June brings Father's Day and graduations—and trying to find the right gift for either can sometimes turn from fun to chore. We want to help bring the joy back!
History of Father's Day
The third Sunday in June is Father's Day throughout the U.S. and even in many European countries. It’s an old holiday. As early as the Middle Ages, Catholics across Europe celebrated St. Joseph's Day, in honor of the Earthly father of Jesus, on June 19th. That evolved into a day honoring all fathers. The holiday didn't become a celebration in the U.S. until 1972 when Richard Nixon signed a law recognizing the third Sunday in June as an official holiday.
Types of Gifts for Dads
Father’s Day celebrates the relationship between fathers and their children (and grandchildren). Perhaps the best gifts somehow relate to your relationship with your father, grandfather or even significant other as the father of your children. Gifts that mean something to the giver and the recipient best convey that celebration. However, that meaning is extremely personal. What works for one person might not work for another.
Gifts, especially those from young children to their fathers, might be homemade. They can be something that honors a favorite pastime, or perhaps you might want to give the gift of time. In a recent YouGov poll, dads across America ranked what they want for Father’s Day:
- A card
- A special day with the family
- Clothing
- Something homemade
- Tools
- Electronics
- Hobby Items
Other items included a certificate for a unique experience, a keepsake gift and jewelry.
Graduations Galore
June also brings graduations. From kindergarten to middle school, high school and college to graduate school, there seem to be a lot of graduation invitations flying around in June. Do you need to buy a graduation present for everyone?
The answer is complicated. If you received an announcement, a gift is not necessary. However, if you receive an invitation to a party or ceremony, giving some gift is proper etiquette. But you should consider your relationship with the graduate and the graduate’s age.
High School Graduates
While you probably won’t be obligated to gift a child graduating kindergarten or elementary school (unless you’re the parent or a proud grandparent), most high school seniors appreciate a gift.
For high school graduates, money is always appreciated, but if you prefer to give gifts, you might consider:
- Gift cards to national or online stores
- Gift cards to national restaurant chains
- Travel items, from suitcases to backpacks
- Technology gifts from computers to headphones or Bluetooth speakers
- Subscriptions to streaming services
- Items for a new dorm, such as mini-fridges, toaster ovens or tableware
College Graduates
As with high school graduates, focus on the graduate’s needs. For many college graduates, they will be setting up a first apartment or moving cross-country to take a job. While money is always welcome, you can also find gifts that help them transition from student to working adult. Think about:
- A beautiful pen or portfolio to make a great first impression
- A journal to document the adventures
- Gift certificates for nights out, a celebratory dinner or even season tickets to something in their new locale
- Items for their new homes or gift cards to national stores
Whatever gift you choose, ensure that you think about what the recipient wants and values more than what you want to give. Here are a few of our favorite items for dads and grads.
Gifts for Dad
When looking for the right gift for the dads in your life, look for something that suits them. We recommend these fun gifts, many ideal for the active men in our community. Don’t forget to pair the present with family time to relax and enjoy the day.
Bad Birdie Golf Polo
$72
Faber-Castell Ambition Deep Water Pen
$100 Pen | $85 Ballpoint
Curtiss 1 Luxury Motorbike
$83,333
Eros by Versace
$59 - $135
Love Letter Blanket
$159
Stewart Golf R1-S
$229
Royal Albartross Kingsman Golf Shoes
$280
Mesmerizing Desktop Art
$89.95+
La Jolla Sea Cave Trip
$64+
Gifts for Grads
Making that big transition, from high school to college or from college into the "real world," is cause for celebration. Here are a few of our favorite gifts for those graduates in your life.
Kaweco Iridescent Pearl Fountain Pen
$26
Topless Bedding Set
$207+
Magic Weighted Blanket
$190
Phoenix-based XP LITE eBike
$799
Mini Diamond Pave Heart Necklace
$530+
BeauTiFuL Roller Skates
$189.95
FOTILE ChefCubii Combo Oven
$499
Convertible Tech Backpack
$119.99
Self-charging headphones
$199
