31 ways to spoil dad for Father’s Day while supporting local

It happens every year: June creeps up in the calendar accompanied by a sudden jolt of panic. What on earth do we get dad for Father’s Day this year?

For some reason, dads are always hard to buy for and notoriously tight-lipped about what they want. Thankfully, you’re not alone in your search for the perfect gift dad didn’t even know he needed.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with 17th Avenue Retail and Entertainment District to help you find the right something for all the special dads in your life, whether you have your husband, partner, brother, uncle, grandfather, or actual dad in mind – there’s something to make everyone feel cherished.

The best part is, you won’t have to search very far. The abundance of businesses along 17th Avenue with unique and notable offerings (available online or for curbside pickup) will make shopping a breeze — and a feel-good experience.

New duds for dad

Clothing racks/Arc’teryx

It’s like the old Mark Twain saying goes: clothes make the man.

For brand-loving dads that embrace risk, a Gravity Pope gift card is your ticket. If comfort and class is their motto, you can’t go wrong with Kit and Ace’s sleek yet functional staples.

There’s something too for adventurer dads that love hitting the trails and enjoying the great outdoors. Fjallraven’s timeless backpacks are ideal for holding everything you need for the next family hike, while Arc’teryx’s shell jackets make time outdoors enjoyable no matter the weather.

Is your dad always running behind? A watch from Calgary Jewellery might help. While there’s no guaranteeing it will make him more punctual, at least he’ll arrive fashionably late.

If you want the dad in your life to look good from head to toe, stylish shoes from Less 17 and eyewear upgrades from Sol Optix and Brass Monacle will do the trick.

Cut and a shave

Pre-COVID haircut/Barber Culture

Given that dad has probably been cooped inside for the past few months, we’re willing to bet he could use a proper haircut and beard trim.

Leave it to the experts at Barber Culture to give your dad a rad fade. Chatterbox dads will also love the vibe at Social Cut and Shave. The gift that keeps on giving could very well be a subscription from King & Co Barber Studio, or treat dad to all the works with an added facial treatment from Magnum Barbershop.

For the dad that likes to do it himself the shaving and cologne kits from Shopper’s Drug Mart will bring the spa experience home. In any case, dad is going to look fly as hell.

Gadgets galore

Grill/Canadian Tire

Ah, Canadian Tire, the stuff dad dreams are made of. Whether the dad in your life is a cook, auto-enthusiast, or handyman, they’ve got what you’re looking for. Overwhelmed by options? Go for the pressure washer, trust us.

Give the gift of tech for the dad that likes to geek out over the latest devices. Consider a pair of wireless ear-buds or the latest Fitbit from Best Buy. For the dad who loves to capture everything, you’ll be surprised to know you’ll only have to look as far as your nearest London Drugs to find some of the latest cameras.

Another thoughtful and unexpected gift is beautiful stationery items. Reid’s Faber Castell pens and fountain pens are ideal for the dad who’s constantly writing things down.

Dine-in or take-out

Dinner to-go/CIBO

When in doubt, the way to dad’s heart is through his stomach. And this way, you won’t have to worry about the gift being the right size or colour.

Start the day off with the ultimate Father’s Day brunch with eggs benny from Universe Restaurant. Dine-in is officially open as of June 10, with staff adhering to health regulations and safety standards.

Did someone say pizza lunch? Pick up the chicken pesto pizza from Una Pizza or order a few different varieties for a fun family pizza tasting. Or, dine in at Market for some real farm-to-table goodness.

There’s also no shortage of options for a Father’s Day dinner celebration. CIBO’s pasta entrees and DIY cocktail kits mean more fun in the kitchen with dad. If you’ve been missing gourmet pub-grub, National and Browns Social House are now open for dining-in or takeout.

We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the impressive whiskey and southern BBQ offerings of Comery Block. It’s probably best you just forget about the ‘Quarantine 15’ for the day.

Toast to family

Turntable Lager/Trolley 5

Alas, no perfect meal is complete without the perfect beverage.

Make Trolley 5 your go-to for beer and at-home cocktail delivery, or impress your wine-savvy dad with some high-end vino from Vine Arts.

Gift him a personalized mug from Steeling Home to admire while he sips, or surprise your dad by putting on his favourite album from Sloth Records.

Spoil him silly

Steeping/David’s Tea

If decadent chocolates are dad’s jam, send him a box of handcrafted chocolates from Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut. A lovely assortment of teas from David’s Tea might also work if your dad is known to kick back with some hot herbal goodness.

For those really looking to get dad to unwind, Prema Wellness’ spa packages will help ease all the stress of the past few months.

Father’s Day is coming fast, and coming together as a family has never been more paramount. Visit the online stores of your favourite 17th Avenue SW Retail and Entertainment District spots now to snag those last-minute gifts dad will love.

If you’re still not sure what to buy, choose a gift card that can be used at one of over 50 stores or restaurants.