Father’s Day Gift List (For Every Kind of Dad)

The New Gay Dad

Just like there’s every kind of gay, there’s every kind of gay dad. Unfortunately, every group also has its stereotypes. And thanks to Modern Family, every two-father family apparently consists of a couple of well-off suburbanites (one flamboyant, one slightly less so) and an adorably “exotic” child, adopted from a distant land. You think I’m joking? We have at least two friends who refer to our son as Lily. Mainly because they can’t remember his name, (it’s Jon) but still…

Certainly there are worse stereotypes to be had, but with Father’s Day coming up, I felt it was my duty to represent a wider array of gay daddies, so that not all of us end up with the same (high-end and fashion-forward) necktie.

For the Leather Daddy
The chaps and harnesses may be gathering dust, but leather-lovers can still look studly in these subtle — but still commanding — assortment of belts. Suitable for trips to the pediatrician or a (rare) night on the town.
Burberry    Bluefly    Nieman Marcus    ASOS

For the Foodie Father
Every Dad’s Day gift list has to include a grill, so why not show up the breeders with a tasty, tricked-out O-Grill 3000? This James Bond-sounding propane grill is compact, has a push-button igniter, and comes in six delicious colors. Pair it with an All-Clad BBQ tool set, and Dads will be serving it with style.
Travel Q Portable Grill, $199    All-Clad BBQ Tool Set, $119.95

For the Musical Daddy
Give your fave gay dads a handsome (and high-quality) way to drown out Elmo, SpongeBob or the Paw Patrol with a set of headphones or earplugs from Urbanears. Particularly nifty are the Bagis earplugs, as the earpieces snap together around your neck for when the kiddo needs to be heard. Four different models. Thirteen fabulous colors. Musical genius.
Available at Urbanears or Amazon, $40-$60

For the Jock Papa
Yes, Virginia, there are gay men who like sports. With these snazzy cufflinks Dad can simultaneously sport some style and his love of the game.
Hockey rink, $80    Repurposed classic baseball stadium seats, $160-190
Auto racing flags, $70 a pair    Reclaimed basketball court, $150

For the Green Dad
New dad? Eco-friendly dad? Done. Here’s a handy-dandy starter kit that includes an earthy-colored diaper bag made from 100% post-consumer water bottles, the smartly written and designed Baby Owner’s Manual for first-year maintenance and care, and a onesie for daddy’s budding localvore made of soft rayon fabric with bamboo.
Recycled Dad-To-Be Set, $98

For the Preppy Pop
Why should creepy pageant mommies and their unfortunate offspring be the only ones who get to wear matching outfits? Get these unbearably cute ties (either neck or bow) for Dads and Junior. Guaranteed to look smashing at Father’s Day brunch.
Littlest Prince Daddy & Me ties, prices range from $6.99 – $19.99

For the Mac Daddy
If your favorite dads are also Apple disciples, it will be hard finding them something i-related they don’t already own. But we think we’ve got it covered with these beautifully unique iPhone and iPad cases and skins from Grove. Handmade from leather or bamboo, these covers are ultra-thin, ultra-sturdy, and ultra-customizable. Or you can opt for one of the pre-designed cases from this creative company based in Portland, OR.
iPhone cases and iPad covers, starting at $60
iPad cases, starting at $99

For the Papa Bear
Whether you’re shopping for a scruffy hipster or an old-school daddy bear, nobody likes a rough patch on their papa. Beardsley’s beard shampoo & conditioner keeps dad’s beard soft and baby’s face razor-burn free. Tastes yummy, too!
Beardsley’s Beard Shampoo or Conditioner, $9.98 each

For the Sugar Daddy
So what do you get for the man who has everything? His youth! Appeal to his sense of nostalgia AND his sweet tooth (Sugar Daddy, get it?) with vintage candy. Bazooka, Bit-O-Honey, Mallo Cups, and tons more available from NostalgicCandy.com Buy in bulk or packaged in an Elvis lunchbox or Yellow Submarine tin.
NostalgicCandy.com, various

For the Doggie Dad
Not all babies are human, but they’re all adorable as hell. This collection of 51 Puppy Tricks is especially helpful for the single daddy looking to score a husband to help raise Spot. By this time next year they’ll be shopping from the rest of the list…
Amazon, $14.24

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