We went straight to Katie for some gift-giving advice.
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You’d think shopping for your life partner would be easy — after all, you know his favorite podcast, his weird protein powder obsession, and that one sock brand he swears by. You can successfully pick out clothes for him when you’re shopping for yourself, or nab his favorite snacks on your grocery run. But when it’s packaged as a “gift,” shopping for him feels like an insurmountable challenge. Can you give him what he knows he likes and needs in a way that feels special and unexpected?
Maybe it’s time to get an outsider’s opinion. We turned to our head of state in gifting — someone who knows a thing or two about delighting her other half — for Father’s Day picks that are thoughtful, useful, and just the right amount of cool. From sleek tech to recovery tools to shoes that can handle both the office and the golf course, these are the items Katie is eyeing for Molner and thinks any guy would be thrilled to unwrap. Consider your gift search officially handled.
For more dad-approved finds, shop our complete Father’s Day Gift Guide.
18 Best Father’s Day Gifts for Your Husband, According to Katie
Cole Haan ZERØGRAND Remastered Wingtip Oxfords
Cole Haan
Don’t tell Molner, but Katie told us she’s planning on getting him a pair of these oxfords from Cole Haan. They offer an updated spin on the classic wingtip oxford, but have a roomier toe box for comfort and a super cushy sole that flexes easily with each step. It’s old-school style with new-school comfort — just the way we like it.
Quince Stainless Steel Apple Watch Band
Quince
Unless sweating is actually happening, rubber watch bands aren’t particularly attractive. A stainless steel one is just as comfortable but infinitely more stylish, and it doesn’t require messing with finicky buckles. This one from Quince comes in at only $60, and it’ll never tarnish or turn his wrist green.
Peter Millar 125th U.S. Open Shirt
Peter Millar
It’s no secret that John is all about golf all the time, which is why this polo, emblazoned with the 125th U.S. Open logo, was a no-brainer. The UPF fabric will keep Molner safe while out on the green, and it’ll pair perfectly with all of his other wardrobe staples.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater
Quince
No matter the season, a cashmere sweater is always a great gift. It can be worn over button-downs inside chilly office buildings or over a T-shirt for lowkey evening outings. This one from Quince is a favorite of Katie’s and our editors’, and at only $60, it’s worth buying in more than one color for every dad in your circle.
Therabody Theragun Mini
Therabody
After an intense workout, you need to pull out the big guns to prevent (or relieve) soreness. While a massage gun may look intimidating, it’s an amazing gift that will leave your recipient wondering how they lived without it. Percussive motion breaks up tension in stiff muscles, and its soothing power will leave the user feeling loosey-goosey in the best way possible.
Samsonite Spinner Suitcase
QVC
If his suitcase slows him down more than the security line at TSA, he’s due for something new. Spinner wheels make gliding through airports a breeze, and the hard shell will keep all of his valuables safe inside, even if he has to check his carry-on before boarding. Inside, there’s plenty of room for organizing, and there’s a built-in wet bag to separate dirty clothes from clean.*
Yeti Rambler Mug
Yeti
A cold cup of coffee is a real downer, which is why a mug that keeps it piping hot for hours on end is a great gift for those who can’t start their morning without a cup of joe (or tea). Katie suggests this one because it can easily be taken to a café and filled by the barista for a more eco-friendly cup on the go. The lid keeps the cup’s contents from splashing or dripping, and the cup itself is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning at the end of the day. For a special touch, add a design or his initials for just $6 more.
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers
Ray-Ban
Essentially the James Dean of eyewear, these wayfarers are effortlessly cool, classic, and never going out of style. If you know his glasses prescription, you could also get these with prescription lenses.
“I Regret Almost Everything” by Keith McNally
Bookshop
Katie suggests gifting a book about someone your husband admires or a guide to a topic he loves. If you need some inspiration, she’s currently reading British restaurateur Keith McNally’s memoir, which recounts his gritty childhood in London and his journey to New York City, where he later became the proprietor of famed restaurants like Balthazar, Pastis, Minetta Tavern, and Morandi, and the founder of era-defining establishments such as the Odeon, Cafe Luxembourg, Nell’s, and more.
“Golf’s Greatest Moments” by The New York Times
New York Times
Speaking of books on topics they’re passionate about, why not give them an insider look at some of golf’s history as captured by The New York Times? From Augusta to Pebble Beach, this archive book is part time capsule, part highlight reel, allowing the reader to relive some of the sport’s most exciting moments. Bonus: You can personalize the cover, making it a hole-in-one gift for any golf lover.
Jewlr Birthstone and Name Custom Bracelet
Jewlr
For first-time dads or grandpas, a custom bracelet with name and birthstone charms to represent the children in his life may just be a present that makes him misty-eyed. We love that this one is made from leather instead of metal, making it more comfortable to wear and easier to adjust. Up to five charms can be added and customized, and it comes in three lengths.
Bushnell 360-Degree View Wingman Golf Speaker
Amazon
For the dad who likes his golf with a side of good tunes, this gadget does that and then some. A literal game-changer, it not only plays his favorite jams loud and clear, but also calls out distances, shows hazards, and even lets him take a call mid-round, all with the push of a button. It mounts right to the cart, too, so it’s always within reach, just like his trusty 9-iron.
Brooks Brothers Monogrammed Pajamas

Brooks Brothers
Katie’s a sucker for a solid set of pajamas, and it’s one of her go-to gift ideas. She’s been buying sets from Brooks Brothers for years because they’re made from crisp cotton, and she can have them monogrammed with her recipient’s initials.
Mark & Graham Monogrammed Dopp Kit
Mark & Graham
If you’ve seen enough of his toothbrush, razor, and aftershave floating around chaotically in his suitcase, it’s time to send a not-so-subtle message to use a proper toiletry bag. This leather one feels extremely elegant, and like him, it will only get better with age. The nylon interior makes cleaning up spills easy-peasy, and there’s even a pocket to help keep his toothbrush from touching everything else he chooses to stash in there. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, it’s only $15 more to have his initials embossed in gold on the outside of the bag.
Off-White Basketball Leather Bifold
Nordstrom
For those who have been transfixed by the NBA Finals, a basketball-themed wallet may be appropriate. Instead of looking cheesy, this one by Off-White is understated yet playful, and it’s made from quality full-grain leather. Inside, there are plenty of slots for his cards and dollar bills, because dads are the most likely to still carry cash.
Aesop Post-Shave Lotion
Aesop
Aftershave has come a long way since Aqua Velva. This post-shave lotion from Aesop will soothe his skin rather than leave it with a burning sensation, like alcohol-based classics do. It’s infused with a subtle neroli scent that lingers on the skin, which we have a feeling you’ll love as much as he does.
Darn Tough Socks
Zappos
Find us a dad who doesn’t love a lifetime warranty, and we’ll be shocked to the core. The fact that these socks are covered for life is just one of the many reasons we love Darn Tough, but the biggest reason is that they are so comfortable. We’re talking arch compression, no seams, and extra cushioning on the heel area to prevent blisters. It really doesn’t get better than this.
Barbour Ashby Jacket
Nordstrom
Barbour is an investment, but we mean it when we say it’s one that will last a lifetime. This waxed canvas jacket will keep him dry in unexpected downpours and complete a dapper outfit on your next date night. Should the wax coating ever wear off or the jacket need a repair, you can simply send it to Barbour and they’ll fix it for a small fee.
*Denotes a paid placement.