50 Father's Day gifts under $50

Skin first

This men’s skin-care kit from Canadian wellness company, Saje, includes deodorant, aftershave, moisturizer and bar soap for the perfect everything-you-need essentials to keep Dad soft, smooth and smelling good (the products contain sandalwood and patchouli).

Men’s Skin Care Kit, $50, saje.com.
 

On the go-go

If dad loves coffee almost as much as his day hikes and cross-country ski adventures give him this fun, kitsch and extremely patriotic Thermos to keep his (Irish?) coffee piping hot. 

Mountie Thermos, $34, drakegeneralstore.ca.

 

Rock and roll

If your dad's a whiskey aficionado (or aspiring to be one), he'll love this set, which includes two beautifully hand-etched glass rocks glasses, a jigger, and large, round ice sphere moulds (which melt more slowly than standard ice cubes, and are fun to roll around to boot!). 

5-piece, hand-etched rocks glass set, $45, thecraftybartender.com.

Pocket pal

A pocket knife is a classic men’s gift—but chances are your Dad could use an upgrade. This one comes with a built-in LED light, as well as all the regular essentials: flathead screwdriver, ballpoint pen, nail file, and scissors.

Victorinox Signature II Lite Knife, $46, mec.ca.
 

BBQ love

For the dad’s that are BBQ-obsessed, Weber’s new long lasting briquettes is the perfect grift. 

Weber Briquettes, $30, webercanada.ca.
 

Chef Dad

This gift is for the dad who loves cooking up a storm.

Appetites: A Cookbook By Anthony Bourdain, $46, indigo.ca.
 

#BeardGoals

For the bearded fellows who want to keep their facial hair smooth and nourished, this Dapper beard oil is a great gift idea. There are two scents to choose from, and a scent-free option as well. With Argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil and sweet-almond oil as the main ingredients, dad’s beard will stay soft and hydrated.

Dapper Beard Oil, $25, dapperbeardoil.com.
 

Seas the day

Who can resist a good dad joke for your punny pops? Plus, we love well-made sweats in flattering shades. –

Beach Life Drop Sweatshirt in Antique Pink, Frank & Oak, $50, frankandoak.com. 
 

The keyholder

This leather keychain can be easily customized making it a great gift for Father’s Day. 

Personalize Leather Keychain, $21, etsy.com.

Wino forever

It may seem simple, but chances are if Dad loves a class of wine with dinner, he’ll appreciate a bottle of it for Father’s Day. Try a flavourful and versatile Pinot Noir from California to bask in that summertime feeling.

Meiomi Pinot Noir, $27, retailers across Canada.
 

Cook's best friend

For the dad who loves to play around in the kitchen, this book will win a permanent spot on the kitchen counter! It is a massive flavour glossary of what goes best with what as determined by a large group of chefs and food professionals. The next time dad’s wondering what to put on tonight’s grilled chicken, for example, he can just flip to page 115 and see over a hundred options rated by popularity. This book is a must-have for any home chef. 

The Flavour Bible, $36, chapters.indigo.ca.
 

Play a little ketchup

Is your Dad the ultimate BBQ king? Add to his selection of Burger Toppings with this Deluxe Ketchup - made with sun ripe tomatoes and porcini mushrooms. Yum! Dinner time. 

Nicolas Vahe Ketchup – Porcini Mushroom, $15, drakegeneralstore.ca. 
 

Go retro

Kick it old school with Red Canoe’s vintage inspired CBC cap. 

CBC 74 Gem Cap, $26, redcanoebrands.com.
 

Print master

If there’s one thing we know it’s that Dads love Hawaiian shirts. So give him a stylish upgrade with something a little more tailored and streamlined.

Short sleeve poplin shirt, $48, ae.com.

Live long and prosper

I wouldn’t say my dad is a Trekkie, per se, but he’s a huge fan of the original Star Trek series (indeed, the one that starred Canadian icon William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk). Since I can’t remember which flick is his favourite (I’m guessing The Wrath of Khan?), I’m opting for the entire six-disc feature film collection this year. 

Star Trek Original Motion Picture Collection, $42, amazon.ca.

 

Shake it up

A cocktail shaker perfect for whipping up your dad’s favourite drink. 

Hobnail Glass Cocktail Shaker, $42, anthropologie.ca.
 

Proof of love

Has your dad exhausted all his other hobbies and is in need of a new one? Get him into bread baking! It has the double bonus of keeping him busy and keeping the house full of top-notch carbs. Gift him these rattan-proofing baskets (and a 10-kilo bag of flour) and he'll be baking in to time! 

2-Pack rattan proofing baskets, $35, amazon.ca.
 

Not a hair out of place

Wanted: Good (facial) hair days only. This three-piece grooming set includes a cleanser, lube and conditioning oil, ensuring your bearded beloved is primed and primped. 

Jack Black Beard Grooming Set, $45, getjackblack.ca.
 

Can you hear me now, Dad?

If the #1 Dad mug is too played out, give your proud, tech inclined, papa this sleek handmade wood engraved smart phone case. 

Best Dad Ever phone case, $40, etsy.com.

 

Buckled in

Chances are Dad wears the same belt everyday—so it’s about time for a new one. This one is inexpensive AND great quality. Win-win.

Leather belt, $25, hm.com.
 

Weekender

Head to the cottage, or take a trip out of the city. With lots of room, this affordable, yet classy duffle bag is perfect for any getaway. –

Duffle bag available in black or brown, $40, chapters.indigo.ca.
 

Charged up

This is the perfect gift for the busy dad who’s constantly on the go. Not only is it simple, compact, and stylish, this Powerbank portable charger can any phone to 100%.

Fresh & Rebel Powerbank In Gray, $44, asos.com.
 

May the (whisky) force be with you

This decanter was meant for the ultimate Star Wars fan—your dad. 

Star Wars Glass Decanter, $39, etsy.com.

Smoke and peppers

At last, a chill sauce for those dads (like my own) who love chill flavour but aren't crazy about spice. This Montreal-based company makes a smoked jalapeño sauce that's mild on the heat front but doesn't compromise on taste. 

Smoked jalapeño sauce, $9, smokeshowsauce.com.

Red is best

Update Dad’s weekend grab bag with this sleek duffle. Not only is it stylish, it’s practically indestructible. Perfect for any active guy! 

MEC Duffle Bag, $48, mec.ca.
 

Grill up something new

Open up a new world of grilling opportunity for the grill-master of the house! Great for grilled veggies and shellfish, the grill basket also allows you introduce ingredients to the grill you never thought possible. Think grilled chickpeas with Cajun spice or smoky grilled peanuts or cashews as a late night movie snack! This is a toy that will excite any summer backyard dweller. 
Weber Grill Basket, $30, amazon.ca.
 

Leaving on a jet plane

For the dads that love to travel, this Matt & Nat passport cover is a great gift. Not only will it keep his passport be safe, Dad will look super stylish with this vegan leather passport cover. Match his passport cover to his luggage tags for the complete set of travel accessories.

Passport sleeve, $28, mattandnat.com.
 

Slip on

If your Dad is a socks and sandals type of guy, our condolences. Maybe you can sway him away with a great slip-on sneaker? The same amount of ease in a much better package.
Camp print sneakers, $39, joefresh.com.

Get sauced

Dads can’t get enough barbecue anything! Help him up his grill game with seasoned pit master Steven Raichlen’s revised bestseller. It has over 200 recipes that remind any barbecue enthusiast that a great grill is more than just smoke: It’s a about layering flavour through bold rubs and marinades, gooey glazes and herbaceous basting sauces.  
Barbecue Sauces, Rubs and Marinades (Workman) by Steve Raichlen, $26, amazon.ca.
 

Sound machine

These are, hands down, the best noise-cancelling headphones available that are under $50. Perfect for dad’s who want to blast their oldies and classic rock—and even more perfect for you if you don’t share the same music tastes. 
Sound Intone stereo foldable headphones, $26, amazon.ca.

 

Smart cookie

Chromecast is the perfect streaming device without the hassle of a remote control
All from the comfort of your own phone, laptop, or tablet. Cast family photos and videos you’ve taken from your devices or use your favourite streaming app – such as Netflix, or YouTube – to watch your favourite movies, shows and media in seconds. For dads that love showing off tech to ones looking for a more simple way to steam and share media.
Google Chromecast, $45, bestbuy.ca.

Pizza party

Because all Dad’s need a piece to serve their world-renowned pizzas on! Added bonus—it looks stylish leaned up against your kitchen backsplash. Functional and trendy. That’s a win-win.
Large Board with Strap, $50, eltemkt.com.
 

#1 DAD

Because he’s simply the best, better than all the rest. 
Best Dad mug, $14, indigo.ca.
 

Game on

If Dad has a love for video games, you’re going to want to get him these PlayStation-inspired Socks. They’re the perfect way to show a little love to a favourite pastime.
PlayStation sock, $10, urbanoutfitters.com.

Chocolate milk

We’re betting most dads would appreciate the gift of chocolate and, for them, this is something extra special. Not only is Dark Velvet 48% chocolate organic, carbon-neutral and fair-trade, it is one of the smoothest most delicious chocolates we’ve ever tried. The amazing balance of deep rich dark chocolate flavour and the creaminess of milk chocolate make this an exceptional bar. If you’re going to surprise dad, a dozen bars should do. 
Alter-Eco Dark Velvet Chocolate, $44 (12 pack), alterecofoods.com.
 

Grown-up backpack

Does your dad travel for work? Or maybe he’s just looking for an alternative to the basic briefcase? Give him a sleek and compact backpack complete with USB charging port. 
Business laptop backpack, $36, amazon.ca.

 

Pineapple express

A summer classic: Add a little pop to his wardrobe with these bold and bright pineapple printed shorts. 
Printed Board Shorts in Green Menace, $37, oldnavy.ca.
 

Loosen the apron strings

Your favourite home cook will look like a top chef in this generously sized apron with an extra-wide pocket in the front. From outdoor grilling to indoor roasting, he’ll be all set to fire things up. 
Apron, $25, indigo.ca.
 

Hip to be square

Sometimes the best things come in small packages like this clever and versatile pocket square featuring four different patterns. 
4-in-1 patterned pocket square in Blue Whale, $35, bananarepublic.ca.
 

Fire up the 'cue

We’re big grillers in our house—we barbecue no matter the season, and the grill master (a.k.a. my husband) either has burgers, chicken or steaks sizzling away. While he’d probably call himself a purist when it comes to seasoning (salt and pepper is often good enough for him), I know he’s a sucker for trying spices to enhance the flavour of a perfectly marbled T-bone. I’m betting he’ll find a new favourite in this set. 
Barbecue Season Spice Set, $40.99,
silkroadspices.com.
 

Grease lightening

So it may seem like a stretch to spend almost $50 on hair pomade, but this styling wax from iconic brand Truefitt & Hill (established in 1805) is the real (and slightly luxurious) deal. Dad probably won’t buy it for himself, so it’s up to you to keep his ‘do perfect.
Truefitt & Hill Hair Management Styling Wax, $46, menessentials.ca.

Wet & wild

When was the last time dad got a new pair of trunks? 1995? 2005? If it’s been over a decade pick him up a new, stylish and bright pair of swimming trunks.
Asos swim shorts in orange, $32, asos.com.
 

Grill em and leave em

Who said dads can’t multitask? Now he can talk with friends and make the perfect steak. No more eye-balling burgers on the grill every couple of minutes. Relax and let the Thermopro do everything for Dad from 300 feet away. Simply use one the temperature presets for your desired type of meat or set your own and wait for the beep. 
Wireless thermometer, $45, amazon.ca.
 

Tame it

His beard will thank you!
Mr Natty Beard Brush, $25, asos.com.

Sweet tooth

Maple water will keep Dad cool and hydrated. Made from tree sap that hasn’t been reduced to thick maple syrup. The tree acts as a natural filter as it draws moisture up through its roots and trunk, while gently adding that sweet yet refreshing finish. 
Sapsucker, $2.50 to $6 sapsucker.ca.
 

Check mate

Up your dad’s chess game with this ultra sleek and elegant chess set.
Deluxe Glass Chess Set, $32, amazon.ca.
 

Team player

The new memoir from basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an ideal read for the sports-nonfiction-biography buff in your life. The all-star athlete recounts the enduring bond and history-making relationship he shared with his college coach, John Wooden – both on and off the court. Note: Pack a box of tissues with this heart-warming story. 
Coach Wooden and Me, $38, indigo.ca.
 

Slip and slide

My husband lives in Under Armour—hoodies, golf shirts, tees, button-ups, baseball pants, unmentionables (TMI?), you name it, he’s in it. These summer slides (they come in three colours but I think he’ll dig the red) are a no-brainer. (Now to check to see if they come in women’s sizes for me.)
UA Locker III Men’s Slides in Red, $25, underarmour.ca.

 

Flake out

As much as you might tell your guy or Dad to exfoliate, chances are he’s less interested in his skin-care regimen then you are. Enter an all-in-one and totally affordable soap. This pumpkin soap from Canadian brand Rocky Mountain Soap Co., exfoliates with wheat germ, soothes with pumpkin pulp and hydrates with sweet almond oil.
Pumpkin soap, $6, rockymountainsoap.com.
 

Oiled up

This blend of essential oils isn't just a fragrant experience for Dad—it can also be used to soothe and rejuvenate the scalp and hair as a pre-shampoo treatment, or can double as a body oil.
Aveda Men Pure-formance Composition Oil, $42, aveda.ca.