Looking for that last minute gift for Dad, or a college graduate that deserves to be rewarded for all their hard work? We’ve got you covered with our top picks for classy gifts this summer. If your dad/grad is a lighter user, this photo lighter might be right up his alley, Do you want to spend time browsing cutco knives reviews to find the best kitchen knife? Or maybe you want something more personalised than a name on a tool. You could browse the photo gallery for the perfect photo of your grad/dad to design your own bobbleheads with.
There’s a huge selection of dad and grad gifts out there and we want to make sure you find the best one for the guys in the family. From to solar powered chargers to fun spice mixes, culinary-inspired teas, bacon salt, and wines that go with barbecues. Here are our must-have gifts for dads and college grads this summer.
Helios Smart by SolPro, Solar Powered Mobile Device Charger – $119
Always worried your cell is going to run out of juice? Fear not, weekend warriors, because Helios is here! Unlike most solar powered chargers that take an entire day to charge, Helios from SolPro says it can charge in up to 90 minutes (full, bright sun), without tethering you to a wall.
Dad can reduce his eco footprint using the power of the sun to stay connected, and one charge can power up a small device three times before needing a charge. In testing, we were able to charge the Helios within about 2 hours. Grommeted holes allow Helios to easily be strapped to a backpack or bike to charge, making it easy to carry. A great gift for the dad or grad that cares about the planet! Buy Solpro’s Helios Smart Power Bank in Orange here.
Is your outdoor guy like ours, constantly breaking sunglasses, bending the frames, and losing pairs because he’s super active? Then he needs Spine! Spine Eyewear is designed to fit your man’s face perfectly, at all times, no matter what activity you’re doing. For the dad who values
great quality and frames that won’t slip off of his face or need to be adjusted, Spine is made for optimal comfort, fit and durability. Constructed with patented micro injected metal (MiM) hinges, there are no screws used in the working mechanism of Spine (one less thing to lose!). Even better, the temples shut automatically when removed from the face – minimizing the wear and tear
of the frame. Buy Spine Optics Men’s Sunglasses here.
For Dad’s that love to cook, check out Ergo Chef’s new 8″ Crimson Straight Handle Chef Knife. Their ergonomically angled handle design keeps the wrist in a straight position-proven to help avoid the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis (a result of the repetitive motion from slicing and dicing).
Combined with a German-made high carbon steel blade, each of the knives is made from a fiberglass resin and created to mimic wood grain without the maintenance of wood. Buy Ergo Chef’s 8-Inch Crimson Series High Carbon German Steel With G10 Ergonomic Handle, on sale now.
Serve them like kings on Saffron Marigold‘s Moroccan-inspired table linens. All products are fair trade, 100 percent cotton (appx 300 thread count), and hand block printed, one color at a time – making each a one-of-a-kind, unique item. All are machine washable, and dryer friendly, with cloth napkins being the smart, eco-friendly choice vs. paper.
If your dad or grad is into wine, look no further than this sustainable, organic wine from South Africa.
Reyneke’s bottle looks like it was made for lovers of poetry, as they’ve laser etched beautiful, flowery words into the glass. What’s inside is also a nod to the best nature can provide, with the organic grapes in this Syrah being farmed biodynamically and the wine made without the use of yeasts, enzymes or added acidity. This organic wine makes a great gift, and the price can’t be beat.
Up their cocktail game with a spirit from Usquaebach (pronounced oos-ke-ba).
An iconic Scotch whisky that’s been around since the 18th century, Usquaebach means ‘water of life’ in Gaelic, and was first immortalized by poet Robert Burns in 1791. The bottle is uniquely frosted, with a paper printed label reminiscent of old parchment. Ultimately smooth and complex, this rare blend features over 50% single malts-each aged between 16, 17, and 18 years, and blended with the fine grain whisky. Flavors of sherry, honey apple, crisp pear, and medium bodied smokiness are present, with a refreshing note of spice and heat on the finish. Like most aged scotch whiskys, you’ll note a peaty element with Usquaebach, but it’s not overwhelming, and easily blends for cocktails, on the rocks, or neat. A truly elegant gift for the dad (or mom!) that appreciates fine spirits.
If your dad or grad is a rum fan, Diplomatico is a must have gift. Unlike any other rum we’ve tasted, it drinks like an aged sherry or cognac-very unique in body and texture.
From notable sherry producer, Gonzalez Byass, give them a gift that’s got character and class with this fortified wine. If your dad or grad is into food, we would highly encourage you to experience a great bottle of sherry together!
Persistently ‘toasty’, with a long, smooth finish, this 12 year old sherry will have Dad feeling like a king while drinking Leonor. Pair it with grilled shrimp on the barbecue, spiced and stuffed lamb chops, or oysters Rockefeller.
See our full sherry wine review here.
Move over, Starbucks. There’s a new kid on the block. With names like Civil Disobedience, Jet Black, and Cult of Demeter, culinary inspired teas are taking over. Beyond the rather tongue in cheek names, however, August has created seasonally themed collections, with flavors like espresso, citrus, and vanilla for summer. For the perfect cup of tea, they recommend measuring by weight, and their starter kit comes with a (recommended) pour over style infuser, vs. traditional tea infusers or folder over bags. August’s Uncommon Tea seasonal starter kit is currently $24.99.
The startup spice creators at Gourmegg think breakfast deserves to be kicked up a notch. Their creative ‘egg seasonings’ include the Classy Classic-a blend of Thyme, Tarragon, Parsley, Garlic, Salt, and Black Pepper, Gracefully Greek, Spicy Southwest, and Charming Curry-a blend of Cumin, Turmeric, Coriander, Ginger, Mint, Pepper, and secret spices. As someone married to that guy that puts curry on literally EVERYTHING, but especially his eggs, Gourmegg makes the perfect gift. (Also good for college students learning how to cook!) Get a 4 pack Spice Gift Set from GourmEGG.
Speaking of spices, if your family is as nuts about spicy food and bacon as our is, look no further than Hamptons Salt Company for the perfect gift. Their Bacon and Mesquite salts add depth of flavor to your next barbecue or steak on the grill. Black Truffle is earthy and heady with umami flavor-a little goes a long way. Wake up your taste buds with their Ghost Pepper salt! Be careful, this stuff is seriously hot! (Delish on a margarita or rum cocktail rim!)
Made for the modern man who likes the look of leather, but wants to do less harm to the planet, check out Arcopédico’s vegan shoe line. Arcopédico offers three styles of men’s casual comfort shoes, ideal for work and travel. Anatomically designed for superior comfort and support, Arcopédico’s patented twin-arch support system offers his feet fatigue-free wear; combined with their stretch Lytech material, Dad will feel like he’s wearing slippers instead of dress shoes with these comfortable lace ups, perfect for work, or a dinner out with friends. Available at independent shoe retailers throughout the U.S. and online at retailers.