil Liberties Mug bears the Bill of Rights—until a hot beverage causes some of them to (poof!) vanish. $14, Uncommon Goods, online
If you just need a no-fail gift idea
Professional chef Will Griffin hand-forges these eight-inch carbon-steel knives at Supersmith, a cool co-working space for makers; their wares are sold at its in-house shop, a/k/a Shook & Co. (named after co-founder Natalie Shook). $100, 125 Dikeman St., Red Hook, 718-855-3439