What My Husband Really Wants for Father’s Day (A Dad-Crafted Gift Guide)

Jun 02, 2025

Happy Monday!! Before we get into Father’s Day, my June online cooking class has been uploaded and it’s fabulous! The menu includes Greek Meatball Bowls, a Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Basil Dressing, BLT Chickpea Salad, Smoky Corn all Diavola, and a Lemon Yogurt Tart you’ll want all summer. Don’t miss it!

Every year I ask Hubs what his perfect Father’s Day looks like—not the “smile and nod” version, but the dream day. This year, he delivered. And because he’s the kind of guy who researches everything from travel fans to cologne worn by Paul Newman, I asked him to put together a Father’s Day gift guide too. Here’s what he came up with. Spoiler: it's pretty great.

The Perfect Day, According to Hubs

Morning: A beach walk, ideally early enough to beat the crowds.
Lunch: A no-frills, iconic LA classic—either Langer’s pastrami or a French dip at Cole’s downtown.
Afternoon: Dodgers vs. Astros at Dodger Stadium—a rematch of the unforgettable 2017 World Series.
Evening: Homemade eggplant Parmesan at home and then Tiki drinks at Pacific Seas, because nothing says “Dad deserves a break” like a Mai Tai in a hidden speakeasy.

Hubs-Approved Father’s Day Gift Guide

Whether you're shopping for a classic guy, a golf lover, a music buff, or a frequent traveler, this list has something for everyone—hand-picked by someone who truly appreciates the details.

Experience Gifts

A good massage (he didn’t say “deep tissue” but I think that’s implied).
Golf club fitting session at Club Champion or PXG.
Family golf day with breakfast—yes, he wants to spend the day with us and golf.

Practical but Cool

Car care kit – He loves a clean car.
Power washer – For the car, the house, or just satisfying cleaning videos IRL.
AirTag + keychain – Perfect for luggage, car keys, or techy peace of mind.
Good carry-on luggage – Upgrade time. We are still researching the perfect luggage!
Good travel fan – Compact, cool (literally), and sound-generating.
“White Noise Lite” App – Simple but free and effective.
Davek Travel Umbrella: A sleek, wind-proof upgrade for the dad who deserves better than a hotel lobby freebie.

Retro + Sentimental

Quench gum – A nostalgic throwback to sports days.
Vintage vinyl: Billy Joel – The Stranger and Sinatra – Come Fly With Me
Cool retro cocktail glasses My husband loves anything retro—and he makes a killer cocktail. These vintage-inspired glasses are his vibe.

Books + Style

Coffee table books on cars and architecture
Mad Men series + companion book For the Don Draper in your life—sharp suits, smart dialogue, and a deep dive into mid-century cool.
Personalized stationery – Custom graphics make it truly personal. I gifted Hubs stationery from Papier a couple of years ago and he loved it!

Fitness & Recovery

Theragun For the dad who deserves deep-tissue relief without the spa bill
Foam roller The ultimate recovery tool for tight muscles and tired dads.
Gorilla mat – For stretching, home workouts, or grounding the day.

Sun + Skin

Good travel sunscreen for the car or on-the-go
Vacation Orange Gelee – Smells like the '70s, protects like 2025
Great hairbrush by Mason Pearson Hubs has had the same hairbrush for over 30 years.
Classy cologne or go full vintage celeb with:

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Got any Father’s Day traditions or favorite gifts? I’d love to hear them—comment or reply!

xo, Pamela