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Father’s Day in Canada falls on June 18, 2023 — we still have lots of time to find the perfect gift for the father figure in our lives. Whether that person is your birth father, adoptive dad, uncle, grandfather, important friend, husband, partner or dog dad, we’re here to help you find the ideal gift.
Each of the products on this list has been tested by the Shopping Essentials team and we’re happy to verify that they are top quality, excellent at what they do and priced appropriately.
Under $20
Bridgehead Coffee ($16.99)
This proudly Canadian company is Fairtrade certified, meaning producers are paid a fair wage and the company is committed to sustainably. The brand processes coffee at its Ottawa roastery. You can order Bridgehead Coffee on Amazon, making things convenient and speedy. We recommend the Centro House blend, a full medium roast that delivers a flavourful, smooth and consistent profile, great for all coffee lovers.
Atlas Coffee Club subscription ($9-28 per shipment)
If you really want to impress your coffee-loving giftee, go for this subscription service which offers a new coffee each month with a plan that is completely personalized to their preferences. You’ll need to answer a few questions on behalf of your giftee, such as coffee type (ground, whole or pods), grind type (which machine they use to make coffee), roast preference (light, medium or dark), number of bags per shipment and how often you’d like for them to receive it.
Flexitol Very Dry Skin Lotion ($16.24)
Flexitol offers some of the best dry-skin lotions we’ve tested. Going into the summer months it’s important to hydrate our skin, especially after time spent in the sun. This lotion is like magic. If your giftee has dry feet or heels, opt for the Heel Magic.
Under $50
Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew ($31.99)
These are not your average socks. These lightly cushioned hiking, trekking, biking, and all-around adventure socks are made with more than 50 per cent merino wool, meaning they are soft, sustainable, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. They have a performance-oriented fit with a “Virtually Seamless Toe” for added comfort and Smartwool’s much-loved “Indestructawool tech” for enhanced durability.
Stasher Sandwich three-pack ($44.99)
These reusable food-grade silicone pouches may be designed to replace plastic sandwich bags, but they are perfect for travel. They are lightweight, fit toiletries perfectly and won’t take up space in a bag or suitcase. Your giftee can use them for snacks too, of course. They’re BPA, BPS, lead, latex and phthalates free and offer a leak-free pinch loc seal system. Best part? They’re dishwasher, microwave and oven safe up to 425 F.
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant ($25)
Ensure your special guy smells amazing at all times. This extra-strength natural deodorant is formulated for 24-hour protection and comes in a variety of swoon-worthy scents. Our favourites are the Santal & Vetiver and the Eucalyptus & Cedarwood. A combination of hyaluronic acid and seaweed extracts act to moisturize while neutralizing odours. Aluminum, alcohol, parabens and phthalates free.
Tentree Hemp Step Hem T-Shirt ($49.50)
This t-shirt is made from 55 per cent hemp and 45 per cent recycled polyester, making it just about as sustainable as they come. We love Tentree not only because the clothing quality is great, but because of their commitment to plant ten trees (see what they did there?) for every item purchased. All products are made with an Earth-first approach — think Fairtrade, sustainably sourced materials and safe working conditions.
hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum ($31.20)
You might have seen this serum touted by celebrities on social media. We tried it, and it actually works. Don’t expect night and day results like the ads, but do expect whiter teeth over time. If your giftee puts a lot of love and care into his dental hygiene, he’ll love this product.
Under $100
lululemon Surge Lined Short 6″ ($68)
These lightweight shorts have four-way stretch and are sweat-wicking and quick-drying. They’re a good-for-everything kind of short, made with a mesh fabric liner and a built-in pouch for support. A stand-out feature is the no-bounce phone pocket with a cord exit to listen to tunes while exercising. Another popular pair is the Pace Breaker Lined Short 7″, beloved by most men, including Imagine Dragons.
MEC Mountain Blanket ($69.97)
The perfect lightweight blanket to keep in the car for all impromptu adventures, be it the beach, the river, a picnic or camping. Made from salvaged sleeping bag fabric, the nylon ripstop is durable and easy to care for. Worry less about spills and getting dirty — just throw the blanket into the washing machine for a deep clean. The blanket is covered in DWR (durable water repellant) treatment to shed light rain easily and includes 80 per cent recycled insulation to keep you warm during cool summer nights. Stuff it into the included pouch for easy carrying.
Arc’teryx Norvan Tank ($90)
The new Norvan run collection is built for performance — expect comfort and breathability, plus the high quality we’ve come to expect from Arc’teryx. Great for running, training or any type of movement. The tank is made from soft, high-performance fabric on the front with ultralight mesh on the back, making for ideal airflow as your giftee moves. Special seams and finishes minimize chafe and the tank is patterned to remove restriction.
Under $200
On Running Cloudventure Peak 3 ($199.99)
If you haven’t heard of On Running yet — get ready. Creeping up in popularity to compete with trendy Hoka, On is becoming known for high-performance gear inspired by athletes and backed by Swiss engineering. And boy, can the Swiss engineer. The Cloudventure Peaks are the fastest and lightest trail runners the brand offers. Expect speed, but consider the narrow heel — it may impact stability if your giftee is more familiar with a wider heel.
Arc’teryx Mantis 26 Backpack ($180)
This versatile 26L pack is great for a day trip around the city or out in the wilds of Canada and beyond. Its minimalist design makes it an easy choice for most dads and it comes with multiple pockets so your giftee can organize all of their belongings into neat little pouches. It comes with an internal sleeve for either a laptop or a hydration reservoir. Comes complete with a padded back and adjustable side pockets for water bottles, cameras or cell phones.
Splurge
Solios The Solar Classic Watch ($340)
This solar-powered watch is well worth the splurge for the one you love. The Solios watch that started it all, the Solar Classic combines green technology with elegance and durability for a minimal piece that he’ll keep forever. The solar cell allows the watch to recharge by itself and comes equipped with a six-month energy reserve so dad can forget about watch batteries. The face is protected by hardened mineral glass and a sapphire crystal coasting to limit wear and tear. The brand is committed to sustainability, restoring one acre of rainforest for every watch sold.
Weber Traveler Portable Gas BBQ ($499)
If you’re close to your giftee, this gift is for you both. The Weber Traveler packs outstanding cooking performance you’d expect from the Weber brand, in an easy-to-transport package. Bring this grill along to the beach, the park or your friend’s backyard. It folds down for minimal storage and fits neatly into the trunk of a small car. Plus, it’s on wheels, so no huffing and puffing when carrying it from the car to the final destination. If you really want to splurge, check out our comprehensive list of the best grills.
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ltaveroff@postmedia.com
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