If it’s got to be ties, socks, and after-shave that are unwrapped on Dad’s big day, at least make a little effort to upgrade the gifts — after all, it’s your Pops we’re talking about here. Behold our modern spins on the tried and true, from cool cuff links to a little something for the lawn. (And, no, we’re not talking about a weed whacker.)
— ROB BRINKLEY
SOCK IT TO HIMPure cashmere socks? In pink? Hey, who says shirts and ties should have all the fun? Slip him a pair of these, and — voilà — spring meets step. (Fear not: They come in safer colors, too.) By Thomas
Pink, $95. (212) 838-1928
CUFF STUFFWhether Dad leans toward wacky or
Wall Street, banish the boring dress details. (Wit and flash don’t have to mean rhinestones.) Urbane Men sterling-silver cuff links with authentic vintage graphics, $100, (773) 289-3000,
www.urbaneweddings.com; Asprey sterling-silver oval flat-front cuff links, $300, (800) 883-2777,
www.asprey.comSILKY SMOOTHA Father’s Day classic ties one on in its must-have new guise: diagonal stripes in hot hues from one of the world’s most with-it labels. Etro ties, $120 each. At
Neiman Marcus or (212) 317-9096,
www.etro.itLAWN BOYAll Dad’s done is cut, fertilize, and water the thing: Let him finally have some fun on it. Smith & Hawken’s vibrant, shapely lawn-bowling set embraces its Italian heritage. So will Pops. $59. (800) 981-9888,
www.smithandhawken.comDESK JOBIf it’s got to be something for his office, make it very modern. Lucesco Lighting’s new articulated desk light by design master Richard Sapper uses 16 high-powered light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to intelligently illuminate that next business decision. Silver or black finish, $510-$640. (650) 323-6380,
www.lucesco.comSTILL STUMPED?An all-guy team of shoppers at
www.guybuys.com has picked out goods aimed directly at, well, guys. Think autographed sports memorabilia, DVDs (get your John Wayne Westerns here), dartboards, home-theater goodies, even team-logo tents and tailgate-party essentials. If you can’t find it here, we give up.