Father’s Day 2021 is definitely looking way better than last year —all the more reason to celebrate Dad on his day. And to make this one he’ll remember, why not give him something he’ll appreciate and support local biz at the same time? Whether it’s his favorite beverage and swag from a local brewery or distillery, tickets to a National Golf Tournament at an NJ club, or a token for his love of the Garden State, we’ve got 12 ideas to give to all the men in your life (new dad, dad-to-be, grandpa, uncle or father figure) to make his day even more special.

Featured Photo Image: Hatteras Hammock

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12 Gifts To Celebrate Every Dad this Father’s Day

Father's Day Gifts — *Corgi Spirits has British-inspired gins, whisky, and vodka, all handcrafted in their Jersey City Distillery. Photo Credit: Corgi Spirits*

Get into the spirit(s)

Spirits are always a good idea, and a handcrafted small-batch one from Corgi Spirits in Jersey City distillery puts a spin on the usual. Inspired by Great Britain, their Earl Grey Gin ($30) has all the refinement of its namesake tea (it’s distilled with the tea and zingy bergamot) and mixes well with a dash of club soda, lemon, and a bit of honey. Pair it with on-the-rocks tumblers (we are partial to these with a map of Hoboken in keeping with the Hudson County theme), and you’ve got a gift he’ll enjoy on his off-duty hours.

Elevate his frame game

Finding a frame for dad’s desk can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to avoid those kitschy “Best Dad Ever” types. Stick to a simple, stud design that highlights the picture and not what’s around it. These brass and lucite frames from Great House Bonny Neiman in Summit will make his workspace look sleek—and with a sharp black and white image, it will lift the requisite family photo to an art form.

Get on board

The family-run Greenlines from Fair Haven (where they also have a flagship store) has classic boardshorts with a purpose in mind—to be environmentally conscious. These comfy and quick-drying board shorts (made with recycled plastic bottles) use a process that emits less energy and CO2 than polyester ones, and the company donates profits back to beach and ocean conservation. And, of course, the cool design with bright colors and surfer stripes is perfect for looking snappy at the shore or backyard pool (there are kid sizes for dad and lad photo ops too).

Bring his favorite shore spot home

What’s almost as good as being at the shore? Seeing it on your wall at home. Find his go-to shore place in a sky shot taken by Asbury-based aerial photographer Claudia Chloe. With a bird’s eye view of every shore area from Sandy Hook to Cape May, a wall photo or mini in a frame will give him all the summer feels even in the dead of winter.

Give him a rest

Dad can’t help but relax when he settles into this comfy, tufted, handcrafted Hatteras Hammock, made with plush eco-friendly filling, Brazilian Teak, and durable roping. Each hammock is made to order, and the unique pillow filling (made from recycled bottles) allows water to drain through and dry quickly, so there’s plenty of time to snuggle up after the storm. Check out Hatteras Hammock on Facebook and Instagram for more pictures of their beautiful hammocks and eco-friendly brand.

Prep his travel gear

The post-Covid travel frenzy has begun, and wherever this summer takes him, he’s bound to feel like this is a fresh start. Keep that feeling going with a personalized leather Dopp Kit ($48) from The Monogram Corner. The roomy design is big enough to store even full-size bottles, and he’ll use it time and again (even if it’s a trip to the gym).

Keep it real cool

Carry on and keep cool—what every dad thinks as he’s lugging cold drinks to the park or beach. A soft-sided, hands-free cooler like this one from Yeti keeps that motto in mind. The updated opening is wider and easy to close, thanks to magnets that come together on their own, and superior insulation means drinks will be as cold as they were when you left home.

Savor the taste of a local

A trip to a local brewery might not be happening this weekend, so why not bring his favorite Garden State brew home? Create a flight from the Cape May Brewing Company’s IPAs, Lagers, and Stouts, including citrus-laced seasonals like Tan Limes and Blueberry Lemon India Pale Ale and the always popular Wakey-Wakey Coffee Stout. Serve it with their stylish merch, and bam—you’ve nailed the tasting room experience in your backyard.

Dad may be the BBQ King, but now he can be the Pizza Prince with Ooni Pizza Oven. The easy-to-use, portable oven brings the taste of Italy to any backyard and comes in either gas-powered or wood-fired versions (which uses innovative hardwood pellets for consistent high heat and artisan flavor). The best part? You’ll never have to wait for a delivery pizza again.

Watch the pros play

A gift of watching the pros play at one of the top golf courses in the country? Yes, please. Any dad that loves golf will appreciate a pass to witness the world’s best at the only PGA Tour in the NJ/NY area this year—the opening event of the FedExCup Playoffs. The Northern Trust will feature 125 of the top-ranked players at Liberty National Golf Course on August 18-22, and dad can spend the day on the front rope lines for a close-up view or admire from afar while sipping a glass of wine along the 16th tee at the Meomi Wine Garden. You can buy tickets now (starting at $30) and for a real treat, book him in the Ultra Club, stadium-style seating overlooking the competition on the final hole with food offerings and premium beverages for sale.

Spend the day on the swells

For the dad who always loves an adventure or maybe just wants to brush up on his skills—a gift of private surfing lessons from a local pro can make a day at the shore that much more exciting. Get out on the ocean with the Hammer Surf School, founded by Sam Hammer, a Lavellete born and notable East Coast surfer with a roster of pro competitions under his belt and unbeatable knowledge about the shore. Private and adult group lessons are available in Spring Lake, Lavallette, and Seaside Park for all skill levels, and for that dad who’s (almost) pro-level, one-on-one coaching sessions with Sam are available too.

Got a dad who loves a good cigar? Give him a box of his favorites and a day pass to the clubby Davidoff Lounge at The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood. At this smoking lounge, he can take puffs on a custom leather smoking chair and unwind by the 8-foot enclosed fireplace while debating the finer points of a quality stogie. And if he’s a real aficionado, spring for a club membership, which offers amenities like a personal humidor and monthly cigar credit.

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