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by Lois Joy Johnson, AARP, June 9, 2022
Shopping for the perfect way to say “mwah” to the important dads in your life? It used to be easy. A Best Dad coffee mug and socks, an aftershave or tie used to make his day. But the bar has been raised. Men’s more casual lifestyles and their so-called “essentials” have changed. Buh-bye to socks, ties and belts. They’re gone from gifting. And with increased stubble and the popularity of beards, say so long to aftershave, too. Even that trusty coffee mug is now a pricey stays-hot “smart mug.” However, one thing’s still the same — the thought and love behind each Father’s Day gift. We’re coming down to the wire on time, but here are picks for all. Choose your favorites for:
PHOTO BY: JCPenney; Lands' End; L.L. Bean
(Left to right) Skechers Go Walk Max Modulating Mens Walking Shoes in Navy; Lands’ End Men’s Big Knit Jersey Pajama Shorts Sleep Set in Teal Shadow Multi-Plaid; L.L. Bean Men’s Lakewashed Cotton Crewneck in Washed Everglade
He’s worn the same preppy pajamas, sweaters and deck shoes for 30 years. But change is in the air. He’s added Rod Stewart to his playlist of crooners and has been eyeing your slip-on sneakers, pull-on shorts and hoodie with interest. Take advantage of his open mind and give him some new options like the L.L. Bean Men’s Lakewashed Cotton Crewneck in Washed Everglade or Faded Black ($65, llbean.com), a light modern sweatshirt with a contemporary look; the Skechers Go Walk Max Modulating Mens Walking Shoes in Navy ($60, jcpenney.com), a pair of hybrid slip-ons, and the Lands’ End Men’s Big Knit Jersey Pajama Shorts Sleep Set in Teal Shadow Multi-Plaid ($58, landsend.com) with a crew tee top and plaid shorts for a twist on one of his basics.
PHOTO BY: Nordstrom; Amazon; Walgreens
(Left to right) Sperry Striper II CVO Core Sneaker; Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks in Aqua; Antonio Banderas Blue Seduction Eau de Toilette Natural Spray
He’s been a couch potato for years but thanks to your influence is walking and swimming into shape. Better self-care was his New Year’s resolution and a daily routine of green smoothies, a balanced diet and daily sunscreen are the 2022 normal. Inspire him to keep that healthier lifestyle going with a snappy quick-dry microfiber swimsuit like the Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks in Aqua or Mileage Black ($20, amazon.com) available in regular and extended sizes, a fresh pair of kicks like the Sperry Striper II CVO Core Sneaker ($60, nordstrom.com) and an uplifting woodsy scent like Antonio Banderas Blue Seduction Eau de Toilette Natural Spray ($24, cvs.com) with notes of melon, mint, green apple and cappuccino.
PHOTO BY: Amazon; Gap; Ulta Beauty; Everlane
Aqua Designs Men’s Rash Guard Sun Shirt Short Sleeve in Royal Ripple (left); Gap Men’s Vacay Shirt in Blue Floral (middle); Kiehl’s Since 1851 Facial Fuel Starter Kit (top right); Everlane The Forever Sneaker in Eucalyptus (bottom right)
He was voted most popular in high school and posts daily to old and new friends on Facebook. Always in a baseball cap, his sneakers-with-everything lifestyle keeps him going. Weekends are a family affair of pool, pizza and backyard bocce, so celebrate his signature casual vibe with a snazzy UPF50+ rash guard like the Aqua Designs Men’s Rash Guard Sun Shirt Short Sleeve in Royal Ripple or Black Water ($50, amazon.com), a short-sleeve resort shirt like the Gap Men’s Vacay Shirt in Blue Floral or Nautical Medallion Blue ($50, gap.com) and a new pair of throwback lace-ups like the Everlane The Forever Sneaker in Eucalyptus or India Ink ($48, everlane.com). For an extra treat throw in the Kiehl’s Since 1851 Facial Fuel Starter Kit ($48, ulta.com), a gel cleanser and vitamin-packed moisturizer. There’ll be no returns!
PHOTO BY: Amazon; Nordstrom; JCPenney
(Left to right) Travando Men’s Slim Wallet with Moneyclip in Black & Orange; Zella Men’s Restore Pullover Hoodie in Black Shade; Puma Men’s Cool Cat Slide Sandals in Black Red
He’s a Jeopardy and Sudoku fan with legendary tech skills but skip the digital gifts (he knows more about this than you do). Instead give him something to suit his minimalist aesthetic like the Zella Men’s Restore Pullover Hoodie in Black or Black Shade ($35, nordstrom.com), perfect for summer air conditioning and all year layering, the Puma Men’s Cool Cat Slide Sandals in Black Red or Gray Black ($28, jcpenney.com) with adjustable Velcro closure and the Travando Men’s Slim Wallet with Moneyclip in Black & Orange ($30, amazon.com), a slim, safe update with RFID blocking.
PHOTO BY: JCPenney (2); Ulta Beauty; Target
Stafford Men’s Smart Tech Long Sleeve Wrinkle Free Dress Shirt in Chambray Geo (left); Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. Men’s Short Sleeve Polo Shirt in Porchlain Turq (middle); Revlon Men’s Series Grooming Kit (bottom right); Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap in Citrus (top right)
His 9 to 5 (and then some) job and paycheck keep him happily in the game. It’s a good thing since retirement is not in his vocabulary! Thank this guy for paying off your student loans and encouraging you to "go on that interview” with time-saver gifts that fit his busy lifestyle. All-in-one products like the Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap in Citrus ($16, target.com) for hair, face and body and a multi-tool set like the Revlon Men’s Series Grooming Kit ($23, ulta.com) make grooming easy while collared shirts like the Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. Men’s Short Sleeve Polo Shirt in Dark Ivy or Porchlain Turq ($18, jcpenney.com) and Stafford Men’s Smart Tech Long Sleeve Wrinkle Free Dress Shirt in Chambray Geo or Blue Multi Plaid ($23, jcpenney.com) project a businesslike impression … even on Zoom or FaceTime.
PHOTO BY: Kohl's; Banana Republic; Ulta Beauty (2)
Sonoma Goods for Life Full Elastic Waistband Swim Trunks in Beach Gradient (left); Banana Republic Untucked Chambray Shirt in Washed Indigo (middle); Calvin Klein Defy Eau de Toilette (top right); Jack Black Age-Defying Booster Pack (bottom right)
He’s got a two-day scruff, cool glasses and a tattoo or two. Want to know which trimmer is best for stubble, the tastiest frozen veggie burger or what to watch on Netflix? He’s your guy. Give him something as up-to-the-minute as he is like the Calvin Klein Defy Eau de Toilette ($49 for 1 oz., ulta.com), a woody fragrance spiked with bergamot, lavender and vetiver, the Sonoma Goods for Life Full Elastic Waistband Swim Trunks in Beach Gradient ($35, kohls.com) a trendy tie-dye/ombre swimsuit, the Banana Republic Untucked Chambray Shirt in Washed Indigo ($70, bananarepublic.gap.com) a denim shirt to wear solo and over tees or a peptide serum and eye cream duo like the Jack Black Age-Defying Booster Pack ($68, ulta.com) because he likes looking good.
PHOTO BY: Rite Aid; Fair Harbor; Target
(Left to right) Method Men Sea + Surf Body Wash; Fair Harbor SeaBreeze Henley in Seapine Green Henley; Duke Cannon Aquatic & Fresh Woods Seneca Men’s Proper Cologne
He’s a big-hearted guy with a positive attitude and everyone’s “shrink” (even your friends call him). His summers are a merry-go-round of volunteer work, babysitting the grandkids and hosting reunions so treat him to crowd-pleasing gifts with an upbeat caring spirit like the Fair Harbor’s SeaBreeze Henley in Seapine Green Henley or Washed Red Henley ($68, fairharborclothing.com) made from recycled water bottles, the Method Men Sea + Surf Body Wash ($7, riteaid.com) that is plant based with a subtle sophisticated scent and the Duke Cannon Aquatic & Fresh Woods Seneca Men’s Proper Cologne ($23, target.com), a citrus and woods scent that’s cruelty-free by a brand that donates a portion to veteran’s causes.
PHOTO BY: Uniqlo; Zappos; Nordstrom; Kohl's
Uniqlo UV Protection Pocketable Parka in 62 Blue (left); Columbia Men’s Bora Bora Booney II (top middle); Kanken Water Resistant Backpack in Graphite Un-Blue (bottom middle); Tek Gear Men’s Core Dry Tea Tee in Vinson Bay Navy (right)
He’s a nature lover who welcomes any excuse for fresh air from a round-the-neighborhood bike ride to paddling his kayak. Give him a head-start with the Columbia Men’s Bora Bora Booney II ($23, zappos.com), a sun-safe broad-brimmed UPF50 hat, the Tek Gear Men’s Core Dry Tea Tee in Vinson Bay Navy, Splashing Blue Bay or Island Shores ($15 each, kohls.com) — moisture-wicking sport tees in his favorite shades of cool blue, a roomy fold-up windbreaker like the Uniqlo UV Protection Pocketable Parka in 62 Blue, 03 Gray 25 Orange or 69 Navy ($40, uniqlo.com) or the Kanken Water Resistant Backpack in Graphite Un-Blue or Acorn ($80, nordstrom.com) with a foam insert that doubles as a seat cushion, two-way zip with rain flap that comes in 33 standout colors. Practical makes perfect!
PHOTO BY: CVS; Old Navy; Amazon; Target
Oscar Pour Lui by Oscar de la Renta for Men Eau de Toilette (top left); Old Navy Webbed Canvas Hiking Sandal in Forest Floor (bottom left); Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic Cargo Stretch Short in Dusty Olive (middle); Goodfellow & Co Men’s Perfect T-Shirts (right)
He loves stay-cations where manning the grill, hanging out with neighbors and reading the hottest new thriller is routine. No one loves the shorts, T-shirt and sandals life more, so don’t bother gifting him a hot sauce kit or white noise machine. He’ll get a guaranteed kick out of the Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic Cargo Stretch Short in Dusty Olive or Midnight Blue ($24, amazon.com) that go from lounge chair to block party, a stack of the Goodfellow & Co Men’s Perfect T-Shirts ($6 each, target.com), the Old Navy Webbed Canvas Hiking Sandal in Forest Floor ($22, oldnavy.gap.com) and the Oscar Pour Lui by Oscar de la Renta for Men Eau de Toilette ($23 for 3oz, cvs.com), a spicy blend of basil, jasmine, lavender and sandalwood that’ll make his deck feel like an island paradise.
PHOTO BY: Kohl's; Ulta Beauty; Zappos
(Clockwise from left) Croft & Barrow Men’s Easy Care Pique Polo in Admiral Navy; Every Man Jack Sea Salt Body Kit; Toms Alpargata Resident in Dark Slate
He’s got a country music playlist going 24/7, “sanctuary” workshop in the garage and a wardrobe of vintage team tees. Though he’s repaired your LED makeup mirror and painted your bathroom the perfect “Tiffany” blue, looks are not his thing. Surprise him with the Every Man Jack Sea Salt Body Kit ($25, ulta.com), a sea- and citrus-scented combo of shower wash, deodorant, 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner, the Toms Alpargata Resident in Dark Slate or Thyme Green ($65, zappos.com) comfy slip-ons and the moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant Croft & Barrow Men’s Easy Care Pique Polo in Admiral Navy, New White, Iron Gray Heather ($20, kohls.com) — it’s a sophisticated tweak on the untucked style he favors. Bet he’s hooked.
Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.
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