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Fatherhood can mean so many things. Having a father figure in your life—whether it be the one who helped raise you in childhood or helped shape you later on in life—is something to be grateful for and to celebrate. Just because he wasn’t the one tasked with diaper changes or doctor visits, doesn’t mean the love for the important dad in your life doesn’t run deep.
Here’s to the men who helped make us who we are and who have been there for us when we needed them most. There may not be a special day on the calendar that celebrates them, but these father figures helped make us who we are and are our dads no matter how you choose to define it.
1. For the mentor
Where would you be without him? He helped you navigate the workplace when you were just starting out, and he’s been there to give you career advice and insight ever since. This map will commemorate the city where you first started out and will be a stylish reminder of the streets where you had those epic lunch breaks (and probably a few after-work drinks) way back when he cheered you on and helped propel you forward in life.
Get the SunWallArt custom map print at Esty starting at $31.70
2. For the bonus dad
To the dad that always had a pack of kids in the back of the car after soccer games. The dad who took you out for movie nights. And the one who you talked to when you were too scared to confide in your own parents. He’s had your back for seemingly forever.
Express your gratitude, and maybe acknowledge all of the noise and chaos he tolerated when his house was kid central, with these highly-rated earbuds that our reviewers say outpace the Apple AirPods. These earbuds give great, customizable sound while effectively blocking out exterior distractions: We bet he wishes he had some noise canceling headphones like these when you all were kids.
3. For the favorite uncle
Nearest Uncle Whiskey is the ultimate gift for your dearest uncle. Nathaniel "Nearest" Green—aptly named the Godfather of Tennessee whiskey—was the first known African American Master Distiller. He was also the man who taught Jack Daniels how to distill. This highly decorated recipe is filled with notes of brown butter, wood, and honey, and goes down smooth with long-night talks filled with reminiscing and commiseration.
Get a 750 milliliter bottle of Uncle Nearest Whiskey at Drizly for $49.94
4. For the big brother
To the guy who gave you countless noogies (and probably wedgies, too). He likely cultivated your sense of humor, so make sure that bond you have really shines through this Father’s Day, by letting everyone know that he’s just as good of a dad as he is a brother. If he’s not yet a father himself, no worries. We also found a shirt that will let him know he was truly the most okayest brother around.
5. For the neighbor
He’s had you over for countless neighborhood barbeques; it’s time to show your appreciation—and possibly up the ante the next time he fires up the grill. This gift box from Harry & David includes charred pineapple bourbon grilling sauce, bacon chipotle barbeque sauce sauce, a sweet chili finishing sauce, and a peppercorn spice rub. If he needs some added inspiration to have you over, this kit is sure to give it to him.
Get the Summer Grilling Gift Box from Harry & David for $49.99
6. For the grandfather who helped raise you
A really great granddad is such a gift. For the guy who took time to teach and talk to you, give him a trip down memory lane with a high quality custom photo book. He’ll love flipping through memories and treasured moments. This premium photo book from Mimeo photos is beautifully bound and even has an option for creating a personalized dust jacket with a dedication.
Mimeo Photos is offering an exclusive, 25% off deal sitewide to Reviewed readers with the promo code REVIEW25.
Get the hardcover photo book from Mimeo Photos starting at $29.99
7. For the dad who suffered loss
When a parent loses a child, one of their greatest fears is that the child’s memory will be forgotten. Contributing to their child’s legacy is a comforting gift that can feel healing and nurturing to a grieving parent. It’s always a good idea to give to a charity in their child’s name, but if you’re at a loss for which one to give to, consider planting a tree in their honor. A Living Tribute plants new trees in an honoree's name in a U.S. National Forest or National Park that is in desperate need, providing families with a beautiful legacy that will continue on for decades to come.
Purchase a commemorative tree or forest at A Living Tribute starting at $9.99
8. For the coolest teacher then and now
Sometimes it feels like he taught you everything you know. He definitely taught you how to look at the world a little differently. This custom New York Times puzzle is a great gift for the deep-thinking teacher in your life. You can customize it by choosing a special date (like the first day you were in his class or graduation day) and turn it into a personalized puzzle.
Get the New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle from Uncommon Goods for $49.95
9. For the dog dad
Has he been wondering if Fido has a little Malamut? Is he wondering if his pooch has a splash of Corgi? If he’s been wondering the exact lineage of his beloved rescue pup, this is the gift for him. Embark dog DNA kit is like 23andMe, but for dogs, and can help explain all of his pet’s cute little physical traits and personality quirks.
Get Embark on Chewy for $129.99
10. For the cat dad
His cat is almost as awesome as he is (or he thinks so anyway). Now the cat dad in your life can take Fluffy’s face everywhere he goes, with these hilarious socks that also declare him as the ultimate feline father.
Get the Custom Face Socks from Face Socks for $24.95
11. For the stepdad
If you lucked out in the stepdad department, let him know how much his presence meant to you. This is a great gift that tells him how grateful you are to have had him in your life, especially if you both aren’t always good about expressing exactly how you feel.
Get the Stepdad Keychain from Amazon for $8.99
12. For the dad-to-be
He’s excited, but he doesn’t totally get it. If he’s like most expectant dads, they don’t realize how much having a baby in their arms is going to change their life—and how much stuff they are going to need to have on them at all times. This sweatshirt is for the man who thinks diaper bags are for dads who are basic. He’ll probably ask for a diaper bag three months in (and we’ve got you covered when he does), but this compartment-filled sweatshirt will be a good starter gift to get him on track without too much embarrassment.
Get The Dad Hoodie at Etsy for $95
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