Jason Rodriguez (Managing Editor) picks:
Portland General Store – Professor Aftershave
This is sure to be an upgrade from my Dad’s current Skin Bracer. Portland General Store’s Professor aftershave is all-natural, alcohol-free and made with nourishing oils like camellia seed and hazelnut so that your skin is not stripped of essential moisture. You need not worry about flowery, overpowering scents like some of the leading fragrance-brand aftershaves because this one is mild while still masculine. Available in a 120 ml amber bottle with flip-top cap.
Beckel Canvas – Black Canvas Shaving Kit
Kathy Darnielle is preserving the long-standing tradition of quality, handmade craftsmanship at Beckel Canvas in Portland, Oregon. What started out as a manufacturing company for durable canvas tents has now extended into a line that includes all kinds of travel accessories. An exclusive for Owen & Fred, this shaving kit bag features solid, YKK zippers and D hooks that you can hang your bag up. Specifications: 9″ x 6.5″ x 4″
Jacob Bromwell – U.S. Stamped Classic Tin Cup
These cups, made by Jacob Bromwell Co. since 1819 are wonderful items of Americana. Its attractiveness is in the simple tin design with the U.S. stamped on it. Welding or soldering was not used to create them. If not using it for an actual drinking cup, then it would make an outstanding decorative piece.
Inspirational Saying Flask
The quote on this flask really strikes a chord: “May you never go to hell, but always be on your way.” I think this is a very handsome gift and evokes that sense of Americana with its simple, clean design. This 5 oz stainless steel flask is designed in New York.
QA Create – NYC Subway Tokens Cufflinks
It appears that there has been a theme throughout most of my gift selections. Once again, these cufflinks nod to old, NYC memorabilia from the 50’s and 60’s. The designers, QA Create recycles many classic and memorable items to repurpose them in these cleverly designed and functional pieces. In this instance, they repurposed old NYC subway tokens which are epoxied to gold-plated cufflink posts.
Jennifer Lee (Contributing Editor) picks:
Cliff Belts – Natural Brown Cork Belt
If you love to express your individuality and cherish vegan products, Owen and Fred’s Natural Cork Belt is the perfect accessory for you. These belts are made from the outer bark of the cork tree, are manufactured from a renewable and sustainable resource, and are free from any animal products. Don’t let the appearance fool you. The cork belt is actually incredibly strong and lightweight. It’s also reversible for an additional style, can be machine washed, and acquire the same qualities as well-worn leather, since it distresses over time. It is one of the best gifts for a father and a man. However, you will need to order one size bigger than your waist size, so a size 32 pants would wear a size 34 belt. Though you may make mistakes on the sizes, you will not regret buying a cork belt as a present.
Defy – Manor Shell Cordovan Wallet
A thinner and lighter wallet has been produced in the US and it has been ideally crafted for men who love fine leather. The Manor Shell Cordovan Wallet from Defy is handcrafted during a 6 month process and made from Shell Cordovan Leather by the famous, 106-year old Chicago Horween Leather Company. Though the wallet appears slim, it can carry a significant amount of cash as well as some credit cards in the outside pocket. It has been hand-stitched and will age beautifully over time, guaranteeing a long healthy life. It is not impossible anymore to find a wallet as suitable and as handsome as your father.
Wm. J. Mills & Co. – Shelter Island Overnight Bag
Carrying huge amounts of luggage has now become fashionable, thanks to Wm. J. Mills & Co. The design of Shelter Island Overnight or Gym Bag is specifically made not to emasculate, since it maintains manly features, such as a plain solid dark blue texture with only a logo on the front. No patterns and no extra frilly laces that will frighten a man away. It has qualities of a man and will forever dedicate itself in sustaining your masculinity next to your girlfriend or wife. The bag is made from #8 waxed cotton duck canvas and is approximately 17.5” long with an 11” inch long diameter, perfect for use as a gym bag or for an overnight stay. Of course, it is not limited to only these occasions. It is versatile, waterproof, easy to clean, and can adapt to any setting, outfit, or father.
Sweet Cigar Box Speakers
A father’s love for good music and cigars has created one of the most unique product, the Sweet Cigar Box Speakers. Made in the US, the 2.5” aluminum cone speaker has been specifically selected for the genuine cedar box it is mounted in and has been tuned with a ¾” copper port tube in order to create a full and natural sound. The inexpensive benefit is that it requires no additional amplifier, because it is self powered with an internal 10 watt per channel amplifier. The external sounds just as amazing as the internal. The cigar boxes have a satin lacquer finish and retain their original brass hardware, labels, and markings. It has been carved beautifully and can dupe anyone into thinking it is a real cigar box. The sound as well is notably smooth and easy to listen to. Despite their small size, the sound can circulate around an average to large size room with clear and audible music and will easily rock your father’s world.
LeeAnn Herreid – Phillips Head Screw Cufflinks
Fathers look dashing in suits, but for the finishing touch, the Phillips Head Screw Cufflinks will do the trick. Humorous, cute, and stylish, these cufflinks from Individual Icons are handmade from sterling silver. Either side could be the front, so there will be no confusion when putting them on and measures 1’ by 1’. Business suits are sold and worn all the same, however these cufflinks will add some individuality for a special person, such as your father. The screws may be small, but they have a strong and lasting impact.
Nick Holder (Contributing Editor) picks:
Lamson & Goodnow – Walnut and Steel Barbecue Set
It should probably be considered a crime to be this far into summer without a decent set of BBQ tools, but if you’re looking to replace your dad’s tongs that he’s been using since you started eating hamburgers decades ago, this extensive and well crafted walnut set from Massachusetts based Lamson & Goodnow can do the trick. The set boasts your standard knife, flipper, fork and tongs all set into oiled walnut handles for a traditional grill master look. And when you add a lifetime warranty and made in the USA sticker, you know these tools can stand up to the quality control of your family’s original keeper of the charcoal.
Portland General Store – Whisky Wet Shave Soap
You might think it would be impossible to teach the man who taught you how to shave anything about the delicate craft, but for a man with old-school sensibilities, the new Whisky Wet Shave Soap from Portland General Store can reinvigorate the daily grind of shaving. When applied with a classic shave brush, the combination of all-natural ingredients such as apple cider and beeswax stimulate the pores for an experience that harkens back to a classic trip to the barbershop instead of the normal inconvenience.
Iacoli & McCalister – Hex Bottle Opener
Nothing more exudes “dad” than a product that is sleek and minimal, but above all functional, just like the Hex Bottle Opener from Iacoli & McCalister. This solid brass piece looks great either on the bar on in a hand cracking open a brew, but most importantly, it works when you need it. The matte finish isn’t flashy and it gives you the opportunity for an even more important event – sharing an ice-cold drink with the man that raised you.
Izola – Shoe Shine Brush
Your dad probably has that one pair of dress shoes that have been anchoring his wardrobe for decades, and it’s no mystery that they probably deserve a good shine. This traditional brush from Izola is perfect for the job, fit with a hardwood handle and boar’s head bristles capable of keeping those trusty workhouses that have helped your father keep his feet firmly planted in the ground for longer than you’ve been alive. We can’t think of a more practical gift for the holiday celebrating the man you’ve always tried to imitate.
QA Create – Game-Used Baseball Cufflinks
There is no doubt that your dad has a shirt that deserves a good pair of cufflinks. And if your dad also happens to be an aficionado of America’s pastime (and this seems like a good time to watch), combining the two is easy with a pair of Game-Used Baseball Cufflinks from QA Create. Literally stitched together with game used baseballs played with by the team of your choice, these pieces of shirt jewelry add a little bit more character than your standard metal fare, giving your dad the standout and relevant accessory that he deserves.
Source: Owen & Fred
