Even though we are collectively living through pretty surreal times, somehow time keeps marching forward. Case in point: We're already in June, and Father's Day is coming up on June 21.
If you just read that sentence and felt a mild sense of panic, never fear! Even though a lot of us are spending more time at home these days, there are still a lot of ways to make Father's Day a big hit — and there are plenty of gifts you can still get the dads in your life for under $50.
Before we dive into the shopping, here's a little more about the holiday and why we celebrate it. The first-ever Father's Day in the United States was observed on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. The holiday was officially declared national in 1972, which was 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day an official holiday. While a lot of us really enjoy celebrating the holiday, when it was declared a national day of observance many were less than thrilled. As one florist explained, "Fathers haven't the same sentimental appeal that mothers have."
We celebrate it nevertheless! Here are 10 ideas for Father's Day gifts :
1. Little Neighbor Birdhouse Kit
This adorable birdhouse kit is the perfect gift for a dad who basically considers his backyard (and front yard!) birds to be his best friends. And honestly, backyard birds are the best. This kit is easy to put together (especially if you have a kid or two who wants to help), and can be preordered until June 10.
Shop Now: Little Neighbor Birdhouse DIY Kit (Almanac Supply Co., $30)
2. Fa-Thor Shirt
I am low-key a big fan of the Avengers movies (don't ask me about the comics, I don't really care), and this Fa-Thor shirt is a pretty fun play on one of the main characters. And I mean, come on: "See also: handsome, exceptional"? That's brilliant.
Shop Now: Fathor Shirt (Etsy, DesignandDream17, $22)
3. Dad Bracelet
Moms often get a lot of kid-themed jewelry in roundups like this, but I rarely see jewelry for dads! While I am sure there are plenty of dads who love wearing silver and gold bracelets, I know there are also plenty who would be into something a little more traditionally masculine. This bracelet is a great compromise: shiny, but also rustic.
Shop Now: Dad Bracelet (Etsy, GiftAGrinCo, $28.89+)
4. Great Smoky Mountains Puzzle
Puzzles are all the rage these days (and most days, depending on who you are), and it's easy to see why: They're generally pretty relaxing, and you get a beautiful result! This puzzle features a beautiful river scene from the Great Smoky Mountains and is a great gift for a dad who loves being outside.
Shop Now: Great Smoky Mountains Puzzle (Locals Only, $24.99)
5. Papa Bear Shirt
Dads are often just as loving and protective of their kids as moms are, and they definitely deserve their own "Papa Bear" apparel. I love that this particular option is a nod to dads of transgender children.
Shop Now: Papa Bear Shirt (Etsy, MyGayEtsyStore, $18+)
6. Invisible Man: Gordon Parks and Ralph Ellison in Harlem
If the dad you know and love is the literary sort who loves to critically analyze and is interested in current social issues, then Invisible Man: Gordon Parks and Ralph Ellison in Harlem could be a great choice. Photographer Gordon Parks and author Ralph Ellison collaborated on a photo-essay book that "was centered on the Lafargue Clinic, the first non-segregated psychiatric clinic in New York City, as a case study for the social and economic conditions in Harlem."
Shop Now: Invisible Man Photo-Essay Book (Mahogany Books, $45)
7. Matcha Shaker
If you haven't already been made aware, lattes aren't only about coffee anymore. One of the most delicious drinks you can have is a matcha latte (at least, I think so), and they're really not that hard to make at home. This shaker will help your fave dad out!
Shop Now: Matcha Shaker (Pink Olive, $28)
8. Personalized 'Mega Dad' Comic
OK, I know earlier I said that I am personally not very into comics, but I also know that a lot of people are. This Mega Dad comic can be personalized with the names of your own kids, which makes it a pretty sweet and definitely one-of-a-kind gift for Dad.
Shop Now: Personalized "Mega Dad" Comic Book (Uncommon Goods, $35)
9. Backyard Hammock
Hammocks are all the rage right now, and I totally get it: Hello, they're super cozy! This one is described as a single, but I bet a kid or two could snuggle with Dad, too.
Shop Now: Sierra Designs Single Lightweight Hammock (Target, $29.99)
10. Watercolor Family Portrait
This is a really cute idea: You send Magic Brush Design one of your favorite photos, and they'll turn it into a custom watercolor family portrait for you. Hello, super-sentimental (and pretty) Father's Day gift!
Shop Now: Watercolor Family Portrait (Etsy, MagicBrushDesign, $49.95)
