Father’s Day is almost here, which means it’s time to start thinking about a present or two for the food-obsessed dad in your life. Whether he loves to eat, cook, or travel (or all of the above), our editors rounded up a mix of thoughtful, practical, and just plain fun gift ideas to keep him well-fed, well-equipped, and well-inspired. So if your father figure is a food lover, you’re in luck. There’s something here for every kind of culinary personality, from the dad who treats the grill like a second (or primary) kitchen to the coffee devotee who can’t start his day without the perfect cup.
If your dad’s a desk dude, consider sending him one of these merino wool pads from Graf Lantz. Inspired by the wool mats used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, the soft felted material is stain resistant and easy to clean, and it lends a low-key coziness to even the bleakest of work spaces. And if he’s grappling with too much artificial office light? Bundle the mat with a set of sunny wool coasters. —Kat Craddock, Editor-in-Chief/CEO
While the dad in your life might be a great cook, there’s always something new to learn in the kitchen. Why not gift him a subscription to our twice-a-year print magazine? It’s chock-full of mouthwatering recipes, compelling stories (many of which are published exclusively in print), and gorgeous photography from around the world. Whether he keeps it on his coffee table, kitchen counter, or book shelf, each issue is made to last. —Ryan McCarthy, Assistant Editor, Operation & Engagement
Handmade from full-grain Italian leather, this handsome, versatile briefcase is built for everything from office commutes to weekend getaways to cross-country road trips. It’s spacious enough for a laptop, notebooks, and all the daily essentials. Equal parts practical and polished, it looks even better slung over a shoulder with a loaf of bread or some farmers market produce peeking out the top. —Ryan McCarthy, Assistant Editor, Operation & Engagement
I love keeping an eye on new cookbook releases both for work and for gift-giving purposes. I knew I’d be getting a copy of SAVEUR contributing editor Farideh Sadeghin’s The Hot Dog Cookbook for my dad as soon as it was announced. It combines two of his favorite things: making hot dogs and learning about regional foods. While he loves trying local franks whenever he travels, from Argentinean choripán to Chicago dogs, he rarely ventures out of his kielbasa-with-mustard-and-onions comfort zone at home, so I’m excited for him to be inspired by Sadeghin’s globetrotting recipes. I’ve also been bookmarking recipes from each section (American Classics, International Styles, and Wild & Original) for my next visit home. Nothing says “Happy Father’s Day” like a menu of Rhode Island hot wieners, German currywurst, and hot dog spam musubi. —Frances Kim, Digital Director
Sudachi, the refreshingly sour Japanese citrus that’s a centuries-old cross between yuzu and a tachibana orange, feels like it’s everywhere lately—energy drinks, cocktails, salad dressings, desserts, you name it. As is my daughterly duty, this year I’m keeping dad’s tangy creations trending with the gift of Yuzuco’s Sudachi Duo. He can use the cold-pressed juices to spruce up drink concoctions, add a bright, peppery kick to cooling summer soba salads, pucker up his homemade ponzu, and stand in for Key lime in desserts. —Stephanie Pancratz, Managing Director, Editorial Operations
Green-thumb dads will love this poster-size book from Hudson Valley botanical artist Wendy Hollender. With exquisite colored pencil and watercolor illustrations, she illuminates the ways our most beloved garden plants are connected, from sunflowers and artichokes (family Asteraceae) to strawberries and stone fruits (family Rosaceae). Two bonus chapters even dip into the world of mushrooms—a win for foraging dads. Guest essays from a variety of notable contributors anchor the art with thoughtful musings on all things gardening. —Alex Testere, Senior Editor
My father got by with an old kettle smoker, and while he’s long done with his smokestack, my brother and I both covet this direct-heat backyard beauty by welder Michael Johnson, who also builds professional equipment for Texas pitmasters like 2M Smokehouse’s Esaul Ramos and Khói Barbecue’s Don Nguyen. Maybe my nephew will get the hint and treat one of us, because in our family, we take smoke seriously. That’s what makes it true barbecue, not mere grilling. For anyone who really wants to go whole hog, Johnson makes a six-foot version with a custom nameplate. —Shane Mitchell, Editor-at-Large
Most pitmasters love to hoard their seasoning secrets for themselves, but luckily for us, Aaron Franklin isn’t one of ‘em. The James Beard award-winning chef, who got his start slinging ribs from a trailer on the side of the Texas interstate, is a bonafide barbecue legend. You dad could always comb through the recipes in Franklin Barbecue: A Meat Smoking Manifesto for weekend projects, but in the interest of making life easy, why not get him this trio of spice rubs for brisket, steak, and everything else? All three have just the right amount of salt, heat, and umami. —Diana Hubbell, Senior Associate Editor
As SAVEUR’s resident outdoor grilling enthusiast, my love of cooking over fire came from my father. Some of my favorite memories are of summers spent around the grill with him. Compact enough for a snug patio or apartment balcony, yet powerful enough to provide serious char, this Thaan grill is genuinely impressive. Its ingenious design means that even when it hits 800°F, the exterior stays cool enough to safely handle. It also looks beautiful, feels built to last, and is a breeze to haul to the park, beach, or campsite. Plus, it runs on chemical-free Thai-style coconut charcoal, which burns for hours with minimal smoke. I already know it’s going to be part of my summer grilling routine for years to come. —Thomas Payne, Visuals Director
I’m really excited about this variety box from Force of Nature Meats, which comes with a New York strip, both beef and bison rib eyes, and a venison tomahawk steak—all perfect for throwing on the grill this summer. What I love about Force of Nature is that they use regenerative meat, meaning the animals are raised using holistic agricultural practices that are better for the environment. You can really taste the difference—the dad in your life will, too. —Farideh Sadeghin, Contributing Editor
For the butcher wannabe dad, this knife is the perfect kitchen tool for breaking down gigantic cuts of meat into manageable portions for the family freezer, smoker, or grill. Made with Japanese super steel, its sharp edge makes butchering a breeze. —Rebecca Fisher, Recipe Editor
About once a month, my parents drive to Castroville, a small town outside of San Antonio, where I’m from, to eat local food and sightsee. On a recent visit home, I accompanied my dad to one of their favorite finds, Dziuk’s Meat Market. They’re best-known for their jerky, but their housemade dried sausages, specifically the quail and venison varieties, were phenomenal. We nearly finished our sausage haul on our drive back home and raved about them for the rest of my trip. Luckily, Dziuk’s ships across the country, which means I can surprise my dad with a few links this Father’s Day—and so can you! —Brianna Love, Customer Service Specialist
For the ceramics obsessive—or the dad whose morning coffee ritual borders on sacred—this hand-thrown mug from Roca Ceramics brings a little poetry to the kitchen counter. The softly rounded silhouette and earthy glaze feel equally suited to slow weekend espresso or a generous pour of evening tea, and the fact that it’s dishwasher safe makes it all the more giftable. Add a bag of exceptional beans and you’ve got an easy Father’s Day win. —Toni-Ann Gardiner, Brand Partnerships
For the dad who wants all the ceremony of cracking a cold one without the next-day fog, Best Day Brewing makes some of the better nonalcoholic options I’ve tried. This variety pack covers a few different styles, all crisp and easy-drinking enough for cookouts, beach days, or weeknight hangs all summer long. —Toni-Ann Gardiner, Brand Partnerships
